Berria - surf spot statistics

Best Surf Season (October - March)

The North Atlantic roars to life during these months, with powerful low-pressure systems tracking across the basin and sending consistent, long-period NW swell towards the Bay of Biscay. Average swell heights hover between 1.5m and 2.0m, with periods often exceeding 12 seconds, delivering punchy, well- lined waves. The wind regime is equally favorable – a southerly component (SSW, SW, S) dominates, blowing offshore for this north- facing beach, and ideal wind conditions occur roughly 45–53% of the time. This is the prime window for firing, clean surf at Berria.

Fair Surf Season (April & September)

These transition months offer a mixed bag. April sees lingering winter swell (ave 1.4m, period 10.9s) but a drop in ideal wind frequency to 35%, as the Azores High begins to build and north winds become more common. September marks the return of oceanic energy with an average swell height of 1.2m and period 10.4s, and ideal wind percentage climbing back to 36%. While not as consistent as winter, these months can produce surprisingly good days when a southerly breeze aligns with a fresh NW swell.

Low Surf Season (May - August)

Summer brings a dramatic lull. The North Atlantic storm track shifts north, and the Azores High settles in, creating a persistent northerly wind regime that blows directly onshore at Berria. Average swell heights drop to just 0.9–1.1m, with periods around 9 seconds, resulting mostly in weak, short- period, messy conditions. Ideal wind plummets to 22–25%. However, occasional pulses of long- period groundswell from distant storms can sneak in, and on rare days when a late- evening southerly thermal develops, the waves can turn fun. But generally, it’s a time for smaller boards and lower expectations.

July: The Slackest Month

July is the absolute low point of the year. Average swell height bottoms out at 0.9m, period 8.9s. NW swell accounts for 59.8% of the total, but nearly 34% of that is only 0.5–1m. Waves are often waist- high or smaller, with short, weak periods. Ideal wind is a meager 22%. Onshore north- quadrant winds (N 5.7%, NNE 6.5%, NE 8.0%, ENE 11.5%) are relentless, making even the small swell messy and choppy. Southerly winds are almost absent (S 1.2%, SSW 1.2%). The only saving grace: occasional mid- summer groundswell from distant hurricanes or strong highs can produce a brief pulse, but it’s rare. July is best for longboarders or travelers looking elsewhere.