Bombies - surf spot statistics

Best Surf Season (December - March)

The heart of the Northwest Monsoon brings the most consistent offshore wind window to Bombies. From December through March, the synoptic pattern over Indonesia is dominated by a strong winter monsoon flow out of the north and northwest, directly aligning with the reef’s offshore wind demand. This period sees the highest percentage of ideal wind conditions (peaking near 41% in February) combined with a steady diet of powerful, long-period southerly groundswells generated by intense low-pressure systems roaring through the Southern Ocean and the Roaring Forties. The average swell holds at a solid 1.5m with period averages of 12-13 seconds, providing punchy, rippable waves that are well-shaped by the offshore breeze. During these months, expect clean, lined-up sets breaking across the reef with the classic Bombies barrel when the swell kicks up.

Fair Surf Season (April - May / October - November)

These transition months offer a mixed bag of conditions as the monsoon direction flips. In April and May, the Northwest Monsoon weakens and the prevailing wind shifts toward the east and southeast, increasing the frequency of onshore and side-onshore winds. However, the tail end of the southern hemisphere swell window still delivers frequent, long-period groundswells (April average period 13.8s, May 14.2s) and the average wave height climbs to 1.7-1.8m. At the same time, October and November mark the return of the northwest winds, but the transition is slow and the wind consistency is low (only 3-9% ideal). Still, when a fresh NW pulse aligns with a good S or SSW swell, the conditions can turn on quickly and produce exceptional sessions. These months require flexibility and a close eye on the forecast.

Low Surf Season (June - September)

The Southeast Monsoon (dry season) fully establishes from June through September, bringing relentless trade winds from the SE and ESE that blow directly onshore at Bombies, ruining wave quality. Despite being the absolute peak of the southern hemisphere swell window, with average wave heights climbing to 2.0-2.1m and periods hovering around 14.5s (the largest and most powerful swell of the year), the wind is adverse over 90% of the time in August and September. These strong SE trades create bumpy, chopped-out surfaces and make the reef nearly unsurfable. Only the slightest wind shifts or rare local land breezes can offer brief windows. This is the quietest period for consistent surfing at Bombies, best reserved for bigger, more protected spots or for those willing to gamble on a fleeting window of clean conditions.

October: First Hints of Change

October sees the earliest signs of the monsoon transition, but the ideal offshore wind remains scarce at 3%. The trade winds still dominate, with SE at 47.3% and SSE at 27.7% – both onshore directions for Bombies. The swell, though still powerful, begins to taper slightly: average height 1.8m, period 13.7 seconds. Swell directions shift back toward a stronger SSW influence (39.3%) alongside S (48.0%). The majority of the swell sits in the 1.5-2m range (28.4% from S, 19.7% from SSW) with a notable portion of 2-2.5m (11.5% from S, 7.6% from SSW). As the month progresses, occasional NW wind pulses offer brief windows of clean conditions. These early season NW events can coincide with leftover big south swells, producing some of the most critical, heavy barrels of the year. It’s a month of hope and rare gems.