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.

December: Winter Premiere

December roars in with a 2.6m average swell and a 12.4s period, often producing epic, heavy waves that draw experienced surfers from across the island. The swell is heavily weighted to WSW (16.2%) and W (19.3%), with a notable contribution from SW (7.0%). Offshore wind conditions improve to 38%, thanks to regular east-northeasterly outflow winds (ENE 8.4%, E 17.5%) that blow clean across the beach. The storm track is fully active, generating frequent XL swells that can push past 2.5m. These are the days for charging – expect raw power, long-period groundswell, and the possibility of discovering new peaks in the lineup.