Best time to surf in New Zealand
February to November for intermediate surfers, February to August for beginners, and January for the biggest waves. Month by month below, from 2 years of hourly wave and wind model data at 35 spots. Updated 3 November 2026.
| Month | Good days (intermediate) | Beginner days | Good days (advanced) | Typical waves | Water | Best region |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 2 | 7 | 2 | 1–1.6 m | 19 °C | North Island |
| February | 4 | 10 | 2 | 1–1.4 m | 20 °C | North Island |
| March | 6 | 11 | 3 | 1–1.6 m | 19 °C | North Island |
| April | 9 | 11 | 6 | 1–1.6 m | 18 °C | North Island |
| May | 12 | 12 | 8 | 1–1.4 m | 17 °C | North Island |
| June | 7 | 10 | 5 | 1–1.6 m | 15 °C | South Island |
| July | 8 | 12 | 6 | 1–1.6 m | 14 °C | North Island |
| August | 9 | 11 | 6 | 1–1.6 m | 13 °C | North Island |
| September | 5 | 8 | 4 | 1–1.6 m | 14 °C | South Island |
| October | 4 | 8 | 3 | 1–1.6 m | 15 °C | North Island |
| November | 4 | 8 | 2 | 1–1.4 m | 16 °C | North Island |
| December | 3 | 6 | 2 | 1–1.4 m | 18 °C | North Island |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| North Island | August, November to June | January to August | 14–21 °C |
| South Island | April to September | July to August | 10–16 °C |
| Northland | February to May, August, October to November | February to May, August, November | 16–22 °C |
| Otago | March to April, July | July | 11–15 °C |
| Waikato | April to August | May, July | 15–21 °C |
Questions
What is the best month to surf in New Zealand?
May, with about 12 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 New Zealand for beginners?
February to August, when the beginner spots have the most days of small, clean waves.
When are the biggest waves in New Zealand?
January has the biggest typical surf (about 1–1.6 m at the spots we follow). That is the season for experienced surfers.
Can you surf in New Zealand in summer?
Yes: June to August still bring about 8 good days a month for intermediate surfers.
How warm is the water in New Zealand?
About 13 °C in August (5/4 mm hooded) to 20 °C in February (3/2 mm fullsuit).
More: all surf spots in New Zealand · best spots for beginners · this week's forecast · wetsuit by month · why the swell period matters.