Broken Head - surf spot statistics

Broken Head in Australia offers surfable conditions year-round, but the best months for surfing generally fall between March and August. During this period, the swell quality improves with a higher percentage of ground swell (peaking at 32% in July) compared to wind swell, which dominates the rest of the year. The mean swell size remains relatively consistent, averaging around 1.5m to 1.6m, providing reliable waves without being overly large. Wind conditions also become more favorable from March onward, with the likelihood of good winds increasing to around 20% in March and peaking at 38% in June. The worst wind conditions decrease from 80% in March to 62% in June, making mid-year the most reliable time for clean surf. Outside this window, particularly from September to February, wind conditions deteriorate, with bad winds occurring over 75% of the time, and swells are predominantly wind-driven, reducing wave quality. While summer months like December and January still see decent swell size (1.4m to 1.5m), the high percentage of wind swell (over 80%) and poor wind conditions (over 84%) make them less ideal for surfing. Overall, late autumn to early winter (May to July) stands out as the prime period, offering the best balance of ground swell, manageable wind conditions, and consistent wave height.

December at Broken Head offers surfable conditions, though with some variability. The average swell height is 1.4m, accompanied by a decent 8.5s period, providing moderately clean and rideable waves. The swell direction is predominantly from the east and southeast (E, ESE, SE), with the highest frequency of waves in the 1-1.5m range, making up a significant portion of the sessions. Larger waves (1.5-2.5m+) occur less frequently but still contribute to solid days, especially from the ESE and SSE directions. Wind conditions are critical, with only 16% being ideal (light offshore or cross-offshore). The wind tends to blow from the north and northeast (N, NNE, NE) at moderate speeds (10-30kph), which can create onshore chop, but lighter easterly winds (E, ENE) occasionally provide cleaner conditions. Expect a mix of manageable swells and wind-affected waves, requiring patience for optimal sessions.