From Atlantic swells to Indian Ocean surges, Africa's coastline offers an endless array of incredible surfing experiences. But as with any great adventure, timing is key. Join us as we embark on a journey through the seasons, uncovering the best times to catch waves in the diverse and captivating continent that is Africa.

Morocco

The northern hemisphere winter brings the best waves to the vibrant shores of Morocco. From September to March, the waves here offer some of the best right-hand point breaks in the world. You might be familiar with the well-known spots like Anchor Point or Boilers but with a 3500km coastline, Morocco has 100's of waves for those looking for adventure. And even though it’s winter time, you need not be worried as the water here generally stays above 16 degrees Celsius.

Senegal

In this emerging surf destination, November to March brings the bigger waves from the winter swells in the North Atlantic. If you’re looking for an adrenaline rush, this would be the time of year to visit. However, if you’re more into cruising, August to September provides fun waves from South Atlantic swells that are usually between 3 to 6 feet, and are more consistent than in winter, but maybe not as powerful.

South Africa

A prime surfing paradise, South Africa pretty much has surf all year round. Being so exposed to deep ocean ground swells and storms, both the western and eastern edges of South Africa constantly receive direct lines of swells from both the Indian and Southern Atlantic Oceans.

If we had to say, Cape Town waves probably peak between May and August during the winter period, due to strong southwest swells and light winds.

On the other side of Cape Town lies Durban and its surrounding waves. Home to some of the best waves in the country, the KwaZulu Natal coast has multiple point breaks and beach breaks with waves for every level of surfer. Durban also typically receives its best waves in the winter season as the big south west storm systems move up the coast from Cape Town.

Then we have the world-renowned waves of J-Bay, often regarded as the best right-hand point break in the world. From Supertubes down to Point, Jbay has waves for intermediate to pro surfers looking to find the ride of their life.

Mozambique

Mozambique is an emerging space in the surfing world, beginning to shine as the ultimate tropical surf destination with its warm waters and good-natured locals. Here, the waves generally rely on the swells of the Indian Ocean (with a touch of the roaring forties), and so the best time of year to surf is between April and October, with June to August as the peak swell months.

What’s been mentioned here are just a few of the gems that Africa has to offer. Its 30-something thousand kilometers of coastline is still widely unexplored by international surfers, so we suggest you pack your bags and your boards and get into adventure mode as there is a good chance that there are still undiscovered gems out there waiting to be surfed.

Written by Kayli Wouters

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