The 5 best countries to surf in June
01 · At its best
Indonesia
Seven zones are at their best in June, including Bali, Mentawai Islands and Sumatra-Nias. In Bali (May-Jun): pumping SW swell, offshore trades, crowds still civilised.
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
Southwest Panama is at its best in June, and West Panamá Province and Bocas del Toro are also good. In Southwest Panama (Apr-Jun): s-SW swell arriving, offshore mornings, Santa Catalina firing almost daily.
In West Panamá Province (Apr-Jun): s-SW swell building; the narrow window means it's smaller than Santa Catalina. If you're learning, the gentlest waves are at Sandbar, Hawaiisito (Little Hawaii) and Panamá La Vieja. The water is warm on both coasts, so leave the wetsuit at home.
03 · At its best
Costa Rica
Golfo de Nicoya and Central Puntarenas are at their best in June, and Guanacaste and Golfo Dulce are also good. In Golfo de Nicoya (May-Jul): green season SW groundswell fires the points and beachbreaks; offshore mornings.
In Central Puntarenas (May-Jul): green season S-SW groundswell fires Dominical and the points; offshore mornings. 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 · Good
Spain
Six zones are good in June, including Basque Country, Fuerteventura and Asturias, though not at their peak. In Basque Country (Apr-Jun, Sep): reliable swell, milder crowds.
In Fuerteventura (Apr-Jun, Sep): smaller swell, still warm and windy. If you're learning, the gentlest waves are at La Arena, Sopelana and Plentzia. Take a 3/2 wetsuit, or a 4/3 early and late in the season.
05 · Good
France
Four zones are good in June, including Landes (Hossegor), Côte Basque and Finistère (Brittany), though not at their peak. In Landes (Hossegor) (Apr-Jun, Sep): reliable swell, milder crowds.
If you're learning, the gentlest waves are at La Sud, Notre-Dame and Le Prévent. A 3/2 wetsuit is enough most days, a 4/3 on colder ones.
The rest
Portugal still has some surf in June, mainly in Azores, but the five above are a better bet. Morocco is out of season in June: the waves are mostly small and the conditions less reliable.