Brookings - surf spot statistics

Best Surf Season (October - March)

The North Pacific roars to life during the fall and winter months, with average swell heights climbing above 2.3m and wave periods stretching into the 11-13 second range. While the dominant swell direction tends to be from the W to NW – not always in the optimal S to WSW window – the sheer power and long period of these swells allow them to wrap effectively into Brookings' SW-facing beach. Offshore winds from the N to NE quadrant occur frequently enough (42-55% ideal wind) to clean up the lines, especially during high-pressure setups that often settle in after frontal passages. This is the prime time for serious surf, with December and January delivering the largest, most consistent energy of the year. Storms in the Gulf of Alaska and along the polar front generate pulses of groundswell that can easily reach the 3m mark, offering classic Oregon coast power.

Fair Surf Season (April - June)

As winter's fury subsides, the ocean transitions to a more moderate state. Average swell heights drop to 2.0-2.3m and periods decrease to 10-12 seconds, but the proportion of swell from the optimal S to WSW direction increases notably (reaching over 11% in May). This shift, combined with a solid percentage of offshore N/NE winds (43-47% ideal), results in a higher frequency of clean, well-shaped waves, albeit smaller in size. Spring is a shoulder season where you can often find fun, rippable surf without the winter crowds or the extreme conditions. The Aleutian Low weakens, but late-season storms still provide occasional pulses of quality swell.

Low Surf Season (July - September)

Summer brings a pronounced lull in North Pacific storm activity. Average swell heights hover around 1.8-1.9m with short periods of 9-10 seconds, and the wave energy is overwhelmingly dominated by NW to NNW swell (often combined for >40% of the spectrum). Although the wind is at its most cooperative – ideal offshore conditions are present 54-56% of the time, thanks to a persistent thermal low that draws in northerly breezes – the lack of size and period means waves are typically small, weak, and gutless. Only the occasional remnant hurricane swell or a distant storm from the Southern Hemisphere can inject some quality, but these events are rare and short-lived. It's a time for groveling boards and summer beach vibes.

December: Crown Jewel of Winter

December is the month with the highest average swell height of the year at 3.0m and a long period of 12.8s. The swell mix is led by WNW (12.5%) and W (10.8%), with a solid contribution from NW (8.2%). Optimal directions from the SSW to WSW total about 7.3%. Winds are moderately favorable: ideal wind 50%, with NNE (8.5%), NE (7.1%) and N (7.9%) offering offshore flow. Onshore S (14.6%) and SSE (13.9%) remain common but not overwhelming. The Pacific storm track is at its most active, sending pulse after pulse of powerful groundswell. These swells often have peak periods exceeding 15 seconds, translating into heavy, barreling waves at the best breaks. The challenge is finding a day with light offshore winds, but when the stars align – typically when a high-pressure system settles over the Pacific Northwest – Brookings sees some of its biggest and best surf of the year.