Best surfing spots in United Kingdom
The best surfing spots in United Kingdom over the whole year.
Updated October 2026 · weather data 2022–2026
In short
- Best waves in United Kingdom: January–February, September–December (around 2.4 m, water 12°C, 5/4 wetsuit, hood, boots and gloves).
- Smaller waves and the warmest water, good for beginners: July–August (around 1.3 m, water 17°C, 4/3 wetsuit).
- Top picks: Freshwater West, Tiree – Balevullin & Porthleven.
- For beginners: Newquay – Fistral Beach & Bournemouth – Boscombe.
Freshwater WestWales · best January–February, November–December12 good monthsIntermediate and up · 11°C water in season, 5/4 wetsuit, hood, boots and gloves · ✈ CWL 123 km2
Tiree – BalevullinArgyll and Bute · best January–February, December12 good monthsIntermediate and up · 10°C water in season, 5/4 wetsuit, hood, boots and gloves · ✈ TRE 6 km3
PorthlevenEngland · best January–February, November–December12 good monthsAdvanced only · 11°C water in season, 5/4 wetsuit, hood, boots and gloves · ✈ NQY 46 km4
Croyde BayEngland · best January–February, November–December12 good monthsIntermediate and up · 10°C water in season, 5/4 wetsuit, hood, boots and gloves · ✈ CWL 69 km5
Newquay – Fistral BeachEngland · best January–February, November–December12 good monthsBeginner-friendly · 11°C water in season, 5/4 wetsuit, hood, boots and gloves · ✈ NQY 8 km6
Bournemouth – BoscombeEngland · best November–December10 good monthsBeginner-friendly · 12°C water in season, 5/4 wetsuit, hood, boots and gloves · ✈ BOH 7 kmThe best surfing spots in United Kingdom, 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 United Kingdom
| Month | Waves | Water | Wetsuit | Air |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| JanuaryJan | 2.7 m | 9°C | 6/5 wetsuit, hood, boots and gloves | 9°C |
| FebruaryFeb | 2.6 m | 9°C | 6/5 wetsuit, hood, boots and gloves | 10°C |
| MarchMar | 2.2 m | 9°C | 6/5 wetsuit, hood, boots and gloves | 11°C |
| AprilApr | 1.8 m | 11°C | 5/4 wetsuit, hood, boots and gloves | 13°C |
| MayMay | 1.3 m | 13°C | 5/4 wetsuit and boots | 16°C |
| JuneJun | 1.4 m | 15°C | 5/4 wetsuit and boots | 18°C |
| JulyJul | 1.3 m | 17°C | 4/3 wetsuit | 20°C |
| AugustAug | 1.4 m | 18°C | 4/3 wetsuit | 20°C |
| SeptemberSep | 1.8 m | 17°C | 4/3 wetsuit | 18°C |
| OctoberOct | 2.1 m | 15°C | 5/4 wetsuit and boots | 15°C |
| NovemberNov | 2.6 m | 13°C | 5/4 wetsuit and boots | 12°C |
| DecemberDec | 2.7 m | 11°C | 5/4 wetsuit, hood, boots and gloves | 10°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 United Kingdom?
Best waves in United Kingdom: January–February, September–December (around 2.4 m, water 12°C, 5/4 wetsuit, hood, boots and gloves). Smaller waves and the warmest water, good for beginners: July–August (around 1.3 m, water 17°C, 4/3 wetsuit).
What wetsuit do I need in United Kingdom?
It depends on the month: about 18°C water in August (4/3 wetsuit) and about 9°C in February (6/5 wetsuit, hood, boots and gloves).
Is United Kingdom good for beginners?
Yes, these spots suit beginners: Newquay – Fistral Beach & Bournemouth – Boscombe.
Which airport is closest?
Cardiff International Airport (CWL), 123 km from Freshwater West; Tiree Airport (TRE), 6 km from Tiree – Balevullin; Cornwall Airport Newquay (NQY), 46 km from Porthleven.