Best time to surf in Ecuador
March to June for intermediate surfers, March to April for beginners, and June for the biggest waves. Month by month below, from 2 years of hourly wave and wind model data at 28 spots. Updated 3 November 2026.
| Month | Good days (intermediate) | Beginner days | Good days (advanced) | Typical waves | Water | Best region |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 0 | 5 | 0 | 0.7–1.1 m | 26 °C | Manabi |
| February | 1 | 6 | 0 | 0.8–1.2 m | 27 °C | Manabi |
| March | 2 | 9 | 2 | 0.8–1.2 m | 28 °C | Santa Elena |
| April | 1 | 6 | 1 | 0.9–1.3 m | 27 °C | Galapagos |
| May | 1 | 6 | 1 | 0.9–1.3 m | 27 °C | Santa Elena |
| June | 1 | 4 | 1 | 1–1.4 m | 26 °C | Santa Elena |
| July | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0.9–1.3 m | 26 °C | Santa Elena |
| August | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0.9–1.3 m | 25 °C | Santa Elena |
| September | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0.9–1.3 m | 26 °C | Galapagos |
| October | 0 | 3 | 0 | 0.9–1.3 m | 25 °C | Santa Elena |
| November | 0 | 3 | 0 | 0.9–1.3 m | 24 °C | Santa Elena |
| December | 0 | 4 | 1 | 0.9–1.3 m | 25 °C | Santa Elena |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Santa Elena | March to July | March to May | 24–28 °C |
| Guayas | May to June | March | 25–29 °C |
| Galapagos | March to May | March to April | 22–28 °C |
| Manabi | May to June, January to March | February to March, May to June | 25–28 °C |
Questions
What is the best month to surf in Ecuador?
March, with about 2 good days for an intermediate surfer at the best spots. The best run of months is March to June.
When is the best time to surf in Ecuador for beginners?
March to April, when the beginner spots have the most days of small, clean waves.
When are the biggest waves in Ecuador?
June has the biggest typical surf (about 1–1.4 m at the spots we follow). That is the season for experienced surfers.
Can you surf in Ecuador in summer?
Mostly small: June to August bring almost no good days for intermediate surfers; it is the season for learning, not for good waves.
How warm is the water in Ecuador?
About 24 °C in November (Boardshorts / rash vest) to 28 °C in March (Boardshorts / rash vest).
More: all surf spots in Ecuador · this week's forecast · wetsuit by month · why the swell period matters.