January — Is Hossegor a good time for surfing?

Brutal Atlantic winter. Swells from 2.5 to 4 m, water at 12°C, back-to-back storms. A few windows between fronts but the margin is narrow. For seasoned intermediates only, 5/4 mm hooded wetsuit required.

February — Is Hossegor a good time for surfing?

Still firmly winter. Long-period swells averaging 3 m, water at 12°C. Offshore winds offer occasional clean windows but the physical commitment runs high. Better to wait for spring.

March — Is Hossegor a good time for surfing?

Seasonal pivot. Moderate 1.5–2.5 m swells, water at 13°C, lengthening days. First comfortable sessions appear, though a 4/3 wetsuit is still mandatory. Almost no crowds.

April — Is Hossegor a good time for surfing?

Spring settles in. 1.2–2 m swells, water at 14–15°C, more sun. The ideal window to ease back into surfing after winter — especially morning and dusk when offshore winds prevail.

May — Is Hossegor a good time for surfing?

Pivot month. Water climbs to 16–17°C, clean 1–1.5 m swells, near-empty beaches on weekdays. A 3/2 wetsuit is enough. Highly accessible, lightly crowded, quality on offer.

June — Is Hossegor a good time for surfing?

An excellent compromise. Consistent 0.8–1.4 m swells, water at 18–19°C, moderate crowds before peak season. Dawn sessions recommended before thermal afternoon winds kick in.

July — Is Hossegor a good time for surfing?

Smallest waves of the year (0.6–1.2 m), water at 21°C, crowded beaches. Ideal for refining manoeuvres on smaller surf, but intermediates chasing power will be frustrated.

August — Is Hossegor a good time for surfing?

Tourist peak. 0.8–1.3 m waves, water at 23°C, maximum crowds. Favour dawn sessions or quieter sandbars between Capbreton and Vieux-Boucau.

September — Is Hossegor a good time for surfing?

The crown jewel. Autumn swells return (1.5–2.5 m), water still at 20°C, crowds thin out from early September. Reliable morning offshore winds. The window every intermediate waits for.

October — Is Hossegor a good time for surfing?

Arguably the year's best month. Powerful 1.8–3 m swells, water at 17–18°C, near-empty beaches, luminous skies. Dream conditions — bring a 4/3 mm wetsuit.

November — Is Hossegor a good time for surfing?

Autumn in full swing. 2–3.5 m swells, water at 15°C, grey skies but epic sessions. Well-equipped intermediates still pull excellent days before winter sets in.

December — Is Hossegor a good time for surfing?

Storms return. Massive 3–5 m swells, water at 13°C. Save for rare lulls and brief windows, the lineup becomes expert territory. Intermediates should wait for spring.

Best time for surfing in Hossegor

Month	Air (°C)	Sea (°C)	Wind (kts)	Waves (m)	Rain (mm)	Verdict
January	9.2°	13.5°	7.5· 7%	2.59	165	Avoid
February	9.3°	12.2°	7.3· 3%	2.60	119	Avoid
March	11.0°	12.8°	7.0· 4%	2.61	128	Fair
April	13.3°	14.5°	6.2· 0%	1.92	98	Good
May	16.1°	17.2°	6.3· 0%	1.37	94	Good
June	19.5°	21.6°	5.9· 1%	1.16	102	Good
July	21.4°	22.3°	5.7· 0%	1.28	56	Good
August	21.6°	23.6°	5.5· 0%	1.41	58	Good
September	19.9°	23.2°	5.5· 1%	1.60	91	Best
October	16.8°	20.7°	5.9· 1%	1.99	95	Best
November	12.1°	16.7°	6.9· 4%	3.14	206	Best
December	10.1°	14.5°	7.1· 5%	2.60	153	Avoid

Spring

Spring at Hossegor is a restart. From March to May, winter swells gradually settle, the water climbs from 12°C to 17°C, and the days lengthen. It's a season often overlooked by international surfers — wrongly. Conditions are clean, lightly crowded, and the surrounding Landes pine forests regain their colour. April marks the decisive transition: trade the 5/4 for a 4/3, then the 4/3 for a 3/2 by May. Dawn sessions enjoy steady offshore winds, and the sandbars reshape after winter storms — every session is a fresh discovery. It's also when locals reclaim their lineup before the summer invasion, and when Rivage villas offer their best rates before peak season.

Summer

Summer at Hossegor is a game of patience and strategy. From June to August, swells shrink to their yearly minimum — often under a metre — while beaches fill up. The reward: 21–23°C water, late sunsets until 10 pm, and a sunset atmosphere unmatched on the French coast. Intermediates work on quick manoeuvres on smaller surf, or leave the central beach for quieter sandbars at La Gravière to the south or La Nord. The 6 am sessions, just before the first holidaymakers walk down to the beach, remain a well-kept secret. For food lovers, it's also the season of night markets across the nearby Basque Country.

Autumn

Autumn is Hossegor's crown. From September to November, the perfect triangle aligns: powerful North Atlantic swells, still-warm early-season water, and gradual emptying of the beaches. September offers the ideal equation — 20°C water, 2 m swells, crystal-clear skies. October marks the absolute peak: more powerful conditions, golden light, a morning offshore breeze that sculpts the waves. November already demands a 4/3 and a touch of fortitude, but rewards with legendary sessions. It's when locals reclaim their spots, when the pros return for the Quiksilver Pro, and when every tide can shift from pretty to memorable.

Winter

Winter at Hossegor is not for everyone. From December to February, Atlantic lows follow one another, throwing 3–5 m swells onto extreme sandbars. The water drops to 12°C, days shorten, and physical commitment turns serious. Intermediates can still find a few exceptional days — typically 36 to 48 hours after a storm passes, when long-period swells align and offshore winds return. But those windows are rare, brief, and demanding. The wiser choice is often to retreat to the nearby Pyrenees, sample Madiran or Jurançon wines, and wait for spring. A 5/4 mm hooded wetsuit is non-negotiable.

Best time for surfing in Hossegor

Month-by-month climate

Through the seasons

Month by month

Spring

Summer

Autumn

Winter