Best Time to Surf Carolina (2026)
Carolina, Puerto Rico— Month-by-month surf guide
0
Minimal
Surfing in May
May
Carolina is between peak seasons right now. Expect 2-4 ft waves and 80°F water. Peak month: January.
Surf Score by Month
Score reflects overall surf quality each month — combining peak season activity, water temperature, and crowd levels.
Monthly Breakdown
January
Peak0
Waves4-10 ft
Water temp78°F
Wetsuitboardshorts
CrowdsModerate
Beaches peaking1
Peak north swells, Rincon world-class
February
Peak0
Waves4-8 ft
Water temp77°F
Wetsuitboardshorts
CrowdsModerate
Beaches peaking1
Consistent NW swells, warm water
March
0
Waves3-6 ft
Water temp78°F
Wetsuitboardshorts
CrowdsModerate
Beaches peaking1
Transitional swells, warm water
April
0
Waves2-4 ft
Water temp79°F
Wetsuitboardshorts
CrowdsLow
Beaches peaking0
Spring transition, smaller waves
May
0
Waves2-4 ft
Water temp80°F
Wetsuitboardshorts
CrowdsLow
Beaches peaking0
Small south swell beginnings
June
0
Waves3-6 ft
Water temp81°F
Wetsuitboardshorts
CrowdsModerate
Beaches peaking0
South swells firing, La Parguera
July
0
Waves4-7 ft
Water temp82°F
Wetsuitboardshorts
CrowdsModerate
Beaches peaking0
Peak south shore, warm water
August
0
Waves3-6 ft
Water temp84°F
Wetsuitboardshorts
CrowdsModerate
Beaches peaking0
South swells, hottest water
September
0
Waves2-5 ft
Water temp83°F
Wetsuitboardshorts
CrowdsLow
Beaches peaking0
Transition month, some south swell
October
0
Waves2-5 ft
Water temp82°F
Wetsuitboardshorts
CrowdsLow
Beaches peaking0
North swell season teasing
November
Peak0
Waves4-10 ft
Water temp80°F
Wetsuitboardshorts
CrowdsModerate
Beaches peaking1
North shore wakes up, less crowded than Dec-Jan
December
Peak0
Waves5-12 ft
Water temp79°F
Wetsuitboardshorts
CrowdsHigh
Beaches peaking1
Peak north swells, Rincon contest season
Dawn Patrol vs Afternoon Sessions
Dawn Patrol
- Typically glassier conditions before onshore winds build
- Smaller crowds, especially on weekdays
- Water temps at their coolest — plan your wetsuit for the low end (78°F in winter)
- Best for beach breaks and exposed reef setups in Carolina
Afternoon Sessions
- Onshore winds can create chop, but swell is often more consistent
- Higher crowds on popular beaches, especially weekends
- Water warms through the day — upper end (84°F in summer)
- Sunset sessions can be magic when winds die down
Top Surf Spots in Carolina
Pine Grove
beginnerhigh
Peak: Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar
