Fitzroy Beach - surf spot statistics

Best Surf Season (March - May)

Autumn is prime time at Fitzroy Beach as the Tasman Sea comes alive with consistent, long-period SW groundswells. The dominant WSW swell direction, while not perfectly aligned, wraps nicely into the northwest-facing beach, producing clean, peeling lines that offer both power and length. Offshore winds from the SW to W are most frequent during these months, with ideal wind percentages reaching 23-25%. Average wave heights climb from 1.7m to 2.1m, and periods average 12 seconds, delivering fun, rippable waves that hold shape through the afternoon. This is the sweet spot for surfers seeking quality over quantity.

Fair Surf Season (June - August)

Winter delivers the biggest and most consistent surf at Fitzroy. Average heights hold at a solid 2.1m with periods in the 12-second range, producing powerful, sometimes heavy waves from the WSW groundswell train. However, the frequency of onshore NW winds increases, making clean conditions less predictable. Ideal wind percentages dip slightly to 21-24%, yet when a high-pressure system parks over the South Island, winds shift to the SW, creating offshore conditions that groom the swell into clean, bowling walls. This is the season for charging, but you'll need patience for the windows of bliss.

Low Surf Season (September - January)

Spring and early summer see a drop in both swell size and wind consistency. Average heights range from 1.6m to 2.1m, but ideal wind percentages fall below 20% (as low as 15% in October). The wind becomes more variable, often swinging between NW onshore flows and lighter sea breezes that chop the surface. However, occasional distant W swells combined with a southerly burst can still produce fun, clean days. It's a groveler's paradise when it's small, but keep an eye on the forecast for those rare, fleeting windows of quality.

May: Winter Swells Arrive – Consistent and Punchy

May ushers in the winter swell window. Average wave height bumps to 2.1m with a period of 12.1 seconds, delivering punchy, consistent surf. The swell direction shifts slightly: while WSW leads with 37.4%, the W and WNW sectors combine for over 15%, better aligning with the beach. This results in more powerful, shoulder-high-plus waves. Ideal wind conditions drop slightly to 23% of the time, but SW (9.2%) and WSW (16.0%) winds still provide offshore flows. A growing presence of NW–NNW onshore winds (10% combined) means you'll need to pick your days. Focus on the southerly changes that bring SSW–SW winds – these groom the swell into clean, heavy walls ideal for barrel riding.