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.

February at Belharra offers solid conditions for experienced surfers, with a dominant NW swell direction delivering consistent waves. The average swell height is 1.9m, paired with a strong 12.9s period, ensuring powerful, well-formed waves. The swell distribution shows the best energy from NW, WNW, and W directions, with a high percentage of waves in the 1-2.5m range—ideal for performance surfing or big-wave riding. Wind conditions are workable but not perfect, with offshore or light cross-shore winds occurring only 36% of the time. The dominant winds are from the S to SW sectors, which can be onshore or side-shore, potentially causing chop. However, when winds align favorably, Belharra can produce epic, barreling waves. Surfers should target NW swells combined with NE or E winds for optimal sessions. Expect raw, powerful conditions typical of this deepwater reef break.