Best Time to Surf Indonesia
The best time to surf Indonesia is April to October: that is when the most breaks are at their best — 36 of the 37 Indonesia breaks we map at the peak.
Last updated · Counted from the surf breaks we map — each break's own season, level and wave type
Surf in Indonesia month by month
How many of the 37 breaks we map in Indonesia are at their best in each month, and which ones. The busiest months are highlighted.
January
1 at their best · 2 in season
February
1 at their best · 2 in season
March
1 at their best · 2 in season
April
32 at their best · 32 in season
Beng Bengs, Bintangs, Coffins, Dermaga, Dirty Hippies, G4's, Icelands, Limestone +24 more
May
35 at their best · 35 in season
Beng Bengs, Bintangs, Coffins, Dermaga, Dirty Hippies, G4's, Icelands, Kuta Beach +27 more
June
36 at their best · 36 in season
Beng Bengs, Bintangs, Coffins, Dermaga, Dirty Hippies, G4's, Icelands, Kuta Beach +28 more
July
36 at their best · 36 in season
Beng Bengs, Bintangs, Coffins, Dermaga, Dirty Hippies, G4's, Icelands, Kuta Beach +28 more
August
36 at their best · 36 in season
Beng Bengs, Bintangs, Coffins, Dermaga, Dirty Hippies, G4's, Icelands, Kuta Beach +28 more
September
36 at their best · 36 in season
Beng Bengs, Bintangs, Coffins, Dermaga, Dirty Hippies, G4's, Icelands, Kuta Beach +28 more
October
35 at their best · 35 in season
Beng Bengs, Bintangs, Coffins, Dermaga, Dirty Hippies, G4's, Icelands, Kuta Beach +27 more
November
1 at their best · 2 in season
December
1 at their best · 2 in season
Lefts, rights and peaks in Indonesia
Every break we map here, by what the wave breaks over and which way it peels — a left peels to the surfer's left as they ride towards the beach.
| Break type | Lefts | Rights | Both ways / A-frames |
|---|---|---|---|
| Point | Medewi, Nihiwatu, Ujung Bocur | Dermaga, Outer Monkeys, Sipika Point | — |
| Reef | Beng Bengs, Dirty Hippies, G4's, Icelands, Limestone, Mangrove, Telescopes, Tikus, Uluwatu, Padang Padang, Macaronis, G-Land, Desert Point, Bingin, T-Land, Lance's Left | Bintangs, Coffins, Dermaga, Jasri Beach, Monkeys, Northern Rights, Ombak Tidur, Outer Monkeys, Sipika Point, Yo-Yo’s, Keramas, Lance's Right / Hollow Trees, Lagundri Bay | Middle Reef, Pantai Ujung |
| Beach | — | — | Kuta Beach, Canggu |
Season at every Indonesia break
Each break's stated season, with its best months filled in.
- Jasri Beach
Jasri
- Wave
- Cobblestone Point Break · Right
- Level
- Intermediate / Advanced
- Season
- November through March
- Tide
- Mid tide, preferably incoming
- Watch out
- Jasri’s slippery cobblestone entry and exit require care, with local guidance recommended to identify the safest access point. The break favors mid tide and larger swells; expect fast sections at low tide, backwash at high tide and competitive crowds when conditions align. Protect your feet and fins, respect the local lineup, and be prepared for limited water-safety coverage.
- Lance's Left
Katiet, Sipora (Mentawai Islands)
- Wave
- Reef break · Left
- Level
- Intermediate
- Season
- April - October
- Tide
- Mid to High tide
- Watch out
- Shallow coral reef and strong currents. Low tide exposes the reef. Getting caught inside on bigger sets is a real risk. Medical care is remote, so surf within your level and travel insured.
- Lance's Right / Hollow Trees
Katiet, Sipora (Mentawai Islands)
- Wave
- Reef break · Right-hand
- Level
- Advanced
- Season
- April to October (dry season)
- Tide
- Best on a mid-to-high tide
- Watch out
- Breaks over shallow coral or rock reef — booties are recommended and mind the take-off zone.
- Bintangs
Katiet
- Wave
- Reef break · Right
- Level
- Intermediate - Advanced
- Season
- April–October
- Swell
- S–SW
- Tide
- Rising Tide; Mid–High preferred for a more forgiving shoulder
- Watch out
- Shallow Coral Reef • Sharp Reef • Slabby Takeoff • Powerful Barrel • Sea Urchins • Strong Currents • Boat Traffic • Remote Medical Care
- Kuta Beach
Kuta
- Wave
- Beach break · Left / Right
- Level
- All Levels
- Season
- May through October
- Tide
- Mid Tide
- Watch out
- Although Kuta has a forgiving sandy bottom, shifting sandbars can create strong currents, closeouts and unpredictable peaks. Avoid crowded lesson areas, use extra caution during larger swells and be aware of possible debris and pollution during the wet season.
- Beng Bengs
Masokut Island
- Wave
- Reef Break · Left
- Level
- Intermediate - Advanced
- Season
- April – October
- Tide
- All Tides / Mid preferred
- Watch out
- Coral Reef • Shallow Inside • Urchins • End-Section Closeout • Currents at Size • Moderate Crowds
- Sipika Point
Telo
- Wave
- Point Break · Right
- Level
- Intermediate to Expert
- Season
- April–October
- Tide
- All tides
- Watch out
- Excellent on solid SW–W swell with E–NE winds. mproves substantially with size and can handle large swell. Shallow reef, strong currents, powerful surf, swell dependent, wind sensitive, remote location, boat access, limited emergency services, experienced surfers recommended.
- Dirty Hippies
West Sumbawa Regency
- Wave
- Reef Break Slab · Left
- Level
- Advanced to Expert
- Season
- April–October
- Tide
- Mid to High
- Watch out
- Very shallow, sharp coral, rocks and boulders. Steep take-off, heavy lip and high-consequence wipeouts; low tide can be dangerously shallow. Difficult entry and exit and stronger currents on bigger swells. Experience on powerful tropical reefs is strongly recommended.
- Northern Rights
West Sumbawa
- Wave
- Reef Break · Right
- Level
- Intermediate, Advanced, Expert
- Season
- April–October
- Tide
- Mid to High Tide
- Watch out
- Shallow and sharp coral reef, rocks, fast takeoffs, powerful and hollow sections, strong currents possible, tide sensitive, swell dependent, and higher consequences on larger days. Low tide can expose the reef. Best suited to confident intermediate through expert surfers.
- Yo-Yo’s
Western South Pagai Island
- Wave
- Reef break · Right
- Level
- Intermediate + Advanced
- Season
- May–October
- Swell
- S–W / SW
- Tide
- All Tides; Rising/Mid preferred
- Watch out
- Shallow Uneven Reef • Sharp Coral • Steep Takeoff • Fast Hollow Sections • Strong Currents • Difficult Exit at Size • Crowds
- Bingin
- Wave
- Reef break · Left-hand
- Level
- Advanced
- Season
- April to October (dry season)
- Tide
- Best on a mid-to-high tide
- Watch out
- Breaks over shallow coral or rock reef — booties are recommended and mind the take-off zone.
- Canggu
- Wave
- Beach break · A-frame peaks (lefts and rights)
- Level
- Beginner
- Season
- April to October (dry season)
- Tide
- All tides; sandbar-dependent
- Watch out
- Rip currents form between the sandbars — always check conditions before paddling out.
- Coffins
- Wave
- Reef break · Right
- Level
- Advanced, Expert
- Season
- April–October
- Tide
- Mid to High
- Watch out
- Very shallow coral reef, fast takeoff, powerful barrel, limited exit opportunities, high-consequence wipeouts, reef exposure, changing tides, remote location and limited emergency services. Advanced and expert surfers only.
- Dermaga
- Wave
- Point Reef Break · Right
- Level
- Intermediate, Advanced, Expert
- Season
- April–October
- Tide
- Rising to High
- Watch out
- Sharp reef, sea urchins, strong currents possible, powerful surf on larger swells, tide sensitive and sharp mangrove roots at the end of the ride. Avoid riding too far into the mangrove forest. Reef booties can be useful. Conditions become substantially more challenging during large swells.
