Belharra - surf spot statistics

Belharra, France, is renowned for its powerful and consistent ground swells, making it a prime destination for advanced surfers. The best months for surfing here are from November through February, when ground swell dominates (84-88% of the time) with mean swell sizes around 1.8-1.9m. These months also see relatively better wind conditions compared to the rest of the year, particularly November and December, where good wind conditions occur 56% of the time—though even then, offshore winds are not guaranteed, and bad winds still prevail 44-64% in winter. January and February maintain strong ground swells but slightly worse wind stats (37-36% good winds). March marks a transition, with ground swell dropping to 79% and mean size decreasing to 1.6m, while poor wind conditions become more frequent (68%). From April to September, conditions deteriorate significantly for high-performance surfing. Ground swells decline sharply (down to 19-29% in summer), replaced by wind swells, and swell size drops to 1.0-1.3m. Wind conditions are largely unfavorable (bad winds 70-82% of the time), making summer months less reliable. October shows a recovery, with ground swell rising to 66% and swell size increasing to 1.4m, alongside improving wind stats (40% good conditions). For the most consistent, powerful waves with a reasonable chance of favorable winds, late autumn to early winter (November-December) is the optimal window, though dedicated surfers may still score in January-February despite the wind challenges. The spot is least appealing from May to August due to weak swells and onshore winds.

April at Belharra offers decent surf conditions with an average swell height of 1.3m and a solid period of 11.1s, indicating consistent, well-formed waves. The dominant swell directions are NW and WNW, contributing the majority of rideable waves, particularly in the 1-2.5m range, with NW swells delivering the most frequent and sizable waves (peaking around 1.5-2.5m). Wind conditions are less ideal, with only 28% of days offering favorable offshore or light cross-shore winds. Winds from the N to E quadrants are most common, often blowing at 10-20kph, which can create choppy or cross-shore conditions. However, early mornings or periods with lighter winds may provide cleaner faces. Overall, expect a mix of small to mid-sized surf with occasional larger sets, but wind interference will be a frequent challenge. Patience and timing will be key for scoring the best sessions.