The Bluff • Surf Spot Statistics

Best Surf Season (May - August)

As autumn deepens into winter, the Southern Ocean storm track switches on and The Bluff sees its most consistent run of quality surf. Average swell heights climb to 4.9-5.2ft (1.5-1.6m), periods stretch to 13.8-14.1s, and the wind rose begins to favor the ESE/SE/SSE quadrant, pushing clean conditions into the 26-36% range. While pure W/NW swell remains scarce, the persistent SSW-SW groundswell is enough to keep the break alive; the best days arrive when the SW swell is long-period and the morning breeze is from the southeast.

Fair Surf Season (March - April & September - October)

The shoulder months are a mixed bag. March and April run a bit smaller, around 4.3ft (1.3m), but periods are already building and ideal-wind percentages are improving. September and October match the winter months for size at 5.2ft (1.6m), yet stronger S/SSW winds cut the clean-window percentage sharply. Patience is key here: narrow windows of ESE/SE offshore flow can produce excellent waves, but the default conditions are more challenging.

Low Surf Season (November - February)

Summer is the quietest chapter at The Bluff. Average periods drop to 11-11.8s, average heights ease to 4.3-4.6ft (1.3-1.4m), and ideal wind percentages fall to 7-16%. The swell direction is still dominated by SSW/SW, but the shorter period and persistent S/SSW winds make the surf softer, lumpier, and less predictable. Early mornings with light ESE flow remain the best bet for a clean session.