Cabarita - surf spot statistics

Cabarita, Australia, offers surfable waves year-round, but the best conditions typically occur from May to August when ground swell percentages increase, averaging 26-30%, while wind swell remains dominant but less pronounced compared to other months. During this period, mean swell sizes hover around 1.5-1.6m, providing consistent rideable waves, though not massive. Wind conditions improve noticeably in these months, with good wind days peaking at 33-36% in May, June, and July, making offshore winds more frequent. However, even in winter, bad winds still prevail around 64-67%, so it’s not flawless. The earlier months, like April and September, offer a balance with decent ground swell (20-21%) and moderate wind conditions (24-26% good winds), though swell size drops slightly to 1.4-1.6m. Summer months (December-February) are the least favorable, with ground swell dipping to 12-17% and wind swell dominating at 83-88%. Wind conditions worsen, with bad winds exceeding 80%, making clean waves rare. Overall, Cabarita is best surfed in winter (May-August) when ground swells are stronger and winds are more favorable, though surfers should expect variable conditions. Spring (September-October) and autumn (March-April) provide intermediate options, while summer delivers smaller, wind-affected waves.

In January, Cabarita offers surfable conditions with an average swell height of 1.5m and a decent period of 8.8s, providing consistent and reasonably powerful waves. The swell is predominantly from the eastern quadrant (E, ENE, ESE), with the highest frequency of rideable waves (1-2.5m) coming from the east (E), contributing 16.27% in the 1-1.5m range and 11.6% in the 1.5-2m range. This makes for clean, well-shaped waves when combined with favorable winds. However, wind conditions are generally mixed, with only 14% of days offering ideal offshore winds (typically W or NW). Onshore winds from the NE to SE are more common, especially in the 10-30kph range, which can create choppy or less clean conditions. Surfers should watch for days with lighter W/NW winds to maximize quality. While there are occasional bigger days (2-2.5m, especially from the E and ESE), most waves fall in the 1-2m range, suitable for intermediate to advanced surfers. The lack of swell from the south (SSW to W) means consistency relies heavily on eastern swells, so patience may be needed for clean conditions. Overall, January is surfable but requires selective timing for optimal sessions.