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.

December at Belharra delivers consistent and powerful conditions for experienced surfers, with an average swell height of 1.8m and a solid 13.0s period, indicating well-organized, powerful waves. The dominant swell directions are WNW and NW, contributing the largest proportion of rideable waves, particularly in the 1.5m–2.5m range, making up over 35% of conditions. Smaller swells (under 1m) are rare, and the spot rarely drops below 1m—most days offer substantial energy. Wind conditions are favorable 56% of the time, with the majority of problematic winds coming from the W-WSW quadrant (20-30kph range), which can create chop. However, light easterly winds (E-ESE) are common and ideal for offshore grooming. This is a big-wave month—expect heavy, fast drops and long walls when the NW swells line up, but be prepared for strong currents and challenging paddle-outs. Windswell interference is minimal, ensuring clean groundswell dominance. A prime time for committed surfers.