January — Is Biarritz a good time for surfing?

Demanding Basque winter. 2–3.5 m swells, water at 12°C, regular Atlantic lows. The Grande Plage offers a few windows but the Côte des Basques can turn too powerful. For seasoned intermediates, 5/4 mm wetsuit.

February — Is Biarritz a good time for surfing?

Sustained winter conditions. Long-period swells, water at 12°C, grey skies. Intermediates can still capitalise on lulls, but most prefer to wait for March's more instructive conditions.

March — Is Biarritz a good time for surfing?

Pleasant surf returns. 1.5–2.5 m swells, water at 13°C, more sun. The Côte des Basques regains its family tempo, the Grande Plage offers clean banks. 4/3 wetsuit.

April — Is Biarritz a good time for surfing?

Spring settles. 1.2–2 m swells, water at 14–15°C, generous light. Excellent for easing back. Steady morning offshore winds, weekday crowds anecdotal.

May — Is Biarritz a good time for surfing?

Pivot month. 1–1.5 m swells, water at 16–17°C, long days. Côte des Basques at low tide delivers dream conditions for intermediates chasing slow, clean waves. 3/2 wetsuit.

June — Is Biarritz a good time for surfing?

An excellent month for a full surf trip. 0.8–1.4 m waves, water at 18–19°C, terraces open in town. More consistent in the morning, livelier in the afternoon.

July — Is Biarritz a good time for surfing?

Summer waves (0.7–1.2 m), water at 21°C, holiday energy. The Grande Plage gets crowded, but Marbella, Milady or the Spanish Basque coast offer quieter alternatives.

August — Is Biarritz a good time for surfing?

Tourist peak. Small waves, water at 22°C, city in full buzz. For intermediates, time to favour dawn sessions or detours to Mundaka and Zarautz.

September — Is Biarritz a good time for surfing?

The crown jewel. Autumn swells (1.5–2.5 m), water at 20°C, thinning crowds, golden light. Côte des Basques at high tide, Grande Plage all day long: Biarritz delivers its full potential.

October — Is Biarritz a good time for surfing?

Premium conditions. Powerful 1.8–3 m swells, water at 17–18°C, lighter beaches, luxuriously autumnal mood. The window where Biarritz stands as a European surf reference.

November — Is Biarritz a good time for surfing?

Mature autumn. 2–3 m swells, water at 15°C, shifting skies. Locals hold front-row seats, the heated terraces of Belle Époque hotels welcome surfers back from the lineup.

December — Is Biarritz a good time for surfing?

Storms return. 3–4.5 m swells, water at 13°C, conditions often beyond intermediate. A few technical low-tide windows at Côte des Basques for the most experienced.

Best time for surfing in Biarritz

Month	Air (°C)	Sea (°C)	Wind (kts)	Waves (m)	Rain (mm)	Verdict
January	8.1°	12.5°	7.4· 5%	2.35	171	Avoid
February	9.1°	11.8°	7.1· 3%	2.39	129	Avoid
March	10.8°	12.7°	6.8· 4%	2.30	124	Fair
April	12.9°	14.8°	6.0· 0%	1.76	105	Good
May	15.5°	17.8°	6.2· 0%	1.28	103	Good
June	18.8°	22.5°	5.8· 1%	1.08	105	Good
July	20.6°	23.6°	5.5· 0%	1.22	67	Good
August	20.9°	24.3°	5.3· 0%	1.34	74	Good
September	19.3°	23.5°	5.3· 1%	1.49	101	Best
October	16.5°	20.7°	5.8· 1%	1.79	96	Best
November	12.0°	16.0°	6.8· 4%	2.84	216	Best
December	10.0°	13.9°	7.0· 6%	2.35	165	Avoid

Spring

Spring at Biarritz is a season underrated by international surfers. From March to May, winter swells shrink in volume — 1.2 to 2 m on the Grande Plage — but retain remarkable quality. The Côte des Basques returns to its role as a teaching spot at low tide, terraces open to midday sun, and Les Halles markets overflow with spring produce. For intermediates, it's the chance to surf in small numbers with a wetsuit lightening progressively (4/3 in March, 3/2 by May). Rivage villas on the heights between Bidart and Biarritz offer sea views, blooming gardens and direct access to the spots — without summer's price pressure.

Summer

Summer at Biarritz is a social experience as much as a sporting one. From June to August, waves grow smaller (0.7 to 1.2 m on the Grande Plage) while the town transforms into the Atlantic's seaside capital. For intermediates, the strategy is to surf early — 7 to 9 am on the Grande Plage before crowds arrive — then enjoy everything Biarritz offers in the afternoon: the casino, seaside lunches, day trips into the Spanish Basque Country. On flat days, head to Mundaka when a rare swell aligns, or drive thirty minutes to Saint-Jean-de-Luz and Hendaye.

Autumn

Autumn anoints Biarritz as one of Europe's great surf capitals. From September to November, Atlantic swells reveal themselves in full power — 1.5 to 3 metres on average — without losing the elegant shape of local sandbars. September offers the perfect equation: 20°C water, thinning crowds, steady morning offshore winds. October extends with more powerful conditions and a late light that sublimates the Grande Plage. November already demands a 4/3 but rewards with intimate sessions, shared with locals and a handful of passing pros. Belle Époque hotels, Rivage villas perched on the cliffs, and Michelin-starred restaurants around the town hall compose a setting unique in Europe for this season.

Winter

Winter at Biarritz isn't for everyone, but it has its devotees. From December to February, Atlantic lows follow one another and swells turn powerful (3 to 4.5 m). Water drops to 12°C, days shorten, 5/4 mm becomes the norm. The Grande Plage is often closed by currents, Côte des Basques offers technical low-tide windows, and seasoned surfers learn to read the gaps between fronts. For intermediates, it's also a chance to explore the region differently: skiing in the Pyrenees (Gourette, La Pierre Saint-Martin within 90 minutes), thalassotherapy, Basque chef-driven restaurants, and Christmas markets in Bayonne. Rivage villas reveal their most intimate version this season — fireplace lit, ocean roaring outside.

Best time for surfing in Biarritz

Month-by-month climate

Through the seasons

Month by month

Spring

Summer

Autumn

Winter