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Backdoor - surf spot statistics
Backdoor seasonal overview
Backdoor in the United States offers consistent surf year-round, but the best conditions typically occur during the winter months, from November through February. During this period, ground swell dominates (76-88% of the time) with mean swell sizes ranging from 1.7 to 2.0 meters, providing powerful and clean waves. The downside is that wind conditions are less favorable, with bad winds occurring 52-64% of the time, but when the winds align, the surf is exceptional. Late fall (October) and early spring (December) also see strong ground swells (72-85%) and slightly improved wind conditions (44-48% good winds), making them solid alternatives. The summer months (May-August) bring smaller swells, primarily wind-driven, with lower mean sizes (1.1-1.3m), though July and August see slightly better wind conditions (38-41% good winds). September stands out as a transitional month with improving ground swell presence (37%) and the best wind odds year-round (51% good winds), offering a balance between swell quality and cleaner conditions. Overall, advanced surfers will prioritize the winter swell power, while those seeking more manageable waves and fewer crowds might prefer late fall or early spring sessions.
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Conditions at Backdoor in February
February at Backdoor offers solid surf conditions with an average swell height of 2.0m and a healthy 12.4s period, ensuring well-formed, powerful waves. The dominant swell direction is from the north-northwest (NNW), contributing the largest share of rideable waves, particularly in the 1.5-2.5m range, which accounts for over 23% of occurrences. This setup typically delivers clean, lined-up waves suited for advanced surfers. Winds are favorable 36% of the time, with the best conditions arising from northerly to easterly directions at light to moderate speeds (10-20kph). However, stronger NNE winds (20-30kph) can occasionally create chop. Smaller, less ideal swells from the west or NW are rare but can mix things up. Overall, February provides consistent, quality surf with a mix of challenging and cleaner days, depending on wind alignment. Expect some bigger, heavier sessions when the NNW swell peaks.
Average Spot conditions at Backdoor in February
Swell history for February
Wind history for February
Swell quality
Analyze the groundswell consistency at Backdoor during February. 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 Backdoor for your next trip in February.
Ground swell
Ground swell by size
Wind conditions
Evaluate the wind and swell alignment at Backdoor for February. 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 Backdoor.