The Top 6 November Surf Spots Around the World

November is the heart of fall in the northern hemisphere. The North Pacific and North Atlantic are in full wave-production mode, cranking out powerful swells for this half of the globe.

In November, more low-pressure systems form over the northern hemisphere's oceans, producing swells that sweep across open water and ripple into shore. This month is also a transitional period; toward the end of the month, the Atlantic hurricane season closes and the winter season truly begins.

Throughout the month of November, the days grow shorter, making for incredible low-level light for the savvy surf photographer or filmmaker. It also creates dazzling pre-surf mornings.

Where are the best places across the globe to surf in November? We've got the skinny.

North Shore, Oahu, Hawaii

The swell season opens in November for the North Shore of Oahu. Storms in the North Pacific begin to send powerful waves to surfing's ultimate proving ground at Pipeline, the crown jewel of the seven-mile miracle. It's the start of the influx of the traveling pro circuit who may make their way to Hawaii in November to get some early-season training in before the first major swells of the year descend.

November is also one of the first months that Waimea and Sunset Beach spring to life, which are a further draw for the international circuit. If Waimea reaches a certain size, it is likely The Eddie will run, but the bay ultimately calls the day. Added bonus: the water's toasty—a solid 79 degrees.

Taghazout, Morocco

One of the best surf zones on that side of the world, Taghazout is a draw for the traveling European surfer who may not want to spend thousands on an international flight.

November is the perfect month to visit Taghazout, as the North Atlantic really starts to burst at the seams with solid, powerful swells—and Morocco is well-positioned to lap them up. The country's coastline, in northern Africa, faces straight into the Atlantic.

There are multiple world-class spots in Morocco to sample in November. Anchor Point is one of the planet's best and most-documented waves out of Africa, alongside South Africa's J-Bay. Just up the way is Killers, but it can be a long, shoulder-burning paddle-out when it really switches on. Base yourself in Taghazout during November for warm water, decent waves and a real spirit of adventure.

Peniche, Portugal

If Taghazout has some of the best pointbreaks on the other side of the world, Portugal has some of the best beachbreaks ever seen. Supertubos is a harrowing, hollow, throttling tube that has helped shape local surfers into some of the best barrel riders in Europe.

In November, the water may be cooling down—you'll need a 3/2mm wetsuit or a 4/3mm if you feel the cold—but this is exactly the time of year you want to be in Peniche, the home of Portugal's surf scene.

Peniche is about an hour's drive south of big wave haven of Nazaré. So if the waves get too big, or the storms too wild, you can take a day-trip up to this former sleepy little town and watch waves of up to 80 feet slam into the coastline. Or hunt a bit further north to find some shelter from the full force of the North Atlantic. You'll find waves for all ability levels, so get your fill.

Southwest Coast, Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka's southwest coast officially throws open the swell season gates in November, and consistent swells and quality surf will run through April.

Sri Lanka is still in the northern hemisphere, as it sits about 250 miles above the equator. While the country is known for Arugam Bay, other spots like Hikkaduwa and Weligama come to life under a November swell spell. With reefbreaks on tap, the southwest coast of Sri Lanka is a solid choice for a fall getaway. If you want to go to the more popularized east coast, look to travel from May to September.

Basque Country, Spain

Home to the world's best rivermouth wave at Mundaka, November offers consistent swells as the season really starts to get going for this wonderful surf zone. But Mundaka isn't the only incredible wave on offer here. There is a huge variety of reefbreaks across this north-facing coastline.

If you're after a more metropolitan surf experience, you can base yourself at San Sebastian, a surf city which is home to plenty of pintxos and txakoli, as well as a couple of fun waves that switch on in November. From here, the drive's not far to Mundaka, or to surf spots beyond there.

You also have the added bonus of peace—most tourists have left by now, which means the streets won't be crowded in November, and the Airbnbs will be cheaper. The stunning belle epoque architectural style blends with gothic, baroque and modernism for some interesting and jaw-dropping buildings. It's worth a visit for the walk around alone.

Related: Crazy Can Be Fun in the Basque Country

Rincon, Santa Barbara

The Queen of the Coast, Santa Barbara's Rincon, is one of the best waves in the world. Like most northern hemisphere spots in November, this is the month where the swells really begin to fire up, setting off this legendary pointbreak. In addition, large storm systems out of the Gulf of Alaska can help generate big swells that take a sniper shot towards Rincon.

What makes this spot so good? This cobblestone point creates a fun, top-to-bottom wave that can stretch for hundreds of meters. That does mean it can act as a magnet for any watercraft. November also brings classic Santa Ana winds, which can groom Rincon into days of offshore glory.