5 Dreamy Off-the-Grid Surf Trips to Chase This July

Jun 28, 2026 971 views

We're heading into the deepest part of the northern hemisphere summer – and is your surf zone experiencing a flat spell? Because mine is, and it is excruciating. Calm, though tropical-looking waters, are rife and locked in, following an intense heatwave that melted car interiors.

It's got us all thinking about some time away. Not necessarily to the usual spots, but to respites from the traveling tourists who flock to coastal communities through the warmer months. Not complaining, tourists have got to get away too – but it's making me think about escaping somewhere.

Anyway, given the time of year, there's a whole bunch of places to head to in July. Some pumping set-ups, some for the novelty factor, and some cruisey longboard set-ups for the longer craft users amongst us. Here's where we landed.

Norway – Surf 24 Hours A Day

This time of year, spots across the Arctic Circle have 24 hours of sunlight. Which means, if you don't mind it, you can surf, nap, surf, nap, ad infinitum. There's the novelty of getting a little pointbreak under a midnight sky – something about it feels ethereal and – dare we say it – cozy. Water temperature is certainly on the cool side, between 50 and 54F so bring a thicker wetsuit if you're planning a mission. Just keep in mind it is summer up there too, so those North Atlantic swells which set Norway off are on the big slow down at the moment. However, if you're looking for a few longboard-centric waves, this could be a brilliant spot to spend your time.

Here, where daylight reigns supreme. Photo: Max Emanuelson.

Uruguay – An Under-Utilized Surf Zone

Most people traveling south stop off in Chile, Peru – or maybe kick it around Mexico and Baja. But located just above Argentina on the Atlantic coast is Uruguay, perhaps one of the unsung heroes of the South America circuit. While the North Atlantic is now in nap mode until autumn, its southern cousin is alive and pumping out warm-water swell all across the region. In fact, South Pacific swells can squeeze underneath South America, then fan out and deliver waves across Uruguay and beyond. It is entirely plausible to surf the same swell in Uruguay then off to the Canaries or Namibia, for example. What's it like surfing in Uruguay? Well there's about 200 kilometers of coast for a start, where the humble beachbreak reigns supreme. There's a few brilliant pointbreaks too, like most places, you just need the swell to start juicing and you're in. July's prime-time for the swell season too – perfect time of year to visit.

You can find something out in Uruguay. Photo: Neleman/Getty Images.
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South Africa – The Wild Coast

When swells start pulling into South Africa, everyone's go-to surf zone is J-Bay – we all know why. It's home to one of the world's greatest pointbreaks that absolutely dazzles when those swells filter through from the South Atlantic. And yet, some 700 kilometers along the country's eastern shoreline is The Wild Coast. While J-Bay is all manicured glory, The Wild Coast is untamed, rugged – and very much for the more adventurous surf traveler. There's all the pointbreak glory, with fewer crowds and at least 250 kilometers to take a peep at. As with any coastline, just remember to be respectful out there – if you bump into anyone.

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Japan – Pacific Coast Could Get Going

Maybe not one that's off the beaten path per se, but a surf zone that may be overlooked across the month of July -- and that's because this coastline can be slow and mild this time of year. But Japan's Pacific coastline is right in the path of powerful typhoons – and July is the start of typhoon season. These tropical storms will start spinning up in the ocean and then deliver swell to the likes of Japan's surfing hub, Chiba, and beyond. Though typhoon swells may be inconsistent, it's worth keeping an eye on the swells across July – you may get that rare run of waves that makes hopping a flight worth it. The water is delightful too, a balmy 77 to 82F -- so bring your boardies or bikini, you're not going to need a wetsuit.

Japan, of course, has a thriving surf culture. Photo: Carl Court/Getty Images.
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Portugal – Away From the Crowds

Portugal is well-known for a few reasons; Supertubos, aka one of the best beachbreak barrels in the world and Nazare, the biggest wave in the world. But that's the skim-off-the-top of what this glorious surf nation can offer. The country's southern coast along the Algarve region is packed with surf set-ups away from the hustle of Peniche (home of Supertubos, much further north). About three-and-a-half hours south of Peniche is the Alentejo Coast, a lesser-trodden path, away from the country's surf hot spots. As with most of the coastline, you will find powerful hollow beachbreaks here, during the right conditions. Across the summer though, and July, everything is more way relaxed, with spots open to longboarders – easier, smaller waves lap to shore with some decent weather to boot. Go with your expectations in check, and that it could be a long wait between swells, and you may uncover a couple of hidden gems.