Express Point - surf spot statistics

Best Surf Season (May - August)

The heart of the Australian winter brings consistent SW groundswells and a higher frequency of offshore northerly winds. With average wave heights ranging from 1.5m to 1.7m and periods pushing into the 12-13 second range, this is prime time for Express Point. The deepening sub-Antarctic low-pressure systems generate powerful, long-period SW swell trains, while the shift in the synoptic pattern increases the likelihood of cool, stable north to northwesterly winds blowing clean across the predominately SSW-facing beach. Expect pumping, heavy waves in the 1.5-2.5m range on the best days, with ideal conditions roughly 30% of the time. This is the window for the most consistent, high-quality surf.

Fair Surf Season (April & September)

The transition months offer a blend of winter swell and lighter wind regimes. April sees the tail end of the autumn storm track with average swell heights still solid at 1.5m and periods of 12.5s, but the wind patterns become more variable with an increase in S and SSW winds. Similarly, September maintains strong SW swell energy (1.7m avg, 12.9s period) rivaling the winter peak, but the wind starts to shift back toward spring regimes with more frequent onshore SE and SSW flows. Surf quality remains good on days when a cold front passes and the wind clocks around to the north, but the consistency of clean conditions drops compared to the core winter months.

Low Surf Season (October - March)

From late spring through summer and into early autumn, Express Point experiences its slowest and most wind-challenged period. The South Pacific and Tasman Sea high-pressure systems dominate, steering lighter winds onshore from the south and southwest. Average swell heights dip to 1.4-1.5m with periods decreasing into the 11-12 second range. While occasional SW groundswells still arrive, the combination of weaker swell and high percentages of onshore wind (SSW, S, SW) makes for mostly choppy, low-quality surf. The best chance for a ride comes when a rare southerly buster or Tasman low delivers a pulse of SW swell and north winds, but these windows are brief. Overall, expect small, fun-sized waves on the better days, but largely this is a season to explore other spots or polish your groveling skills.

September: Fading Winter

September marks the transition back toward spring. The average swell height remains high at 1.7m with the longest average period of 12.9s – very powerful and long-period. SW swell is dominant again at 45.1%, with WSW at 21.0%. However, offshore wind frequency decreases to 24%, and the wind patterns become more variable. Onshore SE and SSW winds start to increase, reducing the number of clean days. The swell is still full of energy, so when a cold front swings the wind north, you can score pumping 1.5-2m waves with excellent shape. But the consistency of good conditions is lower than in the winter peak. September is a classic shoulder month – the swell is there, but you need to chase the wind.