December is a good month to learn to surf in Sayulita. The rainy season is behind us, the days are sunny and dry, and the water is still warm. It’s also the month the town changes the most, from calm in the first week to full and festive by Christmas. If you know what to expect, you can enjoy both.
The waves
Winter swells start coming in from the north and northwest around this time of year. Many December days are great for learning in the beginner area: soft waves over a sandy bottom, with water around shoulder height. Some days a bigger swell rolls through and the main breaks come alive. On those days we pick the tide carefully, or suggest La Lancha instead.
As always, the ocean decides. We set your lesson time the day before, once we’ve looked at the tide and the forecast. If you’d like to know more about how the seasons and tides work here, our month-by-month guide goes into more detail.
The water and what to wear
The sea in December averages around 26°C (about 79°F). That’s warm enough that you won’t need a wetsuit. We give you a rash guard with your lesson, which protects you from the sun and from rubbing on the board. Bring reef-safe sunscreen and put it on before you arrive.
Early December: the calm before the season
The first two weeks are one of our favourite times of year. The jungle is still green from the rains, the town is getting busier but isn’t full yet, and there’s usually plenty of room in the water. If you have a choice of dates, this is the easiest time to book a lesson at short notice.
Around December 12, the town celebrates the Virgen de Guadalupe. In the days before, you may hear fireworks and church bells very early in the morning. If you’re a light sleeper, it’s worth knowing. If you’re up anyway, it’s a nice time to walk to the beach and see the town wake up.
Christmas to New Year: busy, festive, and worth planning for
From around December 19, Sayulita fills up. Families arrive for the holidays, there are posadas and parties in the days before Christmas, and on Christmas Eve the fireworks often go on late into the night. New Year’s Eve is one of the liveliest nights of the year here.
For surfing, that means two things.
First, the beginner area gets busier, especially later in the day. Morning sessions are usually calmer, which is one more reason to let us choose your lesson time.
Second, book ahead. Lesson spots over the holidays go faster than any other time of year. Online booking closes 24 hours in advance; after that, send us a WhatsApp and we’ll check what’s still open.
A quieter option: La Lancha
When Sayulita feels crowded, La Lancha is a good escape. It’s a beach about 25 minutes south, reached by our open-air truck and an 8-minute walk through the jungle. The trip leaves every day at 2 p.m., and there’s also a 7 a.m. trip every day for groups of 4 or more. From December 19 to January 3, solo surfers and smaller groups can join the 7 a.m. trip too. Here’s how the day works.
Booking your December lesson
Our 90-minute lessons in Sayulita start from 1,200 pesos per person, with board, leash and rash guard included and a maximum of four surfers per instructor. You pay a $500 MXN deposit per person when you book, and the rest in cash (MXN) at the shop on the day.
New to surfing? Start with Is Sayulita good for beginner surfers?
