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.

September: Autumn Stirrings

September marks the transition back to bigger surf. Average swell rises to 1.5m with a period of 11.4s, and the window shifts more towards W (43.0%) and WSW (28.4%). This brings more fun, good waist-to-chest high waves, especially in the 1-1.5m range. Offshore wind frequency jumps to 30%, with easterly breezes (ENE, E) becoming more common (5.5% combined). The Aleutian Low begins to spin up, sending early powerful groundswells that can produce the first 2m sets of the season. When the wind aligns from the east, Cox Bay delivers clean, rippable waves that hint at the winter to come.