Best Places to Surf in June: A Guide by Region and Skill Level

Mimizan Plage is one of the best beginner surf destinations in France, offering a long stretch of forgiving beach breaks that work consistently through June, July, and August.

Located in the Landes region, it provides easy access to nearby Biscarrosse, another fantastic sandy-bottomed spot that’s great for beginners, and Moliets, a bit more of a lively surf town to the south.

This is also one of the best places to do a surf camp in France, with many camps offering glamping setups that run from April to September. The deal is usually: You get a belltent in the pine woods and surf everyday.

If you’re looking to mix a laid-back French summer vibe with a solid dose of surf progression, Mimizan is a top pick.

Where to stay? Surflife do a glamping-surf mashup that’s pure fun and gets you surfing the beaches all around Mimizan.

Ericeira is one of the most wave-rich towns in Portugal (a World Surfing Reserve, no less!), and its exposure to the Atlantic means it catches just about any swell on offer.

June sees a mix of NW and more straight-westerly summer swells, making it ideal for intermediates looking to progress because this is when the waves tend to be at thier smallest, though still among the punchiest in Portgual.

The south side of town has forgiving reefs and beach breaks, while the north side offers heavier, more advanced waves that might not come alive fully in the peak of summer.

Ericeira itself has a fantastic energy, with plenty of surf schools, lively nightlife, and cozy Portuguese taverns. It’s hard not to love, though there will be crowds so don’t expect to surf alone.

Where to stay? Laneez Ericeira Surf House is spectacular. One of the top surf stays in the whole country.

Recommended for: Beginner-Intermediates

June is probably just about the calmest time of the year in Pembrokeshire, a region known for its ability to hoover up whatever swells are coming across the Celtic Sea from the Atlantic.

While it’s possible to arrive and find it completely flat, it’s equally possible to score fantastic beginner and improver conditions at places like Newgale and Freshwater West, both of which have local surf schools.

Even if the waves aren’t pumping in the midsummer, the scenery is stunning—think rugged cliffs, white-sand beaches, and traditional Welsh cottages along one of the UK’s longest coastal paths.

I’d say it’s one of the best UK options for families and surfers who like an adventure as there’s tons of hiking to do on the side and some of the best beaches in the whole country.

Where to stay? The Stables And Bullpen. Wales is all about these ultra-cozy cottage stays.

Batu Karas is Java’s rising surf town, drawing in beginners and longboarders alike with its super-mellow right-hand point break, a break that’s smack dab in the town center.

The wave peels softly over a sandy bottom, making it an excellent place to learn and chill. Oh and the vibes are way easier going than in other spots across Indo. Everyone just seems happy to be here.

It’s far from Bali’s chaos but still gets the same south-directional swells, though Batu Karas’ sheltered position keeps things smaller and manageable.

This place is starting to take off, with a handful of surf camps and eco-hotels making it an up-and-coming alternative to busier Indonesian surf destinations.

Where to stay? RNV Family Guesthouse have a lovely eco vibe, nice pool, and easy walking access to the main right-hand point.

Lombok is all about variety, making it a prime destination for intermediates in the peak summer south swell season, when you can get barrels breaking in one place and mellow log waves in another on the very same day.

The main surf hub, Kuta Lombok, offers access to a 20-30 mile stretch of surfable coastline with something for everyone. Gerupuk, a small village to the east of that, is a famous multi-peak spot with waves for all levels, while Tanjung Aan Beach is an upcoming, stunning bay with a mellow reef break.

If you’re ready to step it up, Mawi can fire in June, delivering hollow, fast waves over a beautiful reef, as can Air Guling and Serangan, which are both awesome performance waves.

It’s dry season, meaning perfect weather, warm water, and plenty of accommodation options.

Where to stay? We’d always go for Porter Jungle Hotel if it’s available, though Xanadu Surf Camp have some of the best surf-yoga packages we’ve seen.

Recommended for: Advanced surfers

Nias is an absolute classic, home to one of the best right-handers in Indonesia, and, some say, the world at Lagundri Bay. That shoots out mechanical barrels that get better as the swell picks up in the dry season, which hits a peak in June.

But there’s more—other spots up and down the island serve up quality surf, with Indicators, The Machine, and Bawa all delivering consistently throughout the month.

While it’s less crowded than the Mentawais, it’s still a well-known surf mecca. You could take an extra adventure over to Asu Island and Hinako, where you’ll find untouched reef breaks and that true Indo magic in a few remote surf resorts.

Where to stay? HIMA Bungalows are simply perfecto, with a pool overlooking the rights in Lagundri.

Durban isn’t strictly a beginner-only destination, but its long stretch of sandy beach breaks along the Golden Mile makes it a fantastic learning ground if you do find smaller swells come through.

Even if it’s kinda big on the forecast, you can often find mellow waves rolling in consistently towards the southern end of the beach around uShaka and the pier.

Another bonus? June is peak safari season in South Africa, so it’s an excellent time to mix surf with a trip inland to Kruger National Park or another game reserve like Hluhluwe–iMfolozi Park, which is closer to Durban and has elephants galore!

Recommended for: Beginner-Intermediates

Tofo is an up-and-coming surf destination that combines beautiful white-sand beaches with clear, warm water on the Indian Ocean coast of Mozambique.

June brings in south swells that light up the right-hand point break, which is the main break in town.

There are also fun, wedgy beach breaks that suit beginners. It’s not as developed as other surf destinations, but that’s part of the charm—think low-key guesthouses and an incredible marine environment with whale sharks and manta rays just offshore.

Where to stay? Choose the Kumba Lodge. Have you ever seen such a ridiculously nice infinity pool?

Chicama is a goofy-footer’s paradise, home to the longest left in the world. It’s actually kinda’ the only wave in the town but that’s okay because it’s over the top good.

June is prime time for south swells, which send endless, leg-burning walls peeling down off the point. On its best days, you can ride for over a minute, kicking out only because your legs can’t take any more and then either doing fitness runs with the paddle back or cheating and taking a taxi boat.

While there are other waves in the region, Chicama is the main draw and pretty good fun. The infrastructure has improved in recent years, with beachfront hotels offering surf-focused stays. That said, the vibe is still very much chill, surf, chill, surf some more.

Where to stay? Chicama Boutique Hotel & Spa is right by the main left surf paddle out point and one of the best hotels in town.

Popoyo is Nicaragua’s most famous wave, and for good reason. June is the peak for south swells. It’s when the Pacific is busy sending consistent, powerful surf to this epic A-frame reef break.

I’m talking – of course – about Popoyo’s Main Break. It’s the standout, offering barrels that some consider the best in Central America.

If you want to push your level, book a surf camp with a panga boat, which will allow you to explore even heavier waves in the region.

About the weather: Yes, it’s the rainy season, but that also means fewer crowds and pumping surf.

Where to stay? Hide and Seek Resort has brought something special to Popoyo. It’s all very new. The service is top-notch. And they have board racks, ice baths, and a sauna.