The 5 best countries to surf in August
01 · At its best
Indonesia
Seven zones are at their best in August, including Bali, Mentawai Islands and Sumatra-Nias. In Bali (Jul-Aug): peak everything: waves, crowds and prices. Book ahead.
In Mentawai Islands (Jun-Aug): peak season: maximum swell, maximum boats, book long ahead. If you're learning, the gentlest waves are at Canggu-Batu Bolong, Kuta Beach and Medewi. The water is warm all year, so boardshorts or a bikini and a rash vest against the reef and the sun are enough.
02 · At its best
Panama
West Panamá Province and Southwest Panama are at their best in August, and Bocas del Toro is also good. In West Panamá Province (Jul-Sep): peak S-SW season, best NZ lows send the optimum ~210° swell; onshore afternoons.
In Southwest Panama (Jul-Sep): peak roaring-forties swell, biggest and most consistent, but wettest. If you're learning, the gentlest waves are at Hawaiisito (Little Hawaii), Panamá La Vieja and Mojon Beach. The water is warm on both coasts, so leave the wetsuit at home.
03 · At its best
Costa Rica
Golfo de Nicoya, Central Puntarenas and Golfo Dulce are at their best in August, and Limón and Guanacaste are also good. In Golfo de Nicoya (Aug-Oct): peak S-SW swell, most consistent and biggest, but the wettest months.
In Central Puntarenas (Aug-Oct): peak, most consistent S-SW swell, and the wettest, greenest months. If you're learning, the gentlest waves are at Playa Coyote, Playa Santa Teresa and Playa Carmen (Mal País). No wetsuit needed: the water is warm, and a rash vest or a thin top protects you from the sun.
04 · Quiet
Portugal
August is a quiet month here: the waves are mostly small, which suits beginners better than experienced surfers. In Lisbon Coast (Jun-Aug): smaller waves, packed beaches, strong summer thermal wind at Guincho.
The small waves suit learners, at places like Carcavelos, Praia das Maçãs and Costa da Caparica. The water is at its warmest, though still cool for the Atlantic, so a 3/2 wetsuit is the norm.
05 · Quiet
France
August is a quiet month here: the waves are mostly small, which suits beginners better than experienced surfers. In Landes (Hossegor) (Jul-Aug): smaller swell, packed beaches and high prices.
The small waves suit learners, at places like La Sud, Notre-Dame and Le Prévent. The water is at its warmest, and a 3/2 wetsuit or a springsuit is enough.
The rest
Spain is out of season in August: the waves are mostly small and the conditions less reliable. Morocco is out of season in August: the waves are mostly small and the conditions less reliable.