So you pulled the trigger and decided to spend some time on the North Shore in December. What can you expect? In short: very consistent surf with lots of waves, pro contests and world-class surfers when the surf allows, warm water, and the chance to learn to surf yourself. You can also expect company. December is a busy month, so places to stay are hard to find and there is traffic on the weekends.
What is the surf like on the North Shore in December?
December is one of the most consistent months of the year on the North Shore, with lots of waves. That consistency is why the best surfers in the world come to this stretch of Oʻahu every winter, and why December is such a good month to watch surfing from the beach.
The ocean still changes from day to day, and from one spot to the next. A beach that is fun to watch from the sand may not be a place to paddle out.
Can beginners learn to surf on the North Shore in December?
Yes. We teach right through the winter season in the protected waters at Puaʻena Point in Haleʻiwa. The sheltered inside area can offer smaller waves, while the outside break is different territory, which is why it helps to go with a local instructor who can choose the appropriate area. The final lesson location can change with ocean conditions, weather, and instructor judgment.
Every one of our instructors is an American Red Cross certified lifeguard and acts as the in-water lifeguard for their own students. Surfboards and rash guards are provided. We are a women-founded surf school, and our lessons are for everybody: men, women, couples, families, and kids.
Our private and semi-private surf lessons and group surf lessons both run in December. For more on winter conditions, read Is it safe to learn to surf on the North Shore in winter?
Will I see pro surfers and surf contests in December?
There is a good chance. December brings pro contests to the North Shore, and they run when the surf allows. Contest schedules change every year, so check our North Shore surf contest calendar for current events before you plan your days.
You can also expect to see pro surfers virtually everywhere you go. Pro surfers are super nice to fans. You can take pictures with them at the beach and get autographs signed as well.
However, the North Shore is also the coolest place in the world, being filled with surfers, so it is not cool to approach them in the supermarket, especially Foodland. Say hello at the beach and let them shop in peace.
Is December warm enough for a beach vacation in Hawaiʻi?
Yes. December on the North Shore is a wonderful escape from cold Northern Hemisphere winters, with tropical conditions and warm waters. If you plan to be on the beach or in the water, bring reef-safe sunscreen.
How busy is the North Shore in December?
Busy. Besides great surfing and pro surfer sightings, you can expect to find it hard to find places to stay on the North Shore, so book your lodging early. Expect traffic on the weekends too, and leave extra time to get anywhere.
Surf lessons are by advance reservation, so it is worth adding one to your plans before you arrive. See our lesson options and book your December surf lesson, or call us at 808-637-2977 with questions.