Surfing in France
SurfScanners covers 3 surf spots in France. Of those, 2 suit beginners, 2 suit intermediates, and 1 suits advanced surfers. Across them, the water averages ~13°C in February and ~23°C in August.
Surf spots in France
Hossegor (La Gravière)
- Level:
- advanced
- Best months:
- Advanced surfers: Oct–Apr
- Water in October:
- ~20°C
Hendaye
- Level:
- beginner–intermediate
- Best months:
- Beginners: Apr–Oct · Intermediates: Sep–Mar
- Water in October:
- ~20°C
Côte des Basques
- Level:
- beginner–intermediate
- Best months:
- Beginners: Apr–Oct · Intermediates: Sep–Mar
- Water in October:
- ~20°C
France water temperature by month
Average across the spots above, with the coldest and warmest spot's in brackets.
January
~13°C (13–14°C): a 4/3mm full suit, boots recommended
February
~13°C: a 4/3mm full suit, boots recommended
March
~13°C: a 4/3mm full suit, boots recommended
April
~15°C (14–15°C): a 3/2mm full suit, boots optional
May
~17°C: a 3/2mm full suit, boots optional
June
~21°C: a 2mm spring suit / shorty
July
~23°C (22–23°C): a 2mm spring suit / shorty
August
~23°C (23–24°C): a 2mm spring suit / shorty
September
~22°C: a 2mm spring suit / shorty
October
~20°C: a 2mm spring suit / shorty
November
~17°C: a 3/2mm full suit, boots optional
December
~14°C (14–15°C): a 4/3mm full suit, boots recommended
Surfing in France: FAQ
When is the best time to surf in France?
For beginners: Apr–Oct. For intermediates: Sep–Mar. For advanced surfers: Oct–Apr. Across the country, waves are biggest in December, averaging 7.0 ft (2.1 m), and smallest in June, at 3.0 ft (0.9 m).
What is the water temperature in France?
Averaged across our 3 spots, it ranges from ~13°C in February to ~23°C in August.
What wetsuit do I need to surf in France?
In February (~13°C): a 4/3mm full suit, boots recommended. In August (~23°C): a 2mm spring suit / shorty.
Is France good for beginner surfers?
Yes. Hendaye and Côte des Basques suit beginners, and the best months for them are Apr–Oct.
Where are the best surf spots in France?
We cover 3 spots in France. Beginner-friendly: Hendaye and Côte des Basques. Advanced only: Hossegor (La Gravière).