Best time to surf in Chile
February to November for intermediate surfers, April to September for beginners, and March for the biggest waves. Month by month below, from 2 years of hourly wave and wind model data at 34 spots. Updated 3 November 2026.
| Month | Good days (intermediate) | Beginner days | Good days (advanced) | Typical waves | Water | Best region |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 3 | 9 | 2 | 1–1.6 m | 17 °C | Tarapacá |
| February | 3 | 12 | 2 | 1–1.4 m | 17 °C | Tarapacá |
| March | 9 | 12 | 8 | 1.2–1.8 m | 17 °C | Tarapacá |
| April | 12 | 13 | 11 | 1.2–1.8 m | 15 °C | Tarapacá |
| May | 16 | 15 | 14 | 1.2–1.8 m | 14 °C | Tarapacá |
| June | 16 | 17 | 14 | 1.1–1.7 m | 14 °C | Tarapacá |
| July | 16 | 16 | 12 | 1.1–1.7 m | 14 °C | Tarapacá |
| August | 13 | 16 | 9 | 1.1–1.7 m | 15 °C | Tarapacá |
| September | 8 | 14 | 6 | 1–1.6 m | 15 °C | Tarapacá |
| October | 7 | 10 | 5 | 1.1–1.7 m | 15 °C | Tarapacá |
| November | 2 | 8 | 2 | 1–1.6 m | 15 °C | Tarapacá |
| December | 2 | 8 | 1 | 1–1.4 m | 16 °C | Tarapacá |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| O'Higgins | March to August, October | May to July | 12–16 °C |
| Arica y Parinacota | May to August | May to October | 18–22 °C |
| Tarapacá | March to November | February, May to September | 17–20 °C |
| Valparaíso | February to December | April to October | 13–17 °C |
| Coquimbo | March to October | May to September | 14–18 °C |
| Maule | March to June, August, October | June | 12–15 °C |
Questions
What is the best month to surf in Chile?
June, with about 16 good days for an intermediate surfer at the best spots. The best run of months is February to November.
When is the best time to surf in Chile for beginners?
April to September, when the beginner spots have the most days of small, clean waves.
When are the biggest waves in Chile?
March has the biggest typical surf (about 1.2–1.8 m at the spots we follow). That is the season for experienced surfers.
Can you surf in Chile in summer?
Yes: June to August still bring about 15 good days a month for intermediate surfers.
How warm is the water in Chile?
About 14 °C in July (5/4 mm hooded) to 17 °C in January (4/3 mm fullsuit).
More: all surf spots in Chile · this week's forecast · wetsuit by month · why the swell period matters.