Borkum - surf spot statistics

Borkum, Germany, is a surf spot with predominantly wind-driven conditions, as the data shows very little ground swell throughout the year. The best months for surfing are typically late autumn and winter, specifically from October to December, when wind swell percentages peak around 38-44%, and mean swell size reaches 0.5-0.6m. However, even during these months, the likelihood of good wind conditions remains extremely low (only 2-3% of the time), meaning cross-onshore or cross-offshore winds are rare, and most days feature less favorable wind directions. From January to February, wind swell remains relatively consistent (43-47%), but the poor wind conditions (98% bad) and small swell size (0.6m) limit quality surfing opportunities. Spring and summer (March to August) see a significant drop in wind swell frequency (24-36%) and smaller waves (0.4-0.5m), making these months far less ideal. September marks a slight improvement as wind swell increases to 29%, though conditions remain marginal. Overall, Borkum is a spot for committed surfers who can handle onshore wind chop, with October to December offering the highest chance of rideable waves, albeit still inconsistent and small by global standards. The lack of ground swell and consistently unfavorable winds make it a challenging spot for high-performance surfing, better suited for beginners in small waves or windsurfers/kitesurfers who thrive in strong onshore conditions.

September at this surf spot offers generally small and weak conditions for surfers, with an average swell height of just 0.5m and a short 4.6s period, indicating minimal energy in the waves. The most consistent swell direction comes from the NNW, where waves in the 0.5-1m range occur 5% of the time and occasionally reach 1.5m (2.5%), but larger waves are rare. Swells from the NW and SW contribute slightly bigger waves, though still mostly under 1.5m. Unfortunately, offshore winds (ideal for clean waves) are very uncommon, occurring only 2% of the time. Predominant winds come from the SSW to W, often blowing at 10-30kph, which can create choppy or messy conditions. Stronger winds (20-30kph) are frequent from these directions, further reducing wave quality. While there are occasional rideable days when NW or NNW swells combine with lighter winds, expect mostly small, weak surf with limited shape. Advanced surfers will need patience for the rare clean session, while beginners may find manageable waves in sheltered areas. Overall, September is a low-performance month here.