Best time to go on a surf trip? Now

Snow at sea level, on the beach at Clifton in Hobart.

Yes it is true, it snowed on the beach at sea level in Australia on Monday morning August 3!

OK, it was in Tasmania, but it is still rare for it to snow at Clifton in Hobart.

The days are now officially getting longer and warmer. The Southern Hemisphere solstice was back on June 21.

However, water temperatures are generally at their coolest in September and early October – around the same time as winter off-shores give way to side/onshore sea breezes.

I’ve always believed that spring is the best time to get out of Australia and take a surfing holiday.

The transition from winter to spring in Australia often delivers lengthy flat spells and straight-ish sand banks.

Meanwhile, the Indian Ocean is still well and truly in season, and usually cranks well into October.

August and September is still pretty much prime time and October is still worthy as the holiday crowds begin to taper.

It is worth noting that so-called “off-season”  in the Ments and Sumatra produces plenty of uncrowded, glassy 3-4ft days.

The Maldives is often glassy and fun throughout October.

The Perfect Wave have some incredible late season deals available right now. Click here or scroll down to learn more.

		ALOITA RESORT – MENTAWAI From $1,722 for 7 nights Boutique surf resort in the heart of the islands, with access to roughly 70% of the region’s breaks. Perfect for surfers, groups or a family that wants to escape for an adventurous getaway
		COBIA – MALDIVES From $1,750 for 7 nights Groups or individuals of up to 10 can share this comfortable boat with air-conditioned cabins. We strive for top value for money on this surf charter.
		HAMATHI – MALDIVES Trips from $1,750 per person Discover remote waves across the Maldives with the best guide in the country. Chase the waves, run away from the crowds and wake up to a new wave each morning.
		HAIRA – MALDIVES Trips from $1,667 per person Let The Perfect Wave surf guide show you Male Atolls and beyond. The boat is so big and spacious, which is great for those post-surf evening dinners and beers.
		MELALEUCA – MENTAWAI Fr. $3,056 for 11 nights – save $480 pp There’s nothing like spending 10 days on this boat, waking up next a new wave each morning and live the ultimate sleep/surf/eat/drink lifestyle.
		SERITI – BANYAKS, NORTH SUMATRA From $3,326 for 11 nights Banyaks get the same swell as Mentawai, but there is only a couple of boats permanently in the region. Seriti is a massive boat, with plenty of space and run by experienced bunch of surfers.
		SAMUDRA BIRU – MENTAWAI Exclusive charters now just $3,958pp (save $625 per person) 3 outdoor chillout areas, onboard photographer, max 10 surfers, great crew, experienced surf guide, free beers daily and high level of service.
		D’BORA – MENTAWAI Exclusive charters now just $3,958pp (save $625 per person). Low season deals + 2016 trips selling out. D’Bora one of the most popular boats because it’s spacious, has a renowned surf guide and is top value for money. Up to 12 surfers in a dorm style accommodation.

Recent Mentawai photos and video by Andy Potts: