Arenillas - surf spot statistics

Best Surf Season (October - March)

The North Atlantic winter pattern delivers consistent, powerful swell from the NW quadrant. However, at Arenillas, the ideal window aligns when the swell swings more northerly (N to NNE) and is accompanied by offshore S-SSW winds. These months see the highest average wave heights (1.5m-2.0m) and longest periods (11-14s), providing a solid platform for good surf. The percentage of ideal wind conditions peaks at 38-42%, meaning that a significant portion of the days offer clean, offshore conditions. The combination of long-period groundswell and favorable wind makes this the prime time for Arenillas.

Fair Surf Season (April & September)

Shoulder months see a transition. April still has moderate swell (1.4m avg, 10.9s period) but ideal wind drops to 31%. September sees similar stats (1.2m, 10.4s, 32%). The swell direction remains predominantly from the NW, but the wind patterns become more variable, with fewer consistent offshore windows. You can still score good waves, but you'll need to be selective.

Low Surf Season (May - August)

The summer months bring smaller, weaker swell (0.9-1.1m, periods 8-10s). The dominant NW swell is still present but much less organized, often mixed with short-period windswell. Ideal wind percentages drop to 22-30%, meaning onshore winds (from N-NW) frequently ruin the waves. The surf is generally small and mushy, with only rare opportunities for decent waves when a southerly breeze cleans up the leftover swell. This is a time for groveling and longboard sessions at best.

April: The Spring Lull Begins

April sees a noticeable drop in average swell height to 1.4m and period to 10.9s. The swell direction is still heavily focused on the NW (43.8%) and WNW (18.4%), with a notable increase in NNW (20.3%). This more northerly component is a double-edged sword: while it can produce good waves for the spot, the ideal wind percentage drops to 31%. Spring transitions bring more mixed wind patterns – the reliable offshore winds of winter weaken. You'll need to be patient and watch for days when a high-pressure system sets up over France, driving a light southerly flow. Those days can offer fun, rippable waves in the 1-1.5m range, especially on the sandbanks that have formed over winter.