Is January a good month to surf Arugam Bay?

January is outside Arugam Bay's main surf season (May–September), so surf is less reliable, though it can still work on the right day.

How warm is the sea in Arugam Bay in January?

About 28°C on average, which calls for boardshorts or a rash vest.

What is the weather like in Arugam Bay in January?

Air temperature averages 26°C, with about 4.8 mm of rain per day and average winds of 14 km/h.

Surf Arugam Bay in January

Surfing Arugam Bay in January: outside the main surf season, air around 26°C, sea around 28°C, 4.8 mm of rain a day on average. Wetsuit: boardshorts or a rash vest.

Surf season

Off-season

Air temperature

26°C

Sea temperature

28°C

Rain

4.8 mm/day

Wind

14 km/h avg

Average wave height

1.2 m (4 ft)

Big days (top 10%)

1.4 m (5 ft)+

Swell period

7 s

Main swell direction

From ENE (68°)

What to wear: with the sea around 28°C in January, expect boardshorts or a rash vest.

Surf size in Arugam Bay in January

Offshore of Arugam Bay, waves in January average 1.2 m (4 ft), below the year-round average of 1.2 m — the 6th biggest month of the year. One hour in ten is 1.4 m (5 ft) or bigger. The dominant swell runs at about 7 seconds from the ENE.

These are open-ocean figures from 10 years of hourly wave data, not a beach forecast: a sheltered break will be smaller, an exposed reef or point can be bigger.

January in the context of Arugam Bay's surf season

Arugam Bay's main surf season runs May–September. January is outside it.

Full Arugam Bay surf and remote-work guide →

Frequently asked questions

Is January a good month to surf Arugam Bay?: January is outside Arugam Bay's main surf season (May–September), so surf is less reliable, though it can still work on the right day.
How warm is the sea in Arugam Bay in January?: About 28°C on average, which calls for boardshorts or a rash vest.
What is the weather like in Arugam Bay in January?: Air temperature averages 26°C, with about 4.8 mm of rain per day and average winds of 14 km/h.