The 5 best countries to surf in January
01 · At its best
Spain
Six zones are at their best in January, including Basque Country, Fuerteventura and Asturias. In Basque Country (Oct-Mar): consistent, powerful NW-W swell, cold but firing.
In Fuerteventura (Oct-Mar): biggest, most consistent NW swell from Atlantic storms. If you're learning, the gentlest waves are at La Arena, Sopelana and Plentzia. On the north coast the water is cold and a 4/3 wetsuit with boots is the norm; the Canaries are a few degrees warmer, and a 3/2 is enough there.
02 · At its best
Portugal
Six zones are at their best in January, including Lisbon Coast, The Algarve and Azores. In Lisbon Coast (Oct-Mar): consistent NW-W swell, mild city winter.
In The Algarve (Oct-Apr): consistent NW-W swell, mild Algarve winter, fewer crowds. If you're learning, the gentlest waves are at Carcavelos, Praia das Maçãs and Costa da Caparica. The Atlantic is cold at this time of year, so you'll want a 4/3 wetsuit.
03 · At its best
France
Four zones are at their best in January, including Landes (Hossegor), Côte Basque and Finistère (Brittany). In Landes (Hossegor) (Oct-Mar): biggest, most powerful groundswell, quieter off-season.
In Côte Basque (Oct-Mar): big, powerful swell, mild Basque winter. If you're learning, the gentlest waves are at La Sud, Notre-Dame and Le Prévent. Bring a 4/3 wetsuit, and boots and gloves if you feel the cold, especially in Brittany.
04 · At its best
Morocco
Taghazout & Imsouane, Aglou & Sidi Ifni and Safi & Oualidia are at their best in January, and Casablanca & Rabat and Essaouira are also good. In Taghazout & Imsouane (Oct-Mar): north-west groundswell, morning offshores, the points work.
In Aglou & Sidi Ifni (Oct-Mar): the same swells as Taghazout, with almost nobody out. If you're learning, the gentlest waves are at Panoramas, Banana Point and Banana Beach. The water is cooler than the sunshine suggests: bring a 3/2 wetsuit, or a 4/3 if you feel the cold.
05 · At its best
Costa Rica
Limón and Guanacaste are at their best in January, and Golfo de Nicoya and Central Puntarenas are also good. In Limón (Dec-Mar): main season, NE-E storms off Colombia fire Salsa Brava and the reefs.
In Guanacaste (Dec-Apr): dry season, offshore mornings, sunshine, clean NW-fed 3-4ft waves almost daily. If you're learning, the gentlest waves are at Westfalia, Playa Negra (Cahuita) and Playa Cocles. No wetsuit needed: the water is warm, and a rash vest or a thin top protects you from the sun.
The rest
Panama still has some surf in January, mainly in Bocas del Toro, but the five above are a better bet. Indonesia is out of season in January: the waves are mostly small and the conditions less reliable.