Little Wanganui • Statistics for January

January: The Summer Lull Hits the Coast

January is the heart of the New Zealand summer, and Little Wanganui pays the price for its north-west exposure. Average swell heights still reach a respectable 5-6ft (1.5-1.8m) with a long-period signal of 11.6s, but the wave energy is heavily concentrated in the WSW (50.7%) and W (22.2%) sectors, leaving the swell window open but not especially consistent. There is plenty of 1-2m groundswell in the mix, though the lack of a strong, sustained source usually means shorter-period windswell on the smaller days.

The real problem in January is wind. Ideal offshore conditions occur only 27 percent of the time, while the onshore W/WNW/NW/NNW sector dominates a large slice of the wind rose. The afternoon sea breeze from the north-west is notorious here, chopping up the surf and making dawn patrol the only sensible option. Water temperature sits at 17.2°C and air temps average 15.6°C, so a steamer or spring suit is still needed. Catch a morning east-south-east offshore under a slow-moving high and you will find fun, rippable walls; just do not expect firing winter quality in the middle of summer.