Best time to surf in Australia
March to October for intermediate surfers, April to June, August for beginners, and March for the biggest waves. Month by month below, from 2 years of hourly wave and wind model data at 174 spots. Updated 3 November 2026.
| Month | Good days (intermediate) | Beginner days | Good days (advanced) | Typical waves | Water | Best region |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 1 | 5 | 2 | 1–1.6 m | 22 °C | Western Australia |
| February | 2 | 6 | 3 | 1–1.4 m | 22 °C | Western Australia |
| March | 3 | 7 | 5 | 1.1–1.7 m | 22 °C | Western Australia |
| April | 5 | 12 | 6 | 1–1.6 m | 21 °C | Western Australia |
| May | 7 | 16 | 6 | 1–1.6 m | 20 °C | Western Australia |
| June | 6 | 13 | 7 | 1–1.4 m | 19 °C | Victoria |
| July | 6 | 12 | 7 | 1–1.6 m | 17 °C | Victoria |
| August | 6 | 12 | 6 | 1.1–1.7 m | 17 °C | Victoria |
| September | 4 | 9 | 6 | 1–1.6 m | 17 °C | Victoria |
| October | 3 | 7 | 4 | 1–1.6 m | 18 °C | Victoria |
| November | 2 | 7 | 3 | 1–1.4 m | 19 °C | Western Australia |
| December | 2 | 6 | 3 | 1–1.6 m | 21 °C | Western Australia |
Days per month at the best third of the spots for each level, rated the way the app rates them. Model data, not observations. Method.
By region
| Region | Intermediate | Beginners | Water |
|---|---|---|---|
| Queensland | May | May | 20–26 °C |
| New South Wales | May | May, August | 19–24 °C |
| Victoria | February to November | April to August | 13–19 °C |
| Tasmania | February to August, November | June to September | 12–18 °C |
| Western Australia | all year | February to May, November | 18–23 °C |
| South Australia | February to December | May to June, August | 14–20 °C |
Questions
What is the best month to surf in Australia?
May, with about 7 good days for an intermediate surfer at the best spots. The best run of months is March to October.
When is the best time to surf in Australia for beginners?
April to June, August, when the beginner spots have the most days of small, clean waves.
When are the biggest waves in Australia?
March has the biggest typical surf (about 1.1–1.7 m at the spots we follow). That is the season for experienced surfers.
Can you surf in Australia in summer?
Yes: June to August still bring about 6 good days a month for intermediate surfers.
How warm is the water in Australia?
About 17 °C in August (4/3 mm fullsuit) to 22 °C in February (Springsuit 2 mm or vest).
More: all surf spots in Australia · best spots for beginners · this week's forecast · wetsuit by month · why the swell period matters.