Surfing seasons in Capbreton
Surfing conditions change throughout the year, depending on temperatures and currents. So you can surf in all seasons, but not in the same way.
Discover Capbreton’s surfing seasons, and choose the one that suits you best!
Weather conditions throughout the seasons
Surfing all year round!
Surfing can be enjoyed all year round in almost any part of the world… even the coldest. That’s why the Landes offers an open window on surfing 365 days a year.
It’s all a question of motivation, equipment and physical fitness.
With water temperatures ranging from 12° in winter to around 21° in summer, nothing is impossible for a surfer equipped with the right neoprene layer.
Spring
Spring surfing in Capbreton brings together extremes in weather, with perfect sunny days followed by storms, tiny swells replaced the next day by wagons of big waves, and temperatures starting at 12-13° at the end of March to tease 19° at the beginning of June.
This unstable season is, however, accompanied by a feeling of optimism, with longer days providing surfers with a longer window of opportunity (the possibility of surfing several tides in one day) and temperatures that warm up quickly once the sun is out.
As summer approaches, the average wave size tends to decrease. It’s at this time of year that we begin to discover the potential of new surf spots born of the mixing of water and sand during the winter period and its big swells. In short, plenty of surprises with hours of sunshine to boot! Personally, I’m partial to the period from late May to early June, which often proves to be excellent for surfing.
Summer
Summer is characterized by a significant reduction in average wave size. The Azores anticyclone blocks storms in the North Atlantic and ensures more regular hours of sunshine on our coasts.
Waves are less powerful and more irregular, and the wind direction breaks the swell a little, especially in the afternoon.
Mornings and evenings, when temperatures are lower and the wind calmer, are often “magical” times.
This is the ideal time for learning, with spots that are more accessible to the greatest number of people.
Fall
Autumn is rightly considered the best time of year for surfing in France.
From a purely meteorological point of view, the conditions are often just right for postcard-perfect surfing: the North Atlantic lows are on the rise again, while the Azores anticyclone is still hanging overhead, resulting in nice long swells and still generous sunshine. Temperatures remain pleasant at least until the beginning of November, and winds are also better oriented when the weather is fine, due to a thermal rebalancing between water and land.
A victim of its own success, this season still offers a great deal of excitement in the surfing world, with major events such as the Quiksilver Pro France at the end of September.
If you’re still itching to get out on the water after discovering surfing, don’t hesitate to extend your passion for a weekend or a few days in Autumn…
Winter
Winter also offers its share of pleasant surprises: solid waves every day, and days with no wind or offshore wind.
The major drawbacks are: a daily window that’s too short to deal with the tide, and a sun that sets before the end of work or school (right, kids?).
Neoprene equipment allows you to face the cold in good conditions, but limits movement and gives a feeling of heaviness (right, old guys?) which is not necessarily suited to the challenge offered by the Atlantic at this time of year (waves regularly reaching 3-4 meters…).
In short, it’s best to be fit, well-equipped and willing to take on powerful waves-but for those who like the thrill, it’s a real treat!
An exceptional setting
With attractive conditions in all seasons, it’s an ideal setting for surfing!
Discover the surf spots in Capbreton, Hossegor and Seignosse, or check out the surf weather information we’ve compiled for you:
