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.

June at Belharra offers relatively modest surf conditions compared to its peak winter performance. The average swell height is 1.0m with a decent period of 9.5s, providing some energy but generally smaller waves. The dominant swell direction is NW, contributing the majority of rideable waves (36.73% in the 0.5-1m range and 20.24% in the 1-1.5m range), while WNW also brings some consistency. However, waves over 1.5m are infrequent, limiting opportunities for more powerful sessions. Wind conditions are only ideal for surfing 20% of the time, with the most favorable winds typically light (0-20kph) from the NNE to NW sectors. Stronger winds, particularly from W and WNW, can create chop, reducing surf quality. Overall, June is best suited for intermediate surfers looking for smaller, cleaner sessions rather than big-wave riders, with the best chances occurring during periods of NW swell and light offshore or cross-shore winds.