Surfing in El Salvador
SurfScanners covers 4 surf spots in El Salvador, including spots in La Libertad. Of those, 1 suits beginners, 3 suit intermediates, and 4 suit advanced surfers. Across them, the water averages ~29°C in January and ~31°C in July.
Surf spots in El Salvador
El Tunco
La Libertad
- Level:
- intermediate–advanced
- Best months:
- Intermediates: Aug, Nov–Apr · Advanced surfers: May–Nov
- Water in October:
- ~30°C
Punta Roca
La Libertad
- Level:
- advanced
- Best months:
- Advanced surfers: May–Nov
- Water in October:
- ~30°C
El Sunzal
La Libertad
- Level:
- beginner–advanced
- Best months:
- Beginners: Aug, Nov–Apr · Intermediates: Feb, Apr, Jul–Aug, Oct–Nov · Advanced surfers: May–Nov
- Water in October:
- ~30°C
El Zonte
La Libertad
- Level:
- intermediate–advanced
- Best months:
- Intermediates: Aug, Nov–Apr · Advanced surfers: May–Nov
- Water in October:
- ~30°C
El Salvador water temperature by month
Average across the spots above, with the coldest and warmest spot's in brackets.
January
~29°C: boardshorts or a rashguard, no wetsuit needed
February
~29°C: boardshorts or a rashguard, no wetsuit needed
March
~29°C: boardshorts or a rashguard, no wetsuit needed
April
~30°C: boardshorts or a rashguard, no wetsuit needed
May
~31°C: boardshorts or a rashguard, no wetsuit needed
June
~31°C: boardshorts or a rashguard, no wetsuit needed
July
~31°C: boardshorts or a rashguard, no wetsuit needed
August
~31°C: boardshorts or a rashguard, no wetsuit needed
September
~31°C: boardshorts or a rashguard, no wetsuit needed
October
~30°C: boardshorts or a rashguard, no wetsuit needed
November
~29°C: boardshorts or a rashguard, no wetsuit needed
December
~29°C: boardshorts or a rashguard, no wetsuit needed
Surfing in El Salvador: FAQ
When is the best time to surf in El Salvador?
For beginners: Aug, Nov–Apr. For intermediates: Aug, Nov–Apr. For advanced surfers: May–Nov. Across the country, waves are biggest in June, averaging 4.5 ft (1.4 m), and smallest in December, at 2.8 ft (0.9 m).
What is the water temperature in El Salvador?
Averaged across our 4 spots, it ranges from ~29°C in January to ~31°C in July.
What wetsuit do I need to surf in El Salvador?
Year-round (~29-31°C): boardshorts or a rashguard, no wetsuit needed.
Is El Salvador good for beginner surfers?
Yes. El Sunzal suits beginners, and the best months for it are Aug, Nov–Apr.
Where are the best surf spots in El Salvador?
We cover 4 spots in El Salvador. Beginner-friendly: El Sunzal. Intermediate and up: El Tunco and El Zonte. Advanced only: Punta Roca.