Best time to surf in Japan
March, October for intermediate surfers, March, October to November for beginners, and July for the biggest waves. Month by month below, from 2 years of hourly wave and wind model data at 59 spots. Updated 3 November 2026.
| Month | Good days (intermediate) | Beginner days | Good days (advanced) | Typical waves | Water | Best region |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 1 | 9 | 0 | 0.9–1.3 m | 17 °C | Shizuoka (Izu) |
| February | 1 | 9 | 0 | 0.9–1.3 m | 16 °C | Miyazaki (Kyushu) |
| March | 2 | 11 | 1 | 1–1.4 m | 16 °C | Chiba |
| April | 2 | 10 | 0 | 1–1.4 m | 18 °C | Miyazaki (Kyushu) |
| May | 1 | 9 | 0 | 0.9–1.3 m | 20 °C | Miyazaki (Kyushu) |
| June | 1 | 7 | 0 | 1–1.4 m | 23 °C | Shizuoka |
| July | 1 | 6 | 0 | 1–1.6 m | 27 °C | Kanagawa |
| August | 1 | 6 | 0 | 1–1.6 m | 28 °C | Kanagawa |
| September | 1 | 8 | 0 | 1–1.4 m | 27 °C | Miyazaki (Kyushu) |
| October | 2 | 14 | 1 | 1–1.4 m | 26 °C | Miyazaki (Kyushu) |
| November | 3 | 14 | 1 | 0.9–1.3 m | 23 °C | Chiba |
| December | 2 | 9 | 0 | 0.9–1.3 m | 19 °C | Chiba |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kanagawa | April, July to August, October to November | April, October | 15–27 °C |
| Chiba | October to November | October to November | 15–26 °C |
| Tokushima (Shikoku) | October | October | 16–29 °C |
| Shizuoka (Izu) | March to April, November | March, May, October to November | 16–27 °C |
| Miyazaki (Kyushu) | March, October | March, October to November | 18–29 °C |
| Shizuoka | April, October to November | March, October to November | 14–27 °C |
| Okinawa | February, October, December | few beginner days | 21–30 °C |
| Tokyo (Izu Islands) | March, October | March to April, September to October, December to January | 17–28 °C |
Questions
What is the best month to surf in Japan?
November, with about 3 good days for an intermediate surfer at the best spots. The best run of months is March, October.
When is the best time to surf in Japan for beginners?
March, October to November, when the beginner spots have the most days of small, clean waves.
When are the biggest waves in Japan?
July has the biggest typical surf (about 1–1.6 m at the spots we follow).
Can you surf in Japan in summer?
Mostly small: June to August average about 1 good day a month for intermediate surfers, better for learning than for good waves.
How warm is the water in Japan?
About 16 °C in February (4/3 mm fullsuit) to 28 °C in August (Boardshorts / rash vest).
More: all surf spots in Japan · best spots for beginners · this week's forecast · wetsuit by month · why the swell period matters.