A very common question at our surf school is when is the best time to surf at our spot in Tarifa. So when the best conditions of waves, water temperature, possible currents, wind and weather in general occur so that the conditions are as optimal as possible for your surf sessions. Whether you are independent or on the other hand you want to take a surf course with us.
We would also like to point out that the best months for waves in Tarifa are the autumn and winter months. This is the time of year when the best Atlantic swells occur and the waves in the entire area of the Gulf of Cadiz and the Strait of Gibraltar are epic.
However, in spring and summer, with the rise in temperatures and the arrival of good weather, there are spectacular days of waves and with the right equipment (specifically large boards – long boards) you can enjoy the best surfing if you choose the right spot in Tarifa and we will help you find it.
Waves in Tarifa and water temperature
We can find waves between 1 and 1.5 metres and a period of between 10 and 17 seconds, perfect for your surfing sessions. If you are a beginner, this size of wave and period is perfect.
If you are more advanced you can even allow yourself the luxury of going with a larger size. But always with caution and a lot of care and respect for the sea.
Before going out to enjoy it, we advise you to check the wave forecast at surfforecast.com or windguru.cz.
There are many applications and websites where you can check the forecast before going where they will tell you with a high level of accuracy.
The height of the wave, direction of the waves, currents, period and many other aspects that will be of vital importance to you.
In Tarifa, the water temperature is due to density currents. Since Tarifa is the border between the Mediterranean and the Atlantic Ocean, the different densities between the water in the Ocean and the Sea produce a thermohaline current or circulation.
This produces a practically flat temperature throughout the year, ranging between 17 and 19 degrees Celsius. A 4-3 wetsuit will be enough to keep you warm and have a more than pleasant surfing session.
I would also like to point out the eternal debate about whether Tarifa is a good place for surfing. The answer is a resounding YES. Obviously there are spots with more waves or waves of a larger size, but there are also handicaps in favour of Tarifa. Portugal, for example, has more waves but the water temperature is freezing and the after-surf atmosphere in Tarifa is one you won’t find anywhere else in the world. The good vibes and fun that await you here are unrivalled.
We are waiting for you with open arms and for anything you need. We are here at your disposal.
Juan Ignacio Fernández Candón
☎️ +34 615683051
Surf Tarifa School