Conditions at Strand in January
January: The Cape Doctor Rules
The new year opens with a solid SW swell regime at Strand. Average waves sit around 7ft (2.1m) with a strong 11.1s period, and the swell mix is excellent: SSW accounts for 20.7% and SW 32.7%, with a minor 6.1% from WSW. In other words, the open-ocean windows are firing. The problem is wind. SE and SSE winds combine for 46.7% of all observations, feeding the familiar summer 'Cape Doctor' and leaving only 19% ideal surf windows. Early-morning E/NE light winds offer the best chance before the sea breeze kicks in. With water temperature at 17.6°C, an average air temperature of 21.3°C and low rainfall, exposure is warm and summer-like, but wave quality is often wind-bumped.
Average Spot conditions at Strand in January
Swell history for January
Wind history for January
Swell quality
Analyze the groundswell consistency at Strand 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 Strand for your next trip in January.
Ground swell
Ground swell by size
Wind conditions
Evaluate the wind and swell alignment at Strand 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 Strand.