Lombok is one of Indonesia’s top surf destinations, offering consistent waves, beautiful beaches, and an inviting atmosphere for surfers of all levels. However, if you’re planning to take surf lessons, timing can make a significant difference. The island experiences two main seasons, and each offers its own unique surf conditions. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the best time for surf lessons in Lombok, ensuring that you have the best possible experience, whether you’re a beginner or an intermediate surfer. At LMBK Surf House, we’re dedicated to ensuring you hit the water at the perfect time, with personalized lessons designed around the island’s changing surf conditions.
You can also check out the LMBK Lombok surf forecast on the LMBK website, to help plan your trip and stay up to date with local conditions. Our in-house surf guide shares detailed information about optimal swell direction, wind direction, periods and wave size, so you can aim to come when your favorite waves are firing to match your skill level. Note that while surf forcast can be quite accurate at predicting the landfall of waves that are generated 10’s of thousands of miles away, there is a margin of error and we cannot guarantee how exactly a swell will show up.
Understanding Lombok’s Surf Seasons: Dry vs. Wet
Lombok has two distinct seasons: the dry season (May to October) and the wet season (November to April). Each season affects the surf conditions in different ways, influencing everything from wave size to crowd levels.
Dry Season (May to October): Ideal for Consistent Waves and Clear Conditions
The dry season is widely considered the best time for surfing in Lombok, particularly for intermediate to advanced surfers. During these months, the island benefits from consistent swells generated by storms deep in the Indian Ocean, and the trade winds blow a steady SE on the southern and western coasts. The mornings can be glassy and the swell is almost alway up, with a few of the waves catching a consistent cross to offshore breeze throughout the day.
However, beginners can also enjoy the conditions during the dry season, as beaches like Selong Belanak, Tanjung A’an, Ekas and Grupuk offer smaller, manageable waves for those just learning to surf. The water visibility is crystal clear during this period, and the sunny weather makes for perfect beach days. Morning sessions are thus the go to this time of the year, with the SE trade winds coming up mid to late mornings.
This time of the year, we tend to go for the early sessions and then to rock an afternoon session of Surf Skate at Tribe Resto & Skatepark. A mellow bowl with sections for beginners to advanced, it’s also got a great canopy to protect from the sun and some delicious food to recharge with between sessions.
At LMBK Surf House, we often recommend the dry season to our students who are looking for consistent challenging waves and easy-to-predict surf conditions. Our surf lessons are however, designed to match your skills to the conditions, ensuring you’re surfing the best breaks each day.
Wet Season (November to April): Smaller Crowds and Softer Waves
The wet season brings a shift in surf conditions, with smaller swells and occasional rain showers. While some might assume that the wet season is less ideal for surfing, it actually offers excellent opportunities for beginner surfers. During these months, the waves are typically smaller, softer, and more forgiving, making it easier for beginners to catch their first wave without the intensity of larger swells. This season also brings much lighter winds and more glassy conditions. For advanced surfers this swell is still pumping though and so don’t be fooled, smaller just means a foot or 2 down from the dry season more intense swells. Waves that are less manageable with size, like Air Guling, Serangan, Outside Ekas and Outside Gerupuk are fantastic this time of year.
Another bonus of surfing during the wet season is the reduced crowd sizes. Many tourists avoid the island during this time due to the unpredictable weather, but this can work to your advantage. The beaches are less crowded, giving you more space to practice and enjoy your lessons. While rain showers are frequent, they rarely last all day and can actually provide a refreshing break from the tropical heat.
At LMBK Surf House, we adjust our lessons to the wet season conditions, focusing on smaller, beginner-friendly breaks like Ekas inside, Inside Grupuk and Tanjung Aan, ensuring that even during the off-season, you’re learning in optimal conditions.
Dry Season Surfing in Lombok: Best Spots for Lessons
During the dry season, Lombok’s southern and western coasts light up with some of the best surf conditions on the island. While advanced spots like Desert Point attract experienced surfers, there are plenty of beginner-friendly breaks where you can take lessons and steadily improve your skills.
- Selong Belanak remains one of the top beaches for beginners, with its soft, rolling waves that gently break onto a sandy shore. The warm, calm waters make it an ideal location for first-time surfers. During the dry season, the consistent waves provide an easier environment for practicing paddling and popping up, helping you build confidence with every session.
- Tanjung Aan
Another excellent spot for beginners during the dry season is Tanjung Aan. The beach features a stunning, crescent-shaped bay that often has mellow, long waves perfect for practicing your technique. The clear waters and friendly waves create a great learning environment, and our guides at LMBK Surf House will take you there when conditions are just right. With plenty of room to spread out, you’ll have the space you need to learn without feeling crowded. - Don-don’s is a classic choice for beginners in Lombok, especially during the dry season. Here, the waves are typically smaller and less powerful than the outside breaks, making it an ideal place for those just getting started with green waves. Our instructors at LMBK Surf House know how to make the most of these conditions, providing a safe and fun introduction to surfing.
- Ekas Inside is another fantastic spot for beginners and intermediates during the dry season. It offers softer waves that break over deeper reef, providing a more forgiving ride compared to other spots. The waves here are perfect for those looking to transition from beach breaks to reef breaks, offering a smooth, mellow experience that helps build confidence. Our guides will take you to Ekas Inside when the conditions align, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable learning session.
- Secret Spots
In addition to these well-known spots, our local guides have access to a variety of secret spots around the island. These hidden gems often provide perfect conditions for beginners during the dry season, with gentle waves and minimal crowds. By knowing when and where to go, our LMBK Surf House team can take you off the beaten path for a truly unique surf lesson experience.
