Conditions at Cap Gris-Nez in January
January: Winter Peak, Short-Period Reality
January posts the joint-largest average swell height of the year at 3ft (1.0m), but the average period of 5.3s tells you this is mostly local windswell. The wave rose is dominated by SW (19.9%), WSW (13.8%) and SSW (11.3%) - directions that face away from this north-facing beach. The useful N/NNE/NE/NW/NNW window still delivers 23% of observations, with the best nodes out of NNE (6.0%) and NE (6.8%), mostly in the 2-5ft (0.5-1.5m) range. Winds are dominated by a strong westerly/south-westerly flow, and the true offshore S/SSW/SW share is around 29%, though only 6% of the month offers clean, rideable surf. With air temps at 5.5°C, water at 8°C and rain on 2.1mm/day, winter rubber, hoods and patience are mandatory. When a low pressure system slips through the Channel and NW/NNW swell meets a light SSW offshore, the rewards are punchy, raw and unexpectedly fun.
Average Spot conditions at Cap Gris-Nez in January
Swell history for January
Wind history for January
Swell quality
Analyze the groundswell consistency at Cap Gris-Nez during January. Based on historical data, there is a % probability of groundswell occurring this month. The chart below provides a detailed breakdown of the average wave height distribution, offering deep insights into the swell quality and surf potential you can expect at Cap Gris-Nez for your next trip in January.
Ground swell
Ground swell by size
Wind conditions
Evaluate the wind and swell alignment at Cap Gris-Nez for January. Our analysis shows that favorable offshore or side-shore winds coincide with surfable swell approximately % of the time. The accompanying graph illustrates the average size distribution of waves during these optimal wind windows at Cap Gris-Nez.