Surf and snow season calendar
When is the best time to surf or snowboard? Pick a month and see where the waves and the snow are good around the world.
Pick a month
Good in January
Surf(7)
Hawaii, North Shore (Oʻahu)Peak season
Big, powerful winter swells. For experienced surfers.
Morocco, TaghazoutPeak season
Winter is peak season for the points. Autumn is mellower and better for beginners.
Jæren, NorwayPeak season
Winter, especially January, gives the cleanest days.
Read the article · Source: Elementaction: Cold-water surf spots in Norway
Bali, east coast (Keramas)
Wet season, when the wind suits the east coast better.
Nazaré, Portugal (big waves)
The big-wave contest window. For watching, not for surfing.
Read the article · Source: Elementaction: Nazaré and Mavericks
Lofoten, Norway
Surf under the northern lights. Thick wetsuit, hood, gloves and boots.
Reykjanes, Iceland
Autumn gives the best balance of waves and weather. Summer is often flat.
Read the article · Source: Surfer Today: The best surf spots in Iceland
Snow(5)
The AlpsPeak season
Most resorts are open December–April. High resorts and glaciers are the safest bets early and late.
Read the article · Source: Elementaction: Snowboard Resort Guide
Japan, Niseko (Hokkaido)Peak season
Most powder in January and February, with December close behind.
Read the article · Source: Niseko Promotion Board: Which month is best?
Scandinavia
Dark and snowy in December, sunny spring riding in April–May.
Read the article · Source: Elementaction: Where the Snow Is 2026/27
Canada, Whistler
The season runs from late November into May.
Read the article · Source: Elementaction: Where the Snow Is 2026/27
USA, Mammoth Mountain
Long season, usually November–May. Can last into summer after big snow years.
Read the article · Source: Wikipedia: Mammoth Mountain Resort
The whole year
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Surf | ||||||||||||
| Hawaii, North Shore (Oʻahu) | ||||||||||||
| Hawaii, South Shore | ||||||||||||
| Bali, west coast (Uluwatu) | ||||||||||||
| Bali, east coast (Keramas) | ||||||||||||
| Morocco, Taghazout | ||||||||||||
| France, Spain and Portugal | ||||||||||||
| Nazaré, Portugal (big waves) | ||||||||||||
| Lofoten, Norway | ||||||||||||
| Jæren, Norway | ||||||||||||
| Reykjanes, Iceland | ||||||||||||
| Skeleton Bay, Namibia | ||||||||||||
| Simeulue, Indonesia | ||||||||||||
| Snow | ||||||||||||
| The Alps | ||||||||||||
| Alpine glaciers and high resorts | ||||||||||||
| Alpine glaciers (summer) | ||||||||||||
| Scandinavia | ||||||||||||
| Japan, Niseko (Hokkaido) | ||||||||||||
| Canada, Whistler | ||||||||||||
| USA, Mammoth Mountain | ||||||||||||
| New Zealand, Cardrona | ||||||||||||
Seasons are averages. Always check the forecast and the resort’s own website before you book.