The variety of surf breaks during Lombok’s dry season means there’s always a suitable wave for every level. Our instructors are ready to guide you to the best locations, ensuring you get the most out of each session.
Wet Season Surfing in Lombok: Perfect for Beginners
The wet season in Lombok brings softer waves and more manageable conditions, which are ideal for beginners looking to learn to surf in a relaxed environment. The changing winds during this period open up a whole new set of surf spots that are less favorable in the dry season, providing a fresh range of breaks to explore.
- Tanjung Aan is a stunning, family-friendly beach that sees fewer crowds during the wet season. The waves become smaller and more forgiving, making it an excellent spot for beginners to take lessons and refine their skills without the intensity of larger swells. Its long, sandy bay offers plenty of room to practice paddling and catching waves at your own pace. Tanjung A’an has left breaks and right breaks at all levels.
- Inside Grupuk (Again!) continues to shine as a beginner-friendly spot during the wet season. Known for its consistency, this break offers smaller, more manageable waves during this time, which are easier for intermediates to handle. The reduced crowds in the wet season give you even more space to practice, allowing for a more comfortable learning experience.
- Air Guling
The wet season brings new life to spots like Air Guling, where the changing winds create clean, beginner-friendly conditions. This break has both a left and a right, providing options depending on the swell direction. Our guides know when Air Guling is at its best and will take you there when the waves are perfect for learning. - Serangan is another spot that begins to turn on during the wet season. With shifting winds and favorable conditions, this reef break offers forgiving waves that are suitable for both beginners and those looking to transition to more intermediate surfing. Our team at LMBK Surf House will monitor the conditions and take you to Serangan when the waves are mellow and manageable.
- Outside Gerupuk & Outside Ekas
In the wet season, spots like Outside Gerupuk and Outside Ekas become more accessible for those seeking a bit of a challenge. While these spots can host bigger swells, they also offer days where the waves are softer and ideal for progressing beginners. With our LMBK Surf House instructors guiding you, you’ll be able to safely navigate these breaks and experience the thrill of riding a variety of waves. - Secret Spots
The changing conditions of the wet season also bring a variety of secret spots to life — breaks that may not work during the dry months suddenly become prime locations for surf lessons. Our local guides at LMBK Surf House have an intimate knowledge of these hidden gems and will tailor your surf experience to the best waves available on any given day.
At LMBK Surf House, we ensure that every surf lesson is adjusted to the current surf conditions. Whether it’s the dry or wet season, our instructors leverage their local knowledge to pick the best breaks for your level, providing a safe and enjoyable learning experience.
What to Expect from Surf Conditions in Lombok
Whether you’re visiting during the dry or wet season, understanding the surf conditions in Lombok is key to getting the most out of your surf lessons. Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect throughout the year:
Dry Season Conditions
- Wave Size: Moderate to large, with consistent swells.
- Wind: Offshore to light winds in the mornings.
- Crowds: Popular surf spots can get crowded, but there’s always room for lessons at beginner-friendly beaches.
- Best For: Intermediate and advanced surfers, though beginners can still enjoy spots like Selong Belanak, Tanjung A’an and Inside Gerupuk.
Wet Season Conditions
- Wave Size: Smaller, softer waves, perfect for beginners. Swells still overhead plus.
- Wind: Light offshore winds, light winds in general throughout the day
- Crowds: Fewer tourists, meaning less crowded beaches and more time with your instructor.
- Best For: Beginner and intermediate surfers looking for quieter beaches and softer waves.
At LMBK Surf House, our instructors closely monitor the surf conditions each day, ensuring that your lessons are scheduled when and where the waves are best for your skill level. Whether you’re visiting in the dry or wet season, we’ll tailor your lessons to make sure you have an enjoyable and rewarding surf experience.
Why LMBK Surf House Offers the Best Surf Lessons in Lombok Year-Round
At LMBK Surf House, we pride ourselves on offering the best surf lessons in Lombok, no matter the season. Here’s why:
- Experienced Instructors: Our team consists of certified instructors who are experts in Lombok’s surf conditions. Whether it’s the dry or wet season, we know exactly where to take you for the best experience.
- Personalized Lessons: We are focused on helping you achieve your goals, ensuring that each surfer receives the attention they need to improve. Whether you’re a beginner or an intermediate surfer, we tailor the lessons to your goals and the conditions.
- Small Group Sizes: With a 1:2 instructor-to-student ratio, you get personalized feedback and more time on the water, maximizing your progress during each lesson.
- Surf Theory and Practice: At LMBK Surf House, we don’t just take you into the water. We also teach surf theory — helping you understand wave patterns, surf etiquette, and safety — so you’re fully prepared for each session.
- Surf Skate Theory and Practice: Surf skateboarding has become a modern stable of surf training. We supply boards and guided lessons 2 times a week at Tribe Resto & Skatepark as part of our daily schedule.
No matter when you visit, LMBK Surf House is committed to providing the best surf lessons in Lombok, ensuring you have an unforgettable experience.
Conclusion
Lombok is a year-round surf destination, offering different but equally rewarding conditions in both the dry and wet seasons. Whether you’re a beginner or intermediate surfer, there’s always a perfect time and place for your lessons. At LMBK Surf House, we make sure that your surf experience is tailored to the current conditions, ensuring you get the most out of your time on the island. So, when is the best time for surf lessons in Lombok? The answer is simple: anytime with LMBK Surf House!
Ready to book your surf lesson? Join us at LMBK Surf House and catch your first wave in one of the world’s most beautiful surf destinations.
