Offshore StaysWhere to surf in January
10 surf towns in their main surf season in January, compared by sea temperature, average wave size and skill level. Warmest water: Weligama, around 28°C.
| Surf town | Sea temp | Air temp | Avg waves (offshore) | Suits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Weligama in JanuarySri Lanka | 28°C | 26°C | 1.4 m | beginner and intermediate surfers |
| Las Palmas (Gran Canaria) in JanuarySpain | 20°C | 18°C | 1.3 m | all levels |
| Madeira (Jardim do Mar) in JanuaryPortugal | 19°C | 18°C | 2.4 m | advanced surfers |
| Corralejo (Fuerteventura) in JanuarySpain | 19°C | 18°C | 1.1 m | all levels |
| Famara (Lanzarote) in JanuarySpain | 19°C | 18°C | 1.5 m | beginner and intermediate surfers |
| Taghazout in JanuaryMorocco | 17°C | 16°C | 2.0 m | all levels |
| Imsouane in JanuaryMorocco | 17°C | 15°C | 2.1 m | beginner and intermediate surfers |
| Azores (São Miguel) in JanuaryPortugal | 17°C | 16°C | 2.6 m | intermediate and advanced surfers |
| Nazaré in JanuaryPortugal | 15°C | 12°C | 2.6 m | intermediate and advanced surfers |
| Mundaka in JanuarySpain | 13°C | 10°C | 2.0 m | advanced surfers |
Wave heights are open-ocean monthly averages, not a beach forecast. Sources and dates are on each town's month page.
Frequently asked questions
- Where can I surf in January?
- 10 of the surf towns we cover are in their main surf season in January: Weligama (Sri Lanka), Las Palmas (Gran Canaria) (Spain), Madeira (Jardim do Mar) (Portugal), Corralejo (Fuerteventura) (Spain), Famara (Lanzarote) (Spain), Taghazout (Morocco), Imsouane (Morocco), Azores (São Miguel) (Portugal), Nazaré (Portugal), Mundaka (Spain).
- Where is the water warmest for surfing in January?
- Weligama (around 28°C), Las Palmas (Gran Canaria) (around 20°C), Madeira (Jardim do Mar) (around 19°C). At the cold end, Mundaka sits around 13°C, which calls for a 5/4mm hooded wetsuit with boots and gloves.
- Where can beginners surf in January?
- Weligama, Las Palmas (Gran Canaria), Corralejo (Fuerteventura), Famara (Lanzarote), Taghazout, Imsouane are in season in January and have breaks that suit beginners.