Best time to surf in United Kingdom
September, November to April for intermediate surfers, March to April, September to November for beginners, and January for the biggest waves. Month by month below, from 2 years of hourly wave and wind model data at 67 spots. Updated 3 November 2026.
| Month | Good days (intermediate) | Beginner days | Good days (advanced) | Typical waves | Water | Best region |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 5 | 7 | 5 | 1.2–1.8 m | 9 °C | Devon |
| February | 5 | 6 | 6 | 1.1–1.7 m | 9 °C | Devon |
| March | 5 | 8 | 5 | 1–1.6 m | 9 °C | Cornwall |
| April | 3 | 9 | 2 | 1–1.4 m | 11 °C | Cornwall |
| May | 1 | 5 | 1 | 0.9–1.3 m | 13 °C | Cornwall |
| June | 1 | 2 | 1 | 1–1.6 m | 15 °C | Cornwall |
| July | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1–1.4 m | 18 °C | Cornwall |
| August | 0 | 3 | 0 | 1–1.4 m | 18 °C | Cornwall |
| September | 2 | 7 | 1 | 1–1.4 m | 17 °C | Cornwall |
| October | 1 | 7 | 1 | 1–1.6 m | 15 °C | Cornwall |
| November | 3 | 8 | 1 | 1–1.6 m | 13 °C | Cornwall |
| December | 4 | 7 | 3 | 1.1–1.7 m | 11 °C | Cornwall |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cornwall | February to April, September | March to April, November | 10–19 °C |
| Devon | January to February | March | 9–19 °C |
| Gower | January to March | March | 8–19 °C |
| Pembrokeshire | January to February | March | 8–19 °C |
Questions
What is the best month to surf in United Kingdom?
January, with about 5 good days for an intermediate surfer at the best spots. The best run of months is September, November to April.
When is the best time to surf in United Kingdom for beginners?
March to April, September to November, when the beginner spots have the most days of small, clean waves.
When are the biggest waves in United Kingdom?
January 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 United Kingdom 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 United Kingdom?
About 9 °C in February (6/5 mm hooded) to 18 °C in August (3/2 mm fullsuit).
More: all surf spots in United Kingdom · best spots for beginners · this week's forecast · wetsuit by month · why the swell period matters.