El Mongol - surf spot statistics

Best Surf Season (October - March)

The North Atlantic delivers its full fury during these months, with powerful extratropical cyclones churning out consistent, long-period swell from the NW to NNW that directly hits El Mongol's north-facing beach. Average wave heights range from 1.4m to 1.8m and periods frequently exceed 11s, often reaching 12-13s. The NAO index often turns negative, steering storm tracks southward and feeding the Bay of Biscay. Offshore winds from the S and SSW blow reliably 48-60% of the time, creating clean, glassy faces. This is the prime window for pumping, firing surf up to 2.5m+ on the best days.

Fair Surf Season (April - May & September)

As the North Atlantic slowly transitions, swell energy drops with average heights around 1.0-1.3m and periods settling into the 9.8-10.6s range. The wind patterns shift: the frequency of ideal offshore winds decreases to 27-33%, and cross-shore or light onshore conditions become more common. Still, late-season storm pulses in September can deliver solid NW swell with punchy, rideable waves when the synoptic setup aligns. Spring months offer fun-sized surf for groveling, but expect less consistency.

Low Surf Season (June - August)

Summer brings the Azores High dominating the eastern Atlantic, suppressing storm activity. Swell becomes small and short-period (0.9m, 8.7-9.0s on average), mostly from decaying NW swell trains. The wind pattern flips: onshore N and NE breezes become prevalent, and offshore winds from the south occur only 16-20% of the time. The result is typically choppy, messy conditions with small, weak waves. Only the occasional lucky window of S winds and a stray long-period swell can salvage a session, but generally this is a time for flat spells and groveling.

May: Small and Challenging

May offers the first taste of summer's small-wave funk. Average swell height drops to 1.0m with a period of 9.8s – marginal for El Mongol. The swell is predominantly from the NW and NNW, but these are often weak, long-fetch remnants. The wind picture is increasingly unfavourable: ENE and NE winds account for over 26% of observations, often blowing directly onshore. Ideal offshore winds occur only 27% of the time. Surfable waves are usually waist-high or smaller, often crumbly and hard to ride. Patience is key; look for a southerly wind day and a tiny pulse of longer-period NW swell for the best chance at a fun session.