Surf camps in United States: where to go and when
Spots with camps nearby and the best months to go.
Updated October 2026 · weather data 2022–2026
In short
- Best waves in United States: May, September–October (around 1.4 m, water 21°C, 3/2 wetsuit).
- Smaller waves and the warmest water, good for beginners: July–September (around 1.2 m, water 22°C, shorty).
- Top picks: Kauai – Hanalei Bay, Maui – Honolua Bay & Trestles – San Clemente.
- For beginners: Malibu – Surfrider Beach, Huntington Beach & Short Sands – Oregon.
Kauai – Hanalei BayUnited States · best January–February, December1 camp nearbyIntermediate and up · 25°C water in season, no wetsuit · ✈ LIH 32 km- Hanalei Surfboard House 1.6 km
Maui – Honolua BayUnited States · best February, November–December1 camp nearbyAdvanced only · 26°C water in season, no wetsuit · ✈ JHM 7 km- Napili Surf Beach Resort 3.7 km
Trestles – San ClementeUnited States · best April–October2 camps nearbyIntermediate and up · 20°C water in season, 3/2 wetsuit · ✈ CLD 40 km- San Clemente Surf Inn 1.9 km
- Surfbreak Hotel 4 km
Westport – WashingtonUnited States · best December3 camps nearbyIntermediate and up · 10°C water in season, 5/4 wetsuit, hood, boots and gloves · ✈ OLM 92 km- Surf Cottages 11.7 km
- Pacific Surf Condos 12.3 km
- Ocean Surf Condominiums 13.1 km
Short Sands – OregonUnited States · best December1 camp nearbyBeginner-friendly · 11°C water in season, 5/4 wetsuit, hood, boots and gloves · ✈ PDX 108 km- Surfsand Resort 14.6 km
Wrightsville BeachUnited States · best January–April, September–December1 camp nearbyBeginner-friendly · 17°C water in season, 4/3 wetsuit · ✈ ILM 13 km- The Surf Suites 2.7 km
Cocoa BeachUnited States · best January–April, October–December1 camp nearbyBeginner-friendly · 22°C water in season, shorty · ✈ MLB 30 km- Surf Studio Beach Resort 8.8 km
Malibu – Surfrider BeachUnited States · best May–October1 camp nearbyBeginner-friendly · 20°C water in season, 3/2 wetsuit · ✈ LAX 27 km- The Surfrider Malibu 0.2 km
Huntington BeachUnited States · best May–September2 camps nearbyBeginner-friendly · 20°C water in season, 3/2 wetsuit · ✈ SNA 13 km- Huntington Surf Inn 0.5 km
- Ocean Surf Inn & Suites 9.9 km
Spots with surf or kite camps nearby, ranked by their best months for surfing from years of weather data. Camps and schools are from OpenStreetMap; check with them directly before you book.
Month by month in United States
| Month | Waves | Water | Wetsuit | Air |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| JanuaryJan | 1.7 m | 16°C | 4/3 wetsuit | 18°C |
| FebruaryFeb | 1.8 m | 16°C | 4/3 wetsuit | 18°C |
| MarchMar | 1.6 m | 17°C | 4/3 wetsuit | 19°C |
| AprilApr | 1.5 m | 18°C | 4/3 wetsuit | 20°C |
| MayMay | 1.3 m | 20°C | 3/2 wetsuit | 22°C |
| JuneJun | 1.2 m | 21°C | 3/2 wetsuit | 24°C |
| JulyJul | 1.1 m | 22°C | shorty | 26°C |
| AugustAug | 1.1 m | 23°C | shorty | 27°C |
| SeptemberSep | 1.3 m | 23°C | shorty | 26°C |
| OctoberOct | 1.5 m | 21°C | 3/2 wetsuit | 23°C |
| NovemberNov | 1.7 m | 19°C | 3/2 wetsuit | 20°C |
| DecemberDec | 1.8 m | 17°C | 4/3 wetsuit | 18°C |
Averages of the 9 spots on this page. Best months highlighted. Air: average daytime high.
Questions
When is the best time for a surf camp in United States?
Best waves in United States: May, September–October (around 1.4 m, water 21°C, 3/2 wetsuit). Smaller waves and the warmest water, good for beginners: July–September (around 1.2 m, water 22°C, shorty).
What wetsuit do I need in United States?
It depends on the month: about 23°C water in August (shorty) and about 16°C in February (4/3 wetsuit).
Is United States good for beginners?
Yes, these spots suit beginners: Malibu – Surfrider Beach, Huntington Beach, Short Sands – Oregon & Wrightsville Beach.
Which airport is closest?
Lihue Airport (LIH), 32 km from Kauai – Hanalei Bay; Kapalua Airport (JHM), 7 km from Maui – Honolua Bay; McClellan-Palomar Airport (CLD), 40 km from Trestles – San Clemente.