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.

October: Autumn Might Arrives

October sees a sharp uptick in both swell energy and wind quality. Average swell height climbs to 1.7m and period increases to 11.5s. The directional spread broadens with NW (33.4%) and NNW (53.9%) dominating, but there is a notable presence of WNW (3.4%) and W (0.4%) swells, indicating the return of deep-water storm tracks. The wind turns more favorable: ideal offshore conditions from the SE, SSE, and S occur 37% of the time, and the strong onshore component (NW, WNW) starts to weaken compared to summer. This is the month when the North Atlantic hurricane season and developing winter storms can produce excellent, long-period swell coinciding with sunny skies and light offshore breezes. Desert Point begins to wake up from its summer slumber.