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.

August at Belharra, France, offers relatively small but clean conditions for experienced surfers. The average swell height is 1.0m with a decent period of 9.4s, suggesting mostly organized, though not overly powerful, waves. The swell is predominantly from the northwest (NW and WNW directions), accounting for the majority of rideable waves, particularly in the 0.5-2.5m range, with the best consistency in the 0.5-1.5m range. Larger swells (over 2m) are rare but possible, with NW swells occasionally producing overhead conditions. Wind conditions are a mixed bag—only 22% of the time is it ideal (typically light offshore or cross-shore). The most common winds are moderate W-NW, which can create chop, but lighter winds (below 20kph) from the NNE-ENE quadrant occasionally provide cleaner faces. For advanced surfers, August is more about quality over quantity: expect smaller, groomed sessions when winds align, with the potential for the occasional solid NW pulse. Gear-wise, a standard shortboard or step-up will cover most days, though a bigger-wave board may be useful on rare larger swells.