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.

October: The Season Awakens

October sees a clear jump in surf potential. Average swell height reaches 0.7m and period 5.2s, with SW swell at 24.7% and a healthy distribution of 1-1.5m waves (4.5%). Ideal wind is up to 15%, driven by a strong NNE flow (21.8%) that creates clean, offshore conditions. The Ligurian Sea becomes more energetic as extratropical storms brush the western Mediterranean, sending longer-period groundswells. While the average period is still modest, there are occasional pulses over 10s that transform the break. The challenge remains the onshore winds from the southern quadrants, but when a high-pressure ridge builds and a low tracks across the Tyrrhenian Sea, the alignment can produce classic Entella: glassy, fun-sized waves peeling down the line.