The Best Time to Surf in Tonga

When to Surf in Tonga

When is there not a good time to surf in Tonga?! Tonga has two distinct seasons, the winter and summer seasons, both providing excellent yet dramatically different conditions for surfing. Each season opens up different surf breaks to enjoy, whether it’s paddling out to the reef breaks in Tongatapu or boating to the epic off-shore breaks in Vava’u. Learn more about the best time to surf in Tonga in the guide below.

For more advice on planning a surf trip to Tonga, take a look at The Ultimate Guide to Surfing in Tonga.

The Best Season to Surf in Tonga for…

Beginners – All year (Tongatapu & Ha’apai only)
Intermediates – All year
Experts – All year
Avoiding the crowds – Summer
Surfing in sunny weather – Winter
Paddling out to surf breaks – Winter
Accessing off-shore breaks by boat – Summer

Winter Surfing in Tonga

Although called the “winter season” between April and October in Tonga, winter is far from a wintery experience. Air temperatures can be anywhere between 19 and 29°C (66-84°F) and the water temperatures are a comfortable 25-28°C (77-82°F). The winter season is also Tonga’s driest season, which means more sunny days and fewer rainy days (not that the rain stops surfers).

One aspect of winter that does affect surfers, however, is the large swells that sweep across Tonga from the Tasman Sea between New Zealand and Australia. This is when Tonga experiences the most reliable surf waves rolling in.

For more specific information on the weather in each month of winter, take a look at the following articles:

Summer Surfing in Tonga

The summer season in Tonga runs from November to March and opens up a range of surf breaks across Tonga thanks to the prevailing swells originating from the North Pacific. Surf conditions are also influenced by the South Pacific cyclone season. East-to-southeast tradewinds prevail during the summer months in Tonga.

As for the weather, summer in Tonga typically sees temperatures of 23-31°C (74-88°F) and sea temperatures of 28.5°C (83°F). UV levels are high, giving you another reason to wear your rashies. Rainfall is more frequent during the summer months.

For more specific information on the weather in each month of winter, take a look at the following articles:

Plus, check out Tonga Weather by Month: What is the Weather Like in Tonga? for a summary of Tonga’s climate.

The Best Time of Day to Surf in Tonga

Tide plays a major part in the condition of the surf breaks in Tonga, as well as in the safety of the breaks. Many of Tonga’s most popular surf breaks, especially in Tongatapu, are best at three hours on either side of high tide. Beginner surfing is best at two hours on either side of high tide at surf breaks recommended for beginners.

See the 10 Surf Breaks in Tongatapu and the 10 Best Surf Breaks in Vava’u for information on the appropriate tides and experience level required to enjoy each break.

More About the Best Time to Surf in Tonga

Now you know about the best time to surf in Tonga, learn more about surfing in the guides below:

Finally, check out if your preferred surf season coincides with other popular things happening in the islands in our guide, The Best Time to Visit Tonga.

Author

Laura (Lola) S.

This article was reviewed and published by Laura, editor in chief and co-founder of Tonga Pocket Guide. Since arriving solo in the South Pacific over 10 years ago with nothing but a backpack and a background in journalism, her mission has been to show the world how easy (and awesome) it is to explore a paradise such as Tonga. She knows the islands inside-out and loves sharing tips on how best to experience Tonga’s must-dos and hidden gems. Laura is also editor of several other South Pacific travel guides.

Contact Laura via our contact page