Americas Nicaragua
San Juan del Sur
A bay town with beaches on shuttle.
BEST WAVES THIS MONTH
Where to surf in August.
August keeps Indonesia, South Africa and Central America busy while Europe's beaches are at their fullest. Atlantic hurricanes can begin sending swell to the Caribbean and US East Coast, though that is never something to plan a trip around.
42 of our 108 destinations list August in their suggested season; 27 of those usually have water at 25°C or warmer.
BEGINNER
Refine this list ↗Learning in August.
Size ranges a learner can use, and a season that suits it.
Americas 
Americas Panama
Playa Venao
One long bay, three levels.
Americas Brazil
Itacaré
Rainforest on one side, surf on the other.
| Place | Offshore swell | Water | Wetsuit | Wind |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| San Juan del Sur | 1.3 m · 13 s · SW | 29°C | Boardshorts | 28 km/h NE |
| Playa Venao | 1.0 m · 14 s · SW | 28°C | Boardshorts | 4 km/h N |
| Itacaré | 1.1 m · 8 s · E | 26°C | Boardshorts | 12 km/h SE |
| Malibu | 0.8 m · 12 s · SW | 21°C | 2 mm shorty or spring suit | 4 km/h SE |
| Phuket | 0.8 m · 4 s · W | 29°C | Boardshorts | 21 km/h W |
| Dominical | 1.4 m · 13 s · SW | 29°C | Boardshorts | 4 km/h S |
INTERMEDIATE
Refine this list ↗Progressing in August.
More days with real size, without constantly being over your head.
Asia Lombok, Indonesia
Kuta Lombok
Boat-access reefs and empty bays, east of Bali.
Asia Sri Lanka
Arugam Bay
East-coast points. Slow days.
Asia Indonesia
Nias
One long right, a long way from anywhere.
| Place | Offshore swell | Water | Wetsuit | Wind |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kuta Lombok | 1.9 m · 15 s · S | 26°C | Boardshorts | 19 km/h SE |
| Arugam Bay | 1.8 m · 10 s · S | 29°C | Boardshorts | 30 km/h SW |
| Nias | 1.7 m · 15 s · SW | 30°C | Boardshorts | 9 km/h SW |
| Nusa Lembongan | 1.6 m · 15 s · S | 27°C | Boardshorts | 21 km/h SE |
| Canggu | 2.1 m · 15 s · S | 26°C | Boardshorts | 21 km/h SE |
| Mentawai Islands | 2.1 m · 15 s · S | 29°C | Boardshorts | 18 km/h SE |
ADVANCED
Refine this list ↗Charging in August.
The most days with size and long-period swell.
Asia Bali, Indonesia
Uluwatu
Famous reefs. Golden cliffs.
Asia Bali, Indonesia
Canggu
Rice fields, cafés and a wave for everyone.
Africa South Africa
Jeffreys Bay
One of the world's great right-hand points.
| Place | Offshore swell | Water | Wetsuit | Wind |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uluwatu | 2.1 m · 15 s · S | 26°C | Boardshorts | 21 km/h SE |
| Canggu | 2.1 m · 15 s · S | 26°C | Boardshorts | 21 km/h SE |
| Jeffreys Bay | 3.2 m · 13 s · SW | 18°C | 3/2 mm full suit | 21 km/h W |
| Mentawai Islands | 2.1 m · 15 s · S | 29°C | Boardshorts | 18 km/h SE |
| Margaret River | 3.5 m · 13 s · SW | 19°C | 2 mm shorty or spring suit | 28 km/h SW |
| Tahiti | 2.0 m · 12 s · S | 26°C | Boardshorts | 22 km/h E |
Rankings combine ERA5 open-ocean data (2015–2024) with our suggested seasons. They describe typical months, not this year's surf, and sheltered spots can be much smaller than the figures here. How this works.