Banana Beach - surf spot statistics

Best Surf Season (October - March)

The North Atlantic roars to life during these six months, with powerful extratropical lows marching across the mid-latitudes and firing long-period swell toward the Moroccan coast. Average wave heights hover between 1.8m and 2.2m, and periods consistently climb above 11.6s, often reaching 13s+, meaning solid, pulsing energy. The offshore wind from the east and northeast quadrants (NNE through E) blows a healthy 51-62% of the time, providing frequent windows of glassy, groomed conditions. However, the predominant swell arrives from the NW and NNW, which is not the ideal spread for this WSW-facing beach; these wraparound waves can still deliver punchy barrels and walled-up sections, especially when the wind aligns. This is the prime window for experienced surfers looking for size and power.

Fair Surf Season (April & September)

These transitional months offer a mixed bag. April sees the last gasp of winter swell – average height 2.0m and period 10.9s – but the winter wind patterns are weakening, and the ideal offshore wind drops to just 39%. The swell direction remains locked in the NW/NNW quadrant, meaning imperfect angles. In September, the sea begins to stir again as the Azores High relaxes; swell heights nudge up to 1.5m with periods rebounding to 10.1s, and offshore wind blows 46% of the time. The surf is more consistent than summer but still lacks the consistency and power of the peak season. Dedicated surfers can find fun, rippable waves with a bit of patience.

Low Surf Season (May - August)

Summer settles in with the Azores High firmly parked over the North Atlantic, squashing storm activity. Swell heights drop to 1.5-1.6m, periods shrink into the 7-9s range, and the energy becomes weakening and short-interval. The dominant wind direction tilts toward the NW and NNW – onshore for Banana Beach –, although the ideal offshore breeze still occurs 35-48% of the time. Most days are small and choppy, best suited for longboards or grovelers. July and August see a slight uptick in offshore wind frequency (47-48%) but the swell remains marginal. This is the low season for a reason: leave the big boards at home and plan a trip north to find better options.

August: Similar July Flavour

August mirrors July closely. Average swell height is 1.6m, period 8.2s, and the swell is again almost all from the NNW (93.8%). The offshore wind frequency is 48%, the peak of the summer. The wind rose shows a significant contribution from N (18.1%) and NNE (7.0%) – both favourable directions – meaning many mornings and evenings will be glassy or lightly offshore. The wave heights remain in the small fun zone: the 1-1.5m range dominates (39.8%), with 1.5-2m at 34%. This month is arguably the best of the summer for clean, small waves. A good time for a longboard or fish, with the occasional chest-high set on a favourable tide. Still, don't expect any power – this is strictly summer fun.