Brookings - surf spot statistics

Brookings, USA, offers consistent surf year-round, but the best conditions typically occur from late fall through early spring, peaking between November and February. During these months, ground swell dominates (84-93%), providing powerful, clean waves with mean sizes ranging from 2.1m to 2.4m—ideal for experienced surfers. Wind conditions are less favorable (60-67% bad winds), but offshore or light winds still occur 33-40% of the time, particularly in early morning sessions. Winter swells are larger and more organized, though stronger winds can be a challenge. Spring (March-April) and fall (October) see slightly smaller swells (1.6m-2.1m) with mixed ground/wind swell influence, but wind conditions improve marginally (33-45% good winds). Summer (May-September) is the least consistent period, with smaller waves (1.0m-1.3m), higher wind swell prevalence (43-61%), and more frequent onshore breezes. August stands out as the summer exception, offering the best wind conditions (48% good) despite the smaller swell size. For optimal surfing, target November-February for powerful, clean waves, though be prepared for variable winds. Shoulder seasons (October, March-April) provide decent swell with fewer crowds, while summer is best suited for beginners or longboarders due to milder conditions.

In May, Brookings sees fairly consistent surf with an average swell height of 1.3m and a solid 11.4s period, indicating well-spaced, manageable waves that offer good surfing conditions, particularly for intermediate to advanced surfers. The majority of waves come from the W to WNW, with the most frequent heights in the 1-2.5m range—ideal for performance surfing when conditions align. Wind plays a critical role, and while it's onshore (SW to NW) a notable portion of the time, there are still plenty of clean sessions, as 38% of the time the wind is favorable for surfing. The best opportunities typically come when offshore or light winds coincide with the dominant W-WNW swell direction, creating groomed faces. However, surfers should watch for stronger winds from the N-NNW, which can create chop. Overall, May delivers a mix of conditions, with some excellent days when wind and swell align but also periods of less ideal wind-affected surf.