Desert Point - surf spot statistics

Best Surf Season (October - March)

The Atlantic winter machine fires on all cylinders from October through March, delivering a relentless stream of powerful NW-to-WNW groundswells to Desert Point. During these months, the average swell height hovers around the 2m mark with periods consistently above 12 seconds, providing the kind of long-period, organized energy that this exposed NW-facing reef thrives on. The real key, however, is the wind: a robust high-pressure system often sets up over the Iberian Peninsula, funnelling offshore flows from the SE and SSE across the Moroccan coast. January and December see the highest percentage of glassy-to-light offshore conditions (over 50%), which is precisely when Desert Point transforms into a world-class, hollow left-hander. This is prime time for pushing the limits on a step-up board.

Fair Surf Season (April - May & September)

As the seasons transition, the consistency of swell and wind starts to wobble. April and May see a noticeable drop in average wave period (10.9s and 9.5s respectively), indicating a mix of weakening groundswell and more prevalent windswell. The NW and NNW swell directions still dominate, but the wave heights begin to shrink, and the frequency of clean offshore winds drops sharply. September, while still part of the Atlantic hurricane season, offers a glimmer of hope with occasional long-period pulses from distant storms. However, the trade winds tend to strengthen during these shoulder months, and the percentage of ideal offshore winds falls into the 15-22% range, making it a gamble. When it aligns—typically with a strong high-pressure ridge extending south—the waves can still be excellent, but patience is required.

Low Surf Season (June - August)

The summer months represent the true off-season at Desert Point. The North Atlantic storm track retreats far north, and the predominant swell source becomes low-energy NNW windswell generated by persistent trade winds in the open ocean. Average wave periods drop to 8-9 seconds, producing weak, sectiony waves that rarely hold a proper line. Meanwhile, the thermal low over the Sahara strengthens the onshore component of the wind—dominant NW and WNW breezes that ruin the wave face and create choppy, bumpy conditions. With ideal surfable wind percentages hovering around a dismal 10-13%, this is the time to either enjoy the rare, small fun-sized glassy dawn sessions with a groveler, or simply take a break from surfing and explore Morocco's cultural riches. The swell is simply too small and weak for Desert Point to show its true potential.

April: Warmth Arrives, Swell Fades

April marks a clear downsift in both swell energy and wind quality. Average wave height eases to 1.9m and the period falls to 10.9s, indicating a shift toward shorter-period, mixed swell. The dominant swell direction tilts heavily toward NNW (46.7%), but much of that energy is in the 1-2m range, producing less powerful, more sectiony waves. The wind story is where things really unravel: ideal offshore winds from the SE and SSE drop to just 22% of the time. Instead, onshore flows from the W, WNW, and NW pick up significantly, with 10-20mph breezes becoming the norm. The thermal low over the desert begins to strengthen, pulling in a daily onshore cycle. Surfing is still possible, but you'll be scratching for clean windows.