Cox Bay - surf spot statistics

Best Surf Season (October - March)

The winter months bring consistent, powerful swell from the North Pacific, with average heights easily reaching the 2.0-2.6m range and long periods of 12-13 seconds. The Aleutian Low pumps out a steady stream of WNW to SW groundswell that hits Cox Bay's west-facing beach perfectly. Offshore winds from the east (E, ENE, ESE) blow clean 34-41% of the time, creating glassy conditions on the best days. This is prime time for pumping, firing waves in the 1.5-2.5m range, with occasional XL days pushing over 2.5m that demand respect.

Fair Surf Season (April & September)

As the seasons transition, the North Pacific storm track weakens in April and reawakens in September. Average swell drops to 1.9m in April and 1.5m in September, but long-period groundswell (11-12s) still arrives from the W and WSW. Offshore wind frequency sits around 29-30%, meaning clean windows are less predictable but still rewarding when they align. Expect fun, rippable waves in the 1-1.5m range with occasional solid sets reaching 2m.

Low Surf Season (May - August)

The summer lull takes hold from May through August, with average swell heights dwindling to a paltry 1.2-1.5m and periods holding steady around 11.4s. The swell direction is dominated by W and WSW, but these waves are often small, fun-sized or even micro (<0.5m) during flat spells. Offshore wind conditions are the worst of the year, with ideal winds occurring only 14-21% of the time. The prevailing onshore flow from the NW and W ruins wave quality, leaving mostly choppy, messy conditions. Summer only delivers a few standout days when early-morning easterly winds coincide with a rare pulse of waist-high swell.

August: Slight Recovery

August sees a tiny uptick in average swell to 1.2m, but more importantly, the wind improves slightly to 20% ideal. Swell remains W-dominant (41.8%) and WSW (29.9%), with heights mostly in the 0.5-1.5m range. The offshore window is still small, with ENE wind at less than 1%, but light E to SE winds (5% combined) can occasionally groom the surface. Wedges of average, punchy 1m+ waves break when a distant typhoon or tropical system sends low-interval energy into the Pacific. For the most part, expect small, fun-sized surf with a side of chop – best suited for longboards and foamies.