Baked Beans - surf spot statistics

Best Surf Season (November - February)

During the summer months, the South Atlantic high pressure system strengthens and shifts southwards, setting up a consistent southerly to southwesterly airflow along the coast. This delivers the most reliable offshore winds to Baked Beans, with ideal wind conditions occurring roughly 28-29% of the time. While the swell is slightly less powerful than the winter months, averaging 1.9-2.1m with periods around 10-11s, the combination of clean offshore wind and moderate, long-period south swell produces some of the cleanest, most rippable waves of the year. The occasional longer period pulse from intense Southern Ocean storms can still sneak in, offering overhead sets under glassy skies.

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

The transition months see a gradual shift in the dominant weather patterns. In autumn (March-April), the storms in the Southern Ocean start to ramp up, bringing stronger SW swell with periods often exceeding 11s. However, the incidence of ideal offshore wind drops to around 25%, as the high pressure system begins to weaken and cold fronts pass more frequently, bringing periods of onshore NW wind. Similarly, spring (September-October) sees the start of the buildup, with swell heights averaging 2.2-2.3m and wind conditions still marginal (22%). These months offer a mix: sometimes you score pumping SW swell with light offshore winds, but often it's bumpy or blown out depending on the day.

Low Surf Season (May - August)

The heart of the South African winter is a challenging time for Baked Beans. The Southern Ocean storm track is at its most active, relentlessly pumping massive SW swell into the region (average 2.3-2.4m, period 12-12.5s). However, these vigorous low-pressure systems also bring frequent strong NW to N winds, which are directly onshore at this NNE-facing beach. Ideal offshore wind percentages plummet to between 17% (June) and 21% (August). When the stars align and a high pressure ridge builds behind a cold front, you can score epic, grinding walls, but those windows are short-lived and often accompanied by strong wind swell and choppy conditions.

January: The Peak of Summer Perfection

January is the height of summer in the southern hemisphere, and the South Atlantic high is firmly in control. Swell is dominated by the SSW and SW directions, which together account for over 43% of all wave energy, with a significant 15.7% of the SSW component falling in the 1.5-2m class and 7.2% in the 2-2.5m class. The average swell height sits at 1.9m with a period of 10.8s, providing powerful, long-period lines that wrap around the coast. The winds are ideal 28% of the time, with the most favourable offshore flow from the WSW and SW (totalling 28.3% of all observations). When the high pressure sets in, expect clean, glassy facades with rippable waves in the overhead range.