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.

October at Broken Head delivers consistent surf with an average swell height of 1.4m and a solid period of 8.6s, promising well-formed waves. The swell direction is predominantly from the east to southeast, with the most frequent and sizable waves arriving from the SSE (peaking at 9.9% in the 1-1.5m range and 6.7% in the 1.5-2m range). This suggests reliable, mid-sized waves with occasional larger sets, particularly from southerly directions. Wind conditions are less ideal, with only 20% of the time offering favorable offshore or light cross-shore winds for clean surf. Winds are often northerly or southerly, which can create onshore chop, especially when paired with stronger speeds (20-30kph+). However, the extended period and moderate swell size provide enough power for decent rides, especially on days when the wind cooperates. Overall, expect surfable waves most of the month, but patience will be key for those glassy, well-aligned sessions.