August is a funny month for surfing. In the northern hemisphere, we’re still enjoying the summer, but have one eye on the end of the month when swells start to get cooking. In the southern hemisphere, the swell season’s well under way – perhaps seeing a hurricane or two across the month.
But for the traveling surfer, where’s best to go in the month of August that’s a little bit out of the way? Somewhere with shelter, away from the mainstays of the great travel circuit. Here’s a few you may not have thought about.
The Arctic – Prepare For The Cold
Yep. Go north. Then go further. Towards the end of August, the Arctic Ocean starts to wake up, with storms heading southwards (perhaps, obviously…) generating swells for up that way. There are multiple surf zones that benefit from the Arctic getting going, so keep an eye on the charts to lock in your best bets. Late summer storms can also break up blocking ice across the Arctic, allowing you access to some surf spots that may have been out of reach before, if you’re feeling really adventurous. But how do you get to the Arctic and what about a guide? Don’t worry, check in with Arctic Surfers to go up Iceland way or have a look towards the fringes of Alaska around the Yakutat area. Remote, cold and potentially golden – if the storms deliver.
Nova Scotia – Late Summer Hurricanes?
During August, there is the potential for late season hurricanes. Look at 2025’s Hurricane Erin that delivered a dominating run of swell during August – the likes of which hadn’t been seen in decades. It can happen. All the usual suspects will be living up to their name, but have you considered Nova Scotia? Canada’s Atlantic coast is filled with set-ups that will make your head spin. Crowds are at a minimum maybe due to the fact the water’s in the 50s. That quiet is backed by forests and some of Canada’s most stunning countryside. As with the Arctic, keep an eye on the storm tracks, the hurricanes and a late summer pulse in order to score. But when you do, it’ll be a surf trip like no other.
Japan – South of Tokyo
The surfing world knows about Japan’s surf scene, likely propelled into the mainstream thanks to the country hosting the first ever surfing Olympics. But that was in Chiba, towards the east of the sprawling metropolis of Tokyo. Head south though and you will find Chigasaki, a coastal city located in the Kanagawa Prefecture – and cited as the birthplace of Japanese surfing. The city’s southern beach is roughly rectangular and laps up swell as it moves to shore. There’s a bunch of beachbreaks along the coast, but no matter where you’re surfing, you’ll have a dazzling view of Mount Fuji. The coast faces into Sagami Bay, protected on the eastern side by a hook-shaped headland. While Chiba may offer a bit more consistency and open to more swell, Chigasaki is a solid back-up and around a two hour drive away anyway. While August isn’t peak season, towards the end of the month would be the time to go and make the most of some late summer swell.
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India – Monsoon Season Erupts
August is right in the heart of India’s monsoon season, that technically means it’s swell season, especially for the country’s south west regions. There will be swells for parts of the country, and the coast’s angle is ripe for plucking surf out of the ocean. But that comes with a caveat. The monsoon season also means rain and dodgy wind. Watch for the moments before and after a storm to make the most of the conditions and a more organized swell pattern. Goa and Kerala are the standout surf zones for the west coast, but there’s also a surf community on the country’s eastern flank. Mahabalipuram, known locally as Mahabs, is an historic coastal town in Tamil Nadu – and is widely regarded as one of the best surf spots in the country. There’s a right-hand, sand-bottomed point break that will rival anywhere else in the world and runs off a wall near a temple. August is peak season for this wave to come to life – amongst a friendly, fairly-chilled fishing village vibes. Just be aware it’s near a fishing factory, so it’s a gamble on water cleanliness. Your best bet, if you’re thinking about heading that way, is check in with the crew at Mumu Surf School, right on the beach. They will be able to advise on conditions and help you out.
Thailand – Away From Crowds
During August, Thailand is also in Monsoon season, meaning the country is susceptible to swells from out of the Andaman Sea. Largely considered the home of Thailand’s surf scene, Phuket is the main hub to get to with Kata Beach the country’s main break. But there’s more around Phuket too – you just need to watch out for those storm-generating swells that deliver surf across the Bay of Bengal and beyond. The same swell that squeezed under South Africa can also gather momentum and deliver waves for the Maldives, India, Indonesia, Australia and if it’s big enough, can filter through into Thailand too. But the localized south west monsoon swells are what the locals are really looking out for – at least in the Andman Sea. Swells out of the Gulf of Thailand need to move in from the north east. Keep an eye on the wider charts though and check in with local surf schools to really dial in your forecast.
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