Conditions at Il Porto in October
October: The Wild Card - Autumn Storms and Warm Water
October is the tipping point between summer and winter. Average swell height jumps to 0.7m (2.3ft), and average period reaches 4.7s. Direction-wise, the swell distribution becomes more southerly and more powerful: S (16.9%), SSE (16.1%), SW (11.8%), WSW (11.0%) and SSW (8.5%). The increased SSE component is a sign of deeper low-pressure systems organizing in the western Mediterranean. There is also a noticeable return of 1.5-2m (5-6ft) and even 2-2.5m (6-8ft) swells in the SW/WSW sectors.
The wind statistics show why October is a gamble. SE (12.1%) and SSE (10.8%) are the most common winds, often associated with wet and unstable Sirocco conditions that bring onshore junk. However, NE (8.8%) and NNE (7.2%) still contribute, and when a low tracks just right, a fresh N/NE wind can clean up the SSW swell beautifully. Ideal conditions occur 9% of the time. Water temperature remains warm at 20.9°C, air temperature averages 18.5°C, and precipitation is high at 3.10 mm/day. October can produce the first real 'call the boss sick' days at Il Porto - rare, but when they line up, the beach can actually show off.
Average Spot conditions at Il Porto in October
Swell history for October
Wind history for October
Swell quality
Analyze the groundswell consistency at Il Porto during October. 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 Il Porto for your next trip in October.
Ground swell
Ground swell by size
Wind conditions
Evaluate the wind and swell alignment at Il Porto for October. 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 Il Porto.