Surfing in England
4 surfing spots in England, United Kingdom. The colours show each month: the stronger, the better for surfing.
Updated October 2026 · weather data 2022–2026
In short
- Best waves in England: January–February, October–December (around 2.3 m, water 12°C, 5/4 wetsuit, hood, boots and gloves).
- Smaller waves and the warmest water, good for beginners: July–August (around 1.2 m, water 18°C, 4/3 wetsuit).
- Top picks: Porthleven, Croyde Bay & Newquay – Fistral Beach.
- For beginners: Newquay – Fistral Beach & Bournemouth – Boscombe.
PorthlevenEngland (Cornwall), United Kingdom · best January–February, November–DecemberAdvanced only · 11°C water in season, 5/4 wetsuit, hood, boots and gloves · ✈ NQY 46 km
Croyde BayEngland (North Devon), United Kingdom · best January–February, November–DecemberIntermediate and up · 10°C water in season, 5/4 wetsuit, hood, boots and gloves · ✈ CWL 69 km
Newquay – Fistral BeachEngland (Cornwall), United Kingdom · best January–February, November–DecemberBeginner-friendly · 11°C water in season, 5/4 wetsuit, hood, boots and gloves · ✈ NQY 8 km
Bournemouth – BoscombeEngland (Dorset), United Kingdom · best November–DecemberBeginner-friendly · 12°C water in season, 5/4 wetsuit, hood, boots and gloves · ✈ BOH 7 kmWave height: average daily maximum.
Month by month in England
| Month | Waves | Water | Wetsuit | Air |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| JanuaryJan | 2.5 m | 10°C | 5/4 wetsuit, hood, boots and gloves | 9°C |
| FebruaryFeb | 2.4 m | 9°C | 6/5 wetsuit, hood, boots and gloves | 10°C |
| MarchMar | 2 m | 10°C | 5/4 wetsuit, hood, boots and gloves | 11°C |
| AprilApr | 1.7 m | 11°C | 5/4 wetsuit, hood, boots and gloves | 13°C |
| MayMay | 1.2 m | 14°C | 5/4 wetsuit and boots | 16°C |
| JuneJun | 1.3 m | 16°C | 4/3 wetsuit | 19°C |
| JulyJul | 1.2 m | 17°C | 4/3 wetsuit | 20°C |
| AugustAug | 1.3 m | 18°C | 4/3 wetsuit | 21°C |
| SeptemberSep | 1.6 m | 17°C | 4/3 wetsuit | 18°C |
| OctoberOct | 1.9 m | 15°C | 5/4 wetsuit and boots | 16°C |
| NovemberNov | 2.4 m | 13°C | 5/4 wetsuit and boots | 13°C |
| DecemberDec | 2.5 m | 11°C | 5/4 wetsuit, hood, boots and gloves | 10°C |
Averages of the 4 spots on this page. Best months highlighted. Air: average daytime high.
Questions
When is the best time for surfing in England?
Best waves in England: January–February, October–December (around 2.3 m, water 12°C, 5/4 wetsuit, hood, boots and gloves). Smaller waves and the warmest water, good for beginners: July–August (around 1.2 m, water 18°C, 4/3 wetsuit).
What wetsuit do I need in England?
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 England good for beginners?
Yes, these spots suit beginners: Newquay – Fistral Beach & Bournemouth – Boscombe.
Which airport is closest?
Cornwall Airport Newquay (NQY), 46 km from Porthleven; Cardiff International Airport (CWL), 69 km from Croyde Bay; Bournemouth Airport (BOH), 7 km from Bournemouth – Boscombe.