Entella - surf spot statistics

Best Surf Season (October - March)

As the Mediterranean enters its most dynamic phase, the Ligurian Sea responds with a marked uptick in both swell size and consistency. During these months, average wave heights hover between 0.7m and 0.9m, with periods stretching into the 5.7 to 5.9s range – enough to offer punchy, rideable waves on the better days. The dominant SW swell (accounting for 25-31% of all swell energy) aligns perfectly with Entella's SSW-facing beach, but the real magic happens when a strong high-pressure system settles over the Alps, funnelling crisp offshore winds from the NNE down the coast. NNE winds blow over 25% of the time in December and January, creating clean, groomed faces. While the average wave height rarely exceeds 1.5m, the combination of long-period groundswell and favourable wind can produce surprisingly fun, rippable conditions. The North Atlantic's influence is indirect here – it's the local mistral and tramontana pulses that truly shape the quality. When these winds align with a solid SW swell, Entella transforms into a groveler's paradise.

Fair Surf Season (April & September)

During these transitional months, the Mediterranean begins to shift gears. April brings an average swell height of 0.7m and a period of 5.6s, with SW swell still commanding a 35% share – the highest of any month. However, the wind becomes more unpredictable: ideal offshore wind percentages drop to 16% in April and 12% in September. Spring and autumn storms can still generate decent swell, but they often come with onshore S or SW winds that turn the lineup into a choppy mess. Still, when a late-season cold front sweeps through and the wind clocks around to the NNE, the waves clean up quickly. September offers a sneak peek of the winter season, with the first significant SW swells of the autumn (29.7% of total) and a subtle increase in period to 4.8s. It's a month of anticipation – a few sessions can deliver solid, fun-sized waves before the summer lull fully fades.

Low Surf Season (May - August)

Summer settles in and the wave action flatlines. From May through August, average swell heights dwindle to 0.4-0.5m and periods drop below 5s – often below 4.8s, making for weak, short-period chop. SW swell still accounts for the lion's share (35-42%), but it's mostly in the smallest size categories (0-0.5m and 0.5-1m). The Ligurian Sea becomes a sea breeze-dominated environment: onshore winds from S, SSW, and SW increase, while ideal offshore NNE winds become less frequent (9-13%). The few rideable days occur when a small groundswell sneaks in and the morning tramontana (NNE) blows light before the sea breeze kicks up. Those rare windows might produce tiny, groveling waves for a log or a foamboard, but for the most part, it's a time to wax the longboard, work on your tan, and wait for autumn's return. The occasional thunderstorm can briefly stir things up, but lasting quality is scarce.

January: Winter's Grip Tightens

The heart of winter sees average swell heights of 0.8m and a period of 5.9s – the highest of the year. SW swell dominates at 30.9%, with a significant portion (1.5% reaching 2-2.5m) offering occasional punchy waves. The wind is ideal 18% of the time, largely thanks to a persistent NNE flow (25.9% of wind, with many readings in the 10-30kph range) that blows straight offshore. This creates clean, glassy conditions when the swell lines up. However, onshore winds from S and SSW (totalling 15.3%) can quickly degrade quality. The key to scoring is watching for high pressure over the continent – when that sets up, Entella can deliver surprisingly fun, rippable surf for a Mediterranean winter spot.