Surfing in France in January
In January the best surfing in France is at Biscarrosse Plage, La Torche & Biarritz – Côte des Basques.
Updated November 2026 · weather data 2022–2026
In short
- Waves: 2 m on average (daily maximum)
- Water: 8–15°C, 6/5 wetsuit, hood, boots and gloves at 8°C; 5/4 wetsuit, hood, boots and gloves at 11–12°C; 5/4 wetsuit and boots at 13–15°C
- Air: 11°C by day, 5°C at night
- Weather: sun (6+ hours) on about 16 days, rain (1+ mm) on about 14; a day can have both
- For beginners: Biarritz – Côte des Basques & Capbreton.
When are you planning to go?
1
JanPEAK SEASON
Biscarrosse Plage
France
2.9 m waves12° water11° air
Intermediate and up · 5/4 wetsuit, hood, boots and gloves · ✈ BOD 60 km
2
JanPEAK SEASON
La Torche
France
2.6 m waves11° water10° air
Intermediate and up · 5/4 wetsuit, hood, boots and gloves · ✈ BES 68 km
3
JanPEAK SEASON
Côte des Basques
Biarritz · France
2.1 m waves13° water12° air
Beginner-friendly · 5/4 wetsuit and boots · ✈ BIQ 4 km
4
JanPEAK SEASON
Les Cavaliers
Anglet · France
2.1 m waves13° water12° air
Intermediate and up · 5/4 wetsuit and boots · ✈ BIQ 6 km
5
JanPEAK SEASON
Capbreton
France
2.1 m waves13° water12° air
Beginner-friendly · 5/4 wetsuit and boots · ✈ BIQ 20 km
6
JanPEAK SEASON
Les Estagnots
Seignosse · France
2.1 m waves13° water12° air
Intermediate and up · 5/4 wetsuit and boots · ✈ BIQ 25 km
7
JanPEAK SEASON
Parlementia
Guéthary · France
2.1 m waves13° water12° air
Intermediate and up · 5/4 wetsuit and boots · ✈ BIQ 8 km
8
JanPEAK SEASON
L'Almanarre
Hyères · France
1.4 m waves15° water13° air
Intermediate and up · 5/4 wetsuit and boots · ✈ TLN 6 km
9
JanGOOD
Wissant
France
1.2 m waves8° water8° air
Intermediate and up · 6/5 wetsuit, hood, boots and gloves · ✈ OST 92 km
10
JanGOOD
Pointe aux Oies
Wimereux · France
1.2 m waves8° water8° air
Intermediate and up · 6/5 wetsuit, hood, boots and gloves · ✈ OST 100 km
Averages of the 10 spots on this page. Wave height: average daily maximum.
Questions
Where to go surfing in France in January?
Biscarrosse Plage: 2.9 m waves; La Torche: 2.6 m waves; Biarritz – Côte des Basques: 2.1 m waves.
How warm is the water in France in January?
8–15°C: 6/5 wetsuit, hood, boots and gloves at 8°C; 5/4 wetsuit, hood, boots and gloves at 11–12°C; 5/4 wetsuit and boots at 13–15°C.
Where can beginners go surfing in January?
Good spots for beginners this month: Biarritz – Côte des Basques & Capbreton.
Which airport is closest?
Bordeaux–Mérignac Airport (BOD), 60 km from Biscarrosse Plage; Brest Bretagne airport (BES), 68 km from La Torche; Biarritz Pays Basque airport (BIQ), 4 km from Biarritz – Côte des Basques.
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