In the Philippines, the wind shapes the sea. The northeast monsoon, known as Amihan, comes each year from around November through March. During this time, winds blow from the northeast across the islands. These winds shape the waves that surfers ride.
Surfers read the wind the same way fishermen read the tides. The direction and strength of the wind change what the swell does and how the sea behaves. When Amihan blows, it pushes waves toward shore. In many places on the east and west coasts, this means better surfing.
January falls near the heart of the Amihan season. The winds tend to be strong and steady. They stir the waters and build swells that can be ridden along beaches and reef breaks. For many surf spots in the Philippines:
La Union
In places like La Union, the northeast trade winds help produce consistent surf from October into April. January often sits near the middle of this window, when the winds have been building and the ocean has had time to respond.
Boracay
On islands like Boracay, the Amihan also affects water conditions. While the western side stays calmer, the eastern side, like Bulabog Beach, sees steady, rideable waves. These conditions suit not only traditional surfing but windsurfing and kiteboarding too.
Siargao
Siargao is a special case. Its world-class reefs face the Pacific Ocean, and the ideal months for big, clean swells are often later in the year, around September and October. Still, during January, the northeast winds stir up consistent swell and frequent waves at many breaks, even if winds can make conditions choppy. Surfers can still find good rides at protected spots.
Better Surfing
Surfers who come in early January often find less competition in the water than in December. In short, it works as one of the best months to surf in the Philippines because the Amihan monsoon is in full swing. The winds are strong, the swells build steadily, and surf spots that rely on steady northeast energy come alive.
For surfers who like reliable waves and active conditions, January often delivers.
