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.

May at Belharra offers fair surf conditions with an average swell height of 1.1m and a solid period of 10.2s, indicating well-organized, though not overly powerful, waves. The swell direction is predominantly from the NW and WNW, contributing to the majority of rideable waves, with over 22% of swells in the NW quadrant reaching 1-2.5m. However, the wave quality is inconsistent, as smaller swells (0.5-1m) dominate, making bigger, cleaner sessions relatively rare. Wind conditions are a mixed bag—only 26% of the time are they ideal (light offshore or cross-shore), while moderate onshore winds (W, WNW) are common, especially in the 10-20kph range, which can create chop. For intermediates, there will be rideable waves, but advanced surfers may find limited opportunities for larger, clean conditions. Expect a mix of smaller, manageable days with occasional mid-sized swells, though patience and timing will be key.