The countries with the most good surf in January, from three years of wave and wind model data at 1622 spots. Countries are judged on the best third of their spots for each level, good days count more than merely rideable ones, and monsoon months are left out.
Sri Lanka: good season, about 17 rideable days and 2 good days, waves around 1.0 m, water 28 °C (Boardshorts / rash vest). Best areas: Southern Province.
Colombia: good season, about 15 rideable days and 4 good days, waves around 1.0 m, water 27 °C (Boardshorts / rash vest).
Mexico: good season, about 14 rideable days and 2 good days, waves around 0.9 m, water 25 °C (Boardshorts / rash vest). Best areas: Baja California Sur, Baja California.
Costa Rica: good season, about 14 rideable days and 1 good day, waves around 0.9 m, water 29 °C (Boardshorts / rash vest). Best areas: Guanacaste, Puntarenas.
Morocco: hit and miss, about 11 rideable days and 1 good day, waves around 1.5 m, water 17 °C (4/3 mm fullsuit).
El Salvador: good season, about 12 rideable days and 2 good days, waves around 0.8 m, water 28 °C (Boardshorts / rash vest).
Philippines: good season, about 13 rideable days and 0 good days, waves around 1.2 m, water 28 °C (Boardshorts / rash vest).
Panama: good season, about 13 rideable days and 2 good days, waves around 1.1 m, water 28 °C (Boardshorts / rash vest).
Intermediate surfers
United States: prime season, about 18 rideable days and 7 good days, waves around 1.2 m, water 14 °C (5/4 mm hooded). Best areas: California (Santa Cruz County), California (San Mateo County).
Peru: prime season, about 20 rideable days and 6 good days, waves around 1.1 m, water 20 °C (3/2 mm fullsuit). Best areas: Lima.
Morocco: good season, about 17 rideable days and 6 good days, waves around 1.5 m, water 17 °C (4/3 mm fullsuit).
Indonesia: prime season, about 19 rideable days and 5 good days, waves around 1.3 m, water 29 °C (Boardshorts / rash vest). Best areas: West Java, Bali.
Canada: prime season, about 19 rideable days and 8 good days, waves around 1.3 m, water 5 °C (6/5 mm hooded). Best areas: Vancouver Island, British Columbia.
Spain: good season, about 14 rideable days and 5 good days, waves around 1.4 m, water 15 °C (4/3 mm fullsuit). Best areas: Asturias, País Vasco.
Réunion: good season, about 15 rideable days and 7 good days, waves around 1.3 m, water 28 °C (Boardshorts / rash vest).
Sri Lanka: good season, about 14 rideable days and 5 good days, waves around 1.0 m, water 28 °C (Boardshorts / rash vest). Best areas: Southern Province.
Advanced surfers
United States: prime season, about 18 rideable days and 8 good days, waves around 1.2 m, water 14 °C (5/4 mm hooded). Best areas: California (Santa Cruz County), California (San Mateo County).
Canada: prime season, about 18 rideable days and 9 good days, waves around 1.3 m, water 5 °C (6/5 mm hooded). Best areas: Vancouver Island, British Columbia.
Morocco: prime season, about 19 rideable days and 8 good days, waves around 1.5 m, water 17 °C (4/3 mm fullsuit).
Ireland: good season, about 15 rideable days and 7 good days, waves around 1.4 m, water 9 °C (6/5 mm hooded). Best areas: Donegal, Sligo.
Spain: good season, about 14 rideable days and 6 good days, waves around 1.4 m, water 15 °C (4/3 mm fullsuit). Best areas: País Vasco, Tenerife, Canary Islands.
France: good season, about 12 rideable days and 5 good days, waves around 1.5 m, water 12 °C (5/4 mm hooded). Best areas: Gironde, Landes.
Indonesia: good season, about 14 rideable days and 5 good days, waves around 1.3 m, water 29 °C (Boardshorts / rash vest). Best areas: West Java, Lombok.
United Kingdom: good season, about 13 rideable days and 5 good days, waves around 1.5 m, water 9 °C (6/5 mm hooded). Best areas: Cornwall, Devon.