Ansteys - surf spot statistics

Best Surf Season (May - August)

During the Southern Hemisphere winter, the Indian Ocean storm track fires up, sending consistent, long-period groundswells towards the South African coast. At Ansteys, these months deliver the most reliable combination of powerful swell and favorable offshore winds. Average wave periods climb to 10.4-10.8 seconds, often bringing pumping to firing conditions in the 1.5-2.5m range. The dominant swell directions shift to include more S and SSE swells, which wrap nicely into the southeast-facing beach. Meanwhile, the percentage of offshore winds from the W, WNW, NW, and NNW peaks at 50-55%, meaning clean, groomed waves are the norm. This is prime time for quality surfing at Ansteys.

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

The shoulder seasons offer a mix of conditions. Swell heights remain solid (1.7-1.8m average) with periods around 9.6-10.0 seconds, providing rippable to solid waves. Offshore wind consistency drops to 28-37%, so you will need to time your sessions carefully. Swell is primarily from the E to SSE quadrant, with an increasing S component later in these months. When the wind does align from the west, the waves can be excellent. However, onshore winds from the east are more common, making morning windows often the best bet.

Low Surf Season (November - February)

Summer in South Africa brings a shift to more easterly wind regimes, which blow directly onshore at Ansteys. Offshore wind consistency falls to just 17-23%, and average wave periods drop to 8.7-9.4 seconds, resulting in average to punchy but often choppy conditions. Swell heights still average 1.6-1.7m, but the shorter periods and persistent onshore winds make for less quality. The dominant swell directions are from the E and ESE, which are also the same directions that bring onshore winds when the wind is from those quadrants. Surfers will find the smallest, messiest waves during these months, though early morning offshore flows can occasionally produce fun sessions.

May: Winter's Promise Arrives

May is the gateway to winter prime at Ansteys. The offshore wind percentage surges to 50%, and the average period stretches to 10.4s. Swell height averages 1.7m, but now the distribution is dominated by S (21.9%) and SSE (19.0%), with a healthy dose of SE (15.6%) and E (15.2%). These longer-period swells from the south deliver powerful lines that wrap into the bay. The trade-wind easterlies weaken, and the wind rose shows a more balanced spectrum: NNE (13.6%), NE (13.5%) still present but softer, while offshore quadrants (W, WNW, NW, NNW) each contribute 3-6%. The increased offshore consistency means wave quality is high—often solid to firing in the 1.5-2.5m range. This is the month when the great winter season begins to unfold.