The 5 best countries to surf in September
01 · At its best
Indonesia
Four zones are at their best in September, including Mentawai Islands, Lombok and Sumbawa. In Mentawai Islands (Sep-Oct): still good swell, fewer boats.
In Lombok (May-Sep): dry season: everything works, Deserts possible, trades offshore in the bays. If you're learning, the gentlest waves are at Tanjung A'an, Inside Gerupuk and Canggu-Batu Bolong. 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
Costa Rica
Golfo de Nicoya, Central Puntarenas and Golfo Dulce are at their best in September, and Guanacaste is 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.
03 · At its best
Panama
West Panamá Province and Southwest Panama are at their best in September. 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.
04 · At its best
France
Finistère (Brittany) is at its best in September, and Landes (Hossegor), Côte Basque and Gironde are also good. In Finistère (Brittany) (Sep-Apr): wide swell window catches groundswell from most directions.
In Landes (Hossegor) (Apr-Jun, Sep): reliable swell, milder crowds. If you're learning, the gentlest waves are at Porsmilin, Le Minou and La Sud. The water is at its warmest, and a 3/2 wetsuit or a springsuit is enough.
05 · At its best
Spain
Galicia is at its best in September, and Basque Country, Fuerteventura and Asturias are also good. In Galicia (Sep-Apr): wide-open Atlantic swell window, consistent and powerful.
In Basque Country (Apr-Jun, Sep): reliable swell, milder crowds. If you're learning, the gentlest waves are at Pantín, Doniños and A Frouxeira (Valdoviño). A 3/2 wetsuit is enough on the north coast, and some days a springsuit will do.
The rest
Portugal still has some surf in September, mainly in Porto & the North, but the five above are a better bet. Morocco still has some surf in September, mainly in Aglou & Sidi Ifni, but the five above are a better bet.