- Desert Point
- Wave
- Reef break · Left-hand
- Level
- Advanced
- Season
- April to October (dry season)
- Tide
- Best on a mid-to-high tide
- Watch out
- Breaks over shallow coral or rock reef — booties are recommended and mind the take-off zone.
- G-Land
- Wave
- Reef break · Left-hand
- Level
- Advanced
- Season
- April to October (dry season)
- Tide
- Best on a mid-to-high tide
- Watch out
- Breaks over shallow coral or rock reef — booties are recommended and mind the take-off zone.
- G4's
- Wave
- Reef break · Left
- Level
- Intermediate to Advanced
- Season
- April - October
- Swell
- S–SW–W
- Tide
- Low to Mid Tide
- Watch out
- Coral Reef • Fast Sections • Shallow Water at Low Tide • Reef Cuts • Remote Location
- Icelands
- Wave
- Reef break · Left
- Level
- Intermediate to Expert; advanced only when large
- Season
- April–October; year-round potential
- Swell
- W - SW
- Tide
- Low to Incoming / Mid Tide
- Watch out
- Powerful Barrels • Heavy Hold-Downs • Coral Reef • Large Cleanup Sets • Strong Currents • Remote Medical Access
- Keramas
- Wave
- Reef break · Right-hand
- Level
- Intermediate
- Season
- April to October (dry season)
- Tide
- Best on a mid-to-high tide
- Watch out
- Breaks over shallow coral or rock reef — booties are recommended and mind the take-off zone.
- Lagundri Bay
- Wave
- Reef break · Right-hand
- Level
- Advanced
- Season
- June to September
- Tide
- Best on a mid-to-high tide
- Watch out
- Breaks over shallow coral or rock reef — booties are recommended and mind the take-off zone.
- Limestone
- Wave
- Reef Break · Left
- Level
- Intermediate, Expert, Advanced
- Season
- April–October
- Tide
- Rising, High, Falling
- Watch out
- Sharp and shallow coral reef, sea urchins, powerful waves, strong currents possible, long paddle to and from the lineup, rocky access on one side of the bay and seaweed farms with exposed metal pipes near the shore-access area. Low tide increases reef exposure. Save enough energy for the long paddle back to shore.
- Macaronis
- Wave
- Reef break · Left-hand
- Level
- Advanced
- Season
- April to October (dry season)
- Tide
- Best on a mid-to-high tide
- Watch out
- Breaks over shallow coral or rock reef — booties are recommended and mind the take-off zone.
- Mangrove
- Wave
- Reef · Left
- Level
- Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced
- Season
- April–October
- Tide
- Rising to High
- Watch out
- Sharp coral reef that gets shallow at lower tide, sea urchins and a long paddle. Currents are possible and sections get more powerful as the swell builds. Beginners should avoid low tide and surf small days with local guidance.
- Medewi
- Wave
- Point break · Left-hand
- Level
- Intermediate
- Season
- April to October (dry season)
- Tide
- All tides; best on a pushing tide
- Watch out
- Rocks and strong currents run around the point, so plan your entry and exit carefully.
- Middle Reef
- Wave
- Reef Break · Left / Right
- Level
- All Levels
- Season
- April–October
- Tide
- Mid to High and Best with Rising Tide
- Watch out
- Sharp coral reef, shallow reef at lower tides, strong currents possible when the swell increases, sea urchins, tide sensitive and more powerful on larger days. Beginners should surf during smaller conditions with sufficient water over the reef and preferably with local guidance.
- Monkeys
- Wave
- Fun, open-faced, user-friendly right · Right
- Level
- Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced
- Season
- April–October
- Tide
- Mid to High Tide
- Watch out
- Reef bottom, shallow sections at lower tide, changing tides, stronger and faster on larger swells, beginners should surf under appropriate conditions/guidance, remote location, limited emergency services.
- New Schools
- Wave
- Right
- Level
- Intermediate, Advanced, Expert
- Season
- April–October
- Tide
- High
- Watch out
- Reef bottom, fast and heavy sections, powerful takeoff, barrel sections, shallow reef exposure, higher consequences as swell increases, remote location and limited emergency services. Best suited to confident intermediate through expert surfers.
