Duranbah - surf spot statistics

Duranbah in Australia is a surf spot with consistently rideable conditions year-round, but the best months for quality waves and favorable winds fall between May and August. During this period, the percentage of ground swell increases significantly, peaking at 30% in July, while wind swells decrease, providing cleaner and more powerful waves. The average swell size remains steady around 1.5m to 1.7m, offering solid but manageable waves for experienced surfers. Wind conditions also improve in these months, with the highest likelihood of good winds in June and July (36% favorable). Outside this window, from September to April, the spot becomes more wind-affected with a higher proportion of wind swells (up to 88% in November) and less ideal wind conditions (over 80% bad winds in summer months). Swell size slightly drops from September onward, averaging 1.4m, making the waves less consistent and powerful. If you’re looking for the best balance of swell quality and wind, late autumn to mid-winter (May to July) is the prime time, while summer months (December to February) offer smaller, more chopped-up conditions with frequent onshore winds.

November at Duranbah offers a mix of surfable conditions, though with some variability. The average swell height is a modest 1.4m, paired with a decent 8.2s period, suggesting generally clean and ridable waves, albeit on the smaller side for advanced surfers. The swell direction is predominantly from the E to SSE range, with E and ESE swells contributing the most to the 1-1.5m and 1.5-2m categories, making up the bulk of rideable conditions. These directions typically provide the best shape for this break. Larger waves (2m+) are less frequent but do occur, mostly from SSE and S, adding occasional punch for those seeking more power. Wind conditions are a mixed bag, with only 17% of winds being truly ideal (light offshore or light cross-shore). Northerlies and NNE winds dominate but often bring onshore or side-shore chop, especially in the 10-30kph range, which can degrade wave quality. However, lighter ENE or E winds occasionally provide cleaner surfaces. South and SE winds, while less frequent, can also mess up the swell if strong. Overall, November is decent but not stellar—best suited for surfers who can capitalize on the mid-sized E/ESE swells when the winds cooperate. Early mornings or days with lighter NNE/ENE winds will offer the best windows.