Atlantic Europe
Portugal
Portugal
Summer surf for learners and families, with outstanding food and hotels.
- Surf
- 10 out of 10
- Dive
- 7 out of 10
- Freedive
- 6 out of 10
- Best months
- Apr to Oct
July · Peak summer
Where to Go in July: Peak-Summer Ocean Holidays
European surf and long-haul premium escapes.
July overview
The ocean in July
July is peak holiday season for most of Europe. You can stay close (Portugal, Spain and France offer summer surf for learners) or go long-haul to destinations in their prime season.
Climate and conditions
Southern-hemisphere winter swells typically peak in the Pacific and Indian Oceans; European Atlantic surf is usually smaller in summer.
For European travellers
School holidays drive demand and prices. Book early, or choose destinations where July is the dry season.
Best-fit destinations
Where to go in July
-
- Southeast Asia
Indonesia
Bali + Nusa Penida
Peak dry season; sunfish season around Nusa Penida often begins.
- Surf
- 10 out of 10
- Dive
- 9 out of 10
- Freedive
- 9 out of 10
- Best months
- Apr to Oct
- South Pacific
Fiji
Fiji
Prime surf and dive conditions.
- Surf
- 10 out of 10
- Dive
- 10 out of 10
- Freedive
- 8 out of 10
- Best months
- Apr to Oct
- North Pacific
United States
Hawaii
South-shore summer swells.
- Surf
- 10 out of 10
- Dive
- 9 out of 10
- Freedive
- 8 out of 10
- Best months
- Jun to Feb
- Atlantic Europe
Portugal
Azores
Offshore diving season typically begins.
- Surf
- 8 out of 10
- Dive
- 9 out of 10
- Freedive
- 7 out of 10
- Best months
- Jun to Oct
- Southeast Asia
Indonesia
Mentawai Islands
Core season.
- Surf
- 10 out of 10
- Dive
- 7 out of 10
- Freedive
- 7 out of 10
- Best months
- Apr to Oct
- Indian Ocean
Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka
East-coast season at Arugam Bay.
- Surf
- 9 out of 10
- Dive
- 7 out of 10
- Freedive
- 6 out of 10
- Best months
- Jan to Aug
Spain’s and France’s Atlantic coasts also offer summer surf, especially for learners. These will be covered in future Surf and Dive blog posts.
Also often in season in July
Read next
Best Summer Surf Holidays for Europeans
Summer does not have to mean the same beach every year. Stay close to home, choose an Atlantic island or fly far for warm reef waves.
Portugal vs Indonesia: Which Is Better for a Luxury Surf Holiday?
The easy European surf escape or the tropical immersion? Both can be luxurious. They simply feel different.
Luxury Surf Resorts vs Surf Charters: Which Is Better?
A resort gives you a base. A charter gives you mobility. One question decides which is right for you.
Surf and Dive
Plan Your Next Ocean Escape
Shortlisted a destination for July? Read its destination page for surf, diving, freediving, luxury and planning notes.