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.

September at Belharra offers a mix of conditions for surfers, with the dominant swell coming from the NW direction, providing the most consistent and rideable waves. The average swell height is 1.1m with a solid period of 10.5s, indicating well-formed, powerful waves when the size picks up. Around 30% of the time, winds are favorable for surfing—typically light to moderate offshore or cross-offshore winds. The most promising swells fall in the 1–2.5m range, particularly from the NW and WNW, which account for the majority of larger, cleaner waves. Smaller, less favorable swells (0.5–1m) are more frequent but not ideal for advanced surfers seeking bigger sets. Wind conditions vary, with lighter winds (0–20kph) being common but occasionally disrupted by stronger onshore winds from the W or SW, which can create choppy conditions. For those chasing quality sessions, the best days will coincide with NW/WNW swells above 1.5m paired with lighter NNE to E winds—offering clean, groomed faces. However, consistency is moderate, so patience and timing are key.