The 5 best countries to surf in October
01 · At its best
Spain
Six zones are at their best in October, 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. Take a 3/2 wetsuit, or a 4/3 early and late in the season.
02 · At its best
France
Four zones are at their best in October, 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. A 3/2 wetsuit is enough most days, a 4/3 on colder ones.
03 · At its best
Portugal
Five zones are at their best in October, 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. A 3/2 wetsuit works most days; take a 4/3 if you feel the cold.
04 · At its best
Morocco
Taghazout & Imsouane and Aglou & Sidi Ifni are at their best in October, and Casablanca & Rabat, Safi & Oualidia 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. A 3/2 wetsuit or a springsuit is enough.
05 · At its best
Costa Rica
Golfo de Nicoya and Central Puntarenas are at their best in October, and Guanacaste and Golfo Dulce 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.
The rest
Indonesia still has some surf in October, mainly in Mentawai Islands, but the five above are a better bet. Panama still has some surf in October, mainly in Southwest Panama, but the five above are a better bet.