Americas California, USA
Encinitas
Reef points. Beach-town rhythm.
BEST WAVES THIS MONTH
Where to surf in October.
October is Europe's best month for a lot of surfers: consistent groundswell, warm water by local standards and thinning crowds. Morocco starts to wake up, and Hawaii sees its first North Pacific swells while the crowds are still small.
70 of our 108 destinations list October in their suggested season; 31 of those usually have water at 25°C or warmer.
BEGINNER
Refine this list ↗Learning in October.
Size ranges a learner can use, and a season that suits it.
Americas 
Americas Brazil
Itacaré
Rainforest on one side, surf on the other.
Americas Panama
Playa Venao
One long bay, three levels.
| Place | Offshore swell | Water | Wetsuit | Wind |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Encinitas | 0.9 m · 13 s · SW | 21°C | 2 mm shorty or spring suit | 5 km/h S |
| Itacaré | 1.0 m · 8 s · E | 26°C | Boardshorts | 11 km/h NE |
| Playa Venao | 1.0 m · 14 s · SW | 28°C | Boardshorts | 4 km/h SW |
| Tenerife | 1.1 m · 12 s · N | 23°C | Rash vest or 1 mm top | 9 km/h SE |
| San Juan del Sur | 1.2 m · 13 s · SW | 29°C | Boardshorts | 15 km/h NE |
| Siargao | 1.0 m · 11 s · NE | 30°C | Boardshorts | 12 km/h N |
INTERMEDIATE
Refine this list ↗Progressing in October.
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 Bali, Indonesia
Canggu
Rice fields, cafés and a wave for everyone.
Americas Piura, Peru
Lobitos
Desert lefts and oil-town charm.
| Place | Offshore swell | Water | Wetsuit | Wind |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kuta Lombok | 1.7 m · 14 s · SW | 28°C | Boardshorts | 14 km/h SE |
| Canggu | 1.8 m · 14 s · SW | 27°C | Boardshorts | 13 km/h SE |
| Lobitos | 1.6 m · 14 s · S | 18°C | 3/2 mm full suit | 19 km/h SE |
| Mentawai Islands | 1.7 m · 15 s · S | 29°C | Boardshorts | 16 km/h S |
| Huanchaco | 1.6 m · 13 s · S | 16°C | 3/2 mm full suit | 17 km/h S |
| Puerto Escondido | 1.6 m · 14 s · S | 30°C | Boardshorts | 13 km/h NW |
ADVANCED
Refine this list ↗Charging in October.
The most days with size and long-period swell.
Oceania French Polynesia
Tahiti
Heavy reef passes and black-sand beaches.
Europe Portugal
São Miguel, Azores
Atlantic swell, volcanic green.
Asia Bali, Indonesia
Uluwatu
Famous reefs. Golden cliffs.
| Place | Offshore swell | Water | Wetsuit | Wind |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tahiti | 2.1 m · 13 s · S | 26°C | Boardshorts | 19 km/h E |
| São Miguel, Azores | 2.2 m · 10 s · N | 22°C | Rash vest or 1 mm top | 18 km/h N |
| Uluwatu | 1.8 m · 14 s · SW | 27°C | Boardshorts | 13 km/h SE |
| Canggu | 1.8 m · 14 s · SW | 27°C | Boardshorts | 13 km/h SE |
| Mentawai Islands | 1.7 m · 15 s · S | 29°C | Boardshorts | 16 km/h S |
| Peniche | 1.9 m · 12 s · NW | 17°C | 3/2 mm full suit | 18 km/h S |
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.