Capbreton - surf spot statistics

Best Surf Season (October - March)

The North Atlantic spins up a relentless procession of deep low-pressure systems during these months, sending consistent, powerful swell trains toward the Landes coast. With average wave heights hovering between 1.6 and 1.8 m and periods frequently reaching into the 12–13 second range, Capbreton receives a steady diet of pumping, heavy surf ideal for the region's sandbar peaks. Offshore winds from the east and southeast are most common during these months, blowing clean across the WNW-facing beach and grooming the faces. Ideal wind frequencies range from 30% in March up to 39% in December, meaning plenty of sessions with clean, lined-up waves. This is prime time to score classic Capbreton barrels and long, rippable walls.

Fair Surf Season (April & September)

As the seasons transition, the Atlantic storm track begins to shift, and the swell intensity backs off. April sees an average height of 1.2 m with an 11-second period – still enough for fun, solid waves when a fetch aligns properly. Ideal wind drops to 25%, and the springtime sea breeze often kicks in by midday. September marks the beginning of the autumn ramp-up, with average height creeping back to 1.1 m and period lengthening to 10.6 s. The chance of a clean east wind increases to 27%, offering occasional vintage sessions before the true winter machine fires up. Both months can deliver good, rippable conditions, but consistency and power are not yet at their peak.

Low Surf Season (May - August)

From late spring through summer, the Atlantic's fury takes a vacation. The Azores High dominates, blocking major storms and allowing only weak, short-period NW windswell to filter through. Average wave heights drop to a mere 0.9–1.0 m with periods around 9–10 seconds – typically small, fun-sized, groveling conditions. Offshore wind frequencies fall to 15–20%, and the prevailing onshore westerlies often chop up the surf. While the rare east wind event can produce clean little waves for a grovel board, this is the off-season for serious wave riding. The odd distant hurricane swell might sneak in, but overall expect micro to small waves and a lot of flat spells.

May: Grovel Season Begins

May sees the surf slump into summer mode. Average wave height falls to 1.0 m and period to 10.1 s – the lower end of fun-sized, groveling. The swell direction is overwhelmingly NW at 50.1% and WNW at 40.8%, meaning the beach still gets exposure, but the energy is weak. Heights cluster heavily in the 0.5–1.5 m range (over 55%). Ideal wind frequency plummets to 20%, with westerly quadrant winds dominating (W 12.8%, WNW 15.0%, NW 13.9%). Offshore flow from E to S is only about 17% combined. This means most days are small and choppy. The only saving grace is the rare east wind event, which can groom the weak swell into clean little waves. For the dedicated surfer, a high-performance grovel board is a must. Don't expect much more than micro to small conditions, but the water is warming up.