Best time to surf in Ireland
September to October, January to February for intermediate surfers, April, September, November, January to February for beginners, and February for the biggest waves. Month by month below, from 2 years of hourly wave and wind model data at 33 spots. Updated 3 November 2026.
| Month | Good days (intermediate) | Beginner days | Good days (advanced) | Typical waves | Water | Best region |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 5 | 8 | 7 | 1.1–1.7 m | 9 °C | Sligo |
| February | 5 | 6 | 8 | 1.2–1.8 m | 8 °C | Sligo |
| March | 3 | 5 | 5 | 1.2–1.8 m | 9 °C | Sligo |
| April | 3 | 7 | 4 | 1.1–1.7 m | 11 °C | Sligo |
| May | 1 | 4 | 0 | 1–1.4 m | 13 °C | Sligo |
| June | 1 | 3 | 1 | 1.1–1.7 m | 15 °C | Sligo |
| July | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0.9–1.3 m | 17 °C | Sligo |
| August | 1 | 4 | 1 | 1–1.6 m | 17 °C | Sligo |
| September | 2 | 7 | 2 | 1–1.6 m | 15 °C | Sligo |
| October | 2 | 6 | 3 | 1–1.6 m | 14 °C | Sligo |
| November | 3 | 7 | 3 | 1.1–1.7 m | 12 °C | Sligo |
| December | 3 | 4 | 9 | 1.2–1.8 m | 10 °C | Sligo |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sligo | September to October, January to February | September to October, January | 8–17 °C |
| Clare | November, January to April | April to May, November | 8–18 °C |
| Donegal | September, January to February | April, September, January to February | 8–17 °C |
| Cork | January to March | March, November, January | 9–17 °C |
Questions
What is the best month to surf in Ireland?
January, with about 5 good days for an intermediate surfer at the best spots. The best run of months is September to October, January to February.
When is the best time to surf in Ireland for beginners?
April, September, November, January to February, when the beginner spots have the most days of small, clean waves.
When are the biggest waves in Ireland?
February 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 Ireland 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 Ireland?
About 8 °C in February (6/5 mm hooded) to 17 °C in August (4/3 mm fullsuit).
More: all surf spots in Ireland · best spots for beginners · this week's forecast · wetsuit by month · why the swell period matters.