Best surfing spots in France
The best surfing spots in France over the whole year.
Updated October 2026 · weather data 2022–2026
In short
- Best waves in France: September–November (around 1.8 m, water 19°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: Biscarrosse Plage, Lacanau & La Torche.
- For beginners: Lacanau & Biarritz – Côte des Basques.
Biscarrosse PlageNouvelle-Aquitaine · best January–February, November12 good monthsIntermediate and up · 14°C water in season, 5/4 wetsuit and boots · ✈ BOD 60 km2
LacanauNouvelle-Aquitaine · best April–June, September–November12 good monthsBeginner-friendly · 18°C water in season, 4/3 wetsuit · ✈ BOD 43 km3
La TorcheBrittany · best January–February, November–December12 good monthsIntermediate and up · 12°C water in season, 5/4 wetsuit, hood, boots and gloves · ✈ BES 68 km4
Biarritz – Côte des BasquesNouvelle-Aquitaine · best January–February, November12 good monthsBeginner-friendly · 14°C water in season, 5/4 wetsuit and boots · ✈ BIQ 4 km5
Hossegor – La GravièreNouvelle-Aquitaine · best September–November12 good monthsIntermediate and up · 20°C water in season, 3/2 wetsuit · ✈ BIQ 24 km6
Hyères – L'AlmanarreProvence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur · best January–March, November–December6 good monthsIntermediate and up · 15°C water in season, 5/4 wetsuit and boots · ✈ TLN 6 kmThe best surfing spots in France, ranked by wave height through the year, warm water and the number of good months, from years of weather data. Wave height: average daily maximum.
Month by month in France
| Month | Waves | Water | Wetsuit | Air |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| JanuaryJan | 2.3 m | 13°C | 5/4 wetsuit and boots | 12°C |
| FebruaryFeb | 2.3 m | 12°C | 5/4 wetsuit, hood, boots and gloves | 14°C |
| MarchMar | 2 m | 13°C | 5/4 wetsuit and boots | 15°C |
| AprilApr | 1.6 m | 14°C | 5/4 wetsuit and boots | 18°C |
| MayMay | 1.2 m | 17°C | 4/3 wetsuit | 20°C |
| JuneJun | 1.1 m | 20°C | 3/2 wetsuit | 25°C |
| JulyJul | 1.1 m | 22°C | shorty | 26°C |
| AugustAug | 1.2 m | 23°C | shorty | 27°C |
| SeptemberSep | 1.4 m | 21°C | 3/2 wetsuit | 24°C |
| OctoberOct | 1.7 m | 19°C | 3/2 wetsuit | 21°C |
| NovemberNov | 2.3 m | 16°C | 4/3 wetsuit | 16°C |
| DecemberDec | 2.1 m | 14°C | 5/4 wetsuit and boots | 13°C |
Averages of the 6 spots on this page. Best months highlighted. Air: average daytime high.
Questions
When is the best time for surfing in France?
Best waves in France: September–November (around 1.8 m, water 19°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 France?
It depends on the month: about 23°C water in August (shorty) and about 12°C in February (5/4 wetsuit, hood, boots and gloves).
Is France good for beginners?
Yes, these spots suit beginners: Lacanau & Biarritz – Côte des Basques.
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.