In summer, Hossegor is France’s surf and party capital. Hossegor in winter reveals a very different side: vast, almost deserted beaches, swells that draw the world’s best surfers, early and blazing sunsets, and a local life that comes back into its own. From our seafront apartments, you can watch the storms roll in while staying snug and warm. Here is why we love Hossegor so much from November to March, and our ideas for making the most of it.
- The show: the big winter swells at La Nord and La Gravière, fed by the Gouf de Capbreton.
- The beach to yourself: kilometres of sand without the crowds, and sunsets from 5.30 pm.
- Festivities: the Ronde des Sables on 12 and 13 December 2026, Christmas markets, the New Year’s Day swim on 1 January.
- Keeping warm: spas, covered markets open all year round, golf at winter rates.
The big-wave season
From autumn to spring, North Atlantic low-pressure systems send long, powerful swells towards the Landes coast. Hossegor is one of the best places in Europe to watch them, thanks to a unique phenomenon: the Gouf de Capbreton, an underwater canyon that begins almost at the beach and plunges to a depth of several thousand metres. Its head concentrates the energy of the swell on the La Nord spot, then the waves re-form over the sandbank at La Gravière, famous for its powerful barrels.
When the surf in Hossegor gets too big, surfers move on to Capbreton, sheltered by its breakwater. And on days of exceptional storms, the most adventurous head for the Basque coast, around fifty minutes away, to catch a glimpse of the giant wave of Belharra off Urrugne, which only breaks a few times a year and can top ten metres.
Take care on stormy days
In winter, the beaches are not supervised and the ocean can be dangerous, even for strong swimmers. Respect the signs, stay away from breakwaters and jetties when the sea is rough, and keep your distance from the edge of the dunes, which storms can undercut. The best vantage point is often still the seafront promenade, or your apartment balcony.
Deserted beaches and early sunsets
This is the luxury of a Landes winter: walking for kilometres on wet sand with only a few surfers and dog walkers for company. The sun sets around 5.30 pm in December and around 6 pm by the end of January, leaving time for a stroll before dinner. Winter skies, swept by Atlantic weather fronts, are often the most spectacular of the year; on cold, dry days, the snow-capped Pyrenees stand out to the south.
Christmas, the Ronde des Sables and the New Year’s Day swim
Winter is also a festive season in Hossegor. On 12 and 13 December 2026, the Ronde des Sables sends motorbikes and quads roaring across the central beach: we have devoted a full article to it. In December, the town puts on its Christmas events; the 2026 programme had not yet been published, but last year the Christmas market was held from 6 to 28 December in Parc Rosny, with a funfair and a fireworks display set to music. Close by, Seignosse holds its Christmas market from 4 to 6 December 2026, on place de la Mairie.
And to start the year, a local tradition: the New Year’s Day swim, on 1 January in the late morning on Hossegor’s central beach. You plunge for a few seconds into water at around 13°C, then warm up over a mulled wine.
What else is there to do in Hossegor in winter?
- The markets: Hossegor’s covered market is open all year round from 8 am to 1 pm, and the Soorts farmers’ market takes place on Saturday mornings. In Capbreton, the covered market opens on Tuesday and Saturday mornings.
- Oysters from the lake: winter is peak season; read our article on the Hossegor sea lake for the oyster huts and tastings.
- Golf: the Hossegor golf course, founded in 1930, switches to winter rates (€88 for an 18-hole round from 16 November to 3 April).
- Spas: several Hossegor hotels open their wellness areas to visitors, ideal after a windswept walk.
- Nature reserves: cranes, greylag geese and spoonbills spend the winter in the marshes around Hossegor, from November to February.
Frequently asked questions
Watch the big waves at La Nord and La Gravière, walk along almost deserted beaches, and enjoy the sunsets, the covered markets and the oysters from the lake, golf at winter rates and December highlights such as the Ronde des Sables and the Christmas markets.
Yes, winter is actually the best season for waves, but they are often big and powerful: it is for experienced surfers only, in a thick wetsuit. Beginners will find gentler conditions in spring and autumn.
The water drops to around 12 to 13°C in the depths of winter, usually in February. To surf, you need a 4/3 mm or 5/4 mm wetsuit, with boots.
Yes, the town puts on Christmas events in December. In 2025, the market was held in Parc Rosny from 6 to 28 December; the 2026 programme will be published by the town hall. Seignosse holds its own from 4 to 6 December 2026.
Fancy watching the storms from your balcony, a blanket over your knees? Discover our apartments in Hossegor, facing the ocean. And for calmer days, read 48 hours in Hossegor without surfing.
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