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.

January: Peak Winter Power

January is the heart of the North Pacific swell machine, serving up an average height of 2.6m with a long period of 12.5s. The swell direction is heavily focused in the optimal SW-W band, with a combined 45% of all waves arriving from WSW (17.8%) and W (16.8%). These are powerful, long period lines that wrap into the bay with authority. The wind however is a mixed bag: offshore easterlies (E, ENE) blow 28% of the time, but onshore WNW winds also kick up at 9.4%. Overall, ideal wind conditions occur 41% of the time, making for frequent pumping, firing days. When the Aleutian Low aligns with a strong high over the continent, expect epic, heavy 2m+ sets under bluebird skies.