Surf forecastStatisticsHistorical report

Getxo seasonal overview

Best Surf Season (October - March)

The North Atlantic swings into full production mode from October through March, delivering a consistent barrage of WNW to NW groundswells to Getxo's west-northwest-facing coastline. Average wave heights hover between 1.5m and 2.1m with long-period energy (11–12.8s) that translates into powerful, well-structured lines. Offshore wind percentages peak at 44–50%, driven by a dominant SSW to S flow that cleans up the swell beautifully. This is prime time for pumping, firing surf – a classic Basque winter.

Fair Surf Season (April & September)

April and September serve as transitional windows with average swell heights of 1.2–1.4m and periods around 10–11s. The swell quality remains respectable – mostly fun, rippable waves – though the size and power dip compared to peak winter. Wind statistics remain favorable, with 41–44% offshore conditions, mainly from the SSW and S quadrants. The crowds thin out, and clean long-period pulses still sneak in between summer lulls.

Low Surf Season (May - August)

From May through August, the North Atlantic storm track retreats northward, resulting in smaller, shorter-period swells. Average heights drop to 1.0–1.2m with periods around 8.8–9.9s – often choppy and grovelly. While NW groundswell still dominates, the energy is less powerful. Offshore wind percentages decline to 36–39%, and onshore sea breezes frequently spoil the shape. This is the season for small-wave gear and chasing the rare early-morning glass-off.

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Conditions at Getxo in December

December: Winter Peak Premiere

December closes the year with average swell heights of 2.0m and a solid period of 12.4s. The NW (29.6%) and WNW (20.4%) swell directions produce a high percentage of over-1.5m waves (45% of total), making for firing, heavy conditions. Ideal wind frequency is 46%, driven almost entirely by S (17.4%) and SSW (21.1%) – a very reliable offshore signal. This month often brings powerful, long-period groundswells that wrap into Getxo with precision. Onshore winds are less of a problem than in previous months, with the dominant offshore flow keeping the waves clean. December is prime winter surf, consistent and powerful.

Average Spot conditions at Getxo in December

Swell history for December

0 - 0.5
0.5 - 1
1 - 1.5
1.5 - 2.0
2.0 - 2.5
> 2.5 m

Wind history for December

0 - 10
10 - 20
20 - 30
30 - 40
40 - 50
> 50 km/h

Swell quality

Analyze the groundswell consistency at Getxo during December. Based on historical data, there is a % probability of groundswell occurring this month. The chart below provides a detailed breakdown of the average wave height distribution, offering deep insights into the swell quality and surf potential