- Nihiwatu
- Wave
- Point break · Left-hand
- Level
- Advanced
- Season
- April to October (dry season)
- Tide
- All tides; best on a pushing tide
- Watch out
- Rocks and strong currents run around the point, so plan your entry and exit carefully.
- Ombak Tidur
- Wave
- Reef break · Right
- Level
- Intermediate to Advanced
- Season
- April – October
- Swell
- W – SW
- Tide
- Mid to High Tide
- Watch out
- Coral Reef • Fast Closing Sections • Strong Currents • Difficult Paddle-Out • Shallow Reef • Remote Location
- Outer Monkeys
- Wave
- Reef Point Wave · Right
- Level
- Intermediate, Advanced, Expert
- Season
- April–October
- Tide
- Mid to High
- Watch out
- Reef bottom, powerful surf, large swell exposure, shifting peaks, barrel sections, strong currents possible, significantly more consequential at larger sizes, step-up board recommended on solid swells, remote location and limited emergency services.
- Padang Padang
- Wave
- Reef break · Left-hand
- Level
- Advanced
- Season
- April to October (dry season)
- Tide
- Best on a mid-to-high tide
- Watch out
- Breaks over shallow coral or rock reef — booties are recommended and mind the take-off zone.
- Pantai Ujung
- Wave
- Fast, powerful reef wave with occasional hollow and barreling sections · Right-hand, with occasional shorter lefts
- Level
- Intermediate - Advanced
- Season
- May - October
- Tide
- Mid to High Tide
- Watch out
- Pantai Ujung is a powerful, shallow reef break with currents, challenging access and limited water-safety coverage. Check the tide and entry route, avoid surfing after heavy rainfall, and seek current advice from experienced local surfers before paddling out.
- T-Land
- Wave
- Reef break · Left-hand
- Level
- Intermediate
- Season
- April to October (dry season)
- Tide
- Best on a mid-to-high tide
- Watch out
- Shallow coral reef, so booties are recommended. Rote is remote, with basic medical care; travel with a first-aid kit and insurance.
- Telescopes
- Wave
- Reef break · Left
- Level
- Intermediate to Expert
- Season
- April - October
- Swell
- W - SW
- Tide
- Moving Tide / Mid Tide
- Watch out
- Coral Reef • Powerful Barrels • Fast Sections • Strong Currents • Shallow Inside Reef • Larger-Swell Power • Remote Medical Access
- Tikus
- Wave
- Reef break · Left
- Level
- Beginner - Advanced
- Season
- April – October
- Swell
- S–SW–W
- Tide
- Mid to High; all tides with larger swell
- Watch out
- Coral Reef • Shallow Sections • Reef Cuts • Stronger Surf on Large Swells • Remote Medical Access
- Ujung Bocur
- Wave
- Point break · Left-hand
- Level
- Intermediate
- Season
- April to October (dry season)
- Tide
- All tides; best on a pushing tide
- Watch out
- Rocks and strong currents run around the point, so plan your entry and exit carefully.
- Uluwatu
- Wave
- Reef break · Left-hand
- Level
- Advanced
- Season
- April to October (dry season)
- Tide
- Best on a mid-to-high tide
- Watch out
- Breaks over shallow coral or rock reef — booties are recommended and mind the take-off zone.
Surf spots in Indonesia by level
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to surf Indonesia?
The best time to surf Indonesia is April to October: that is when the most breaks are at their best — 36 of the 37 Indonesia breaks we map at the peak.
Can you surf Indonesia all year round?
Yes. At least one of the 37 breaks we map in Indonesia is in season in every month of the year, though the most are at their best in April to October.
When is the best time for beginners to surf Indonesia?
The 6 beginner-rated breaks we map in Indonesia (Kuta Beach, Mangrove, Middle Reef, Monkeys, Tikus and Canggu) are mostly at their best in April to October. Smaller days in the shoulder months are easier to learn on.
Which surf breaks in Indonesia are lefts and which are rights?
Lefts: Beng Bengs, Dirty Hippies, G4's, Icelands, Limestone, Mangrove, Telescopes and Tikus. Rights: Bintangs, Coffins, Dermaga, Jasri Beach, Monkeys, New Schools, Northern Rights and Ombak Tidur. The table below splits every break we map in Indonesia by type and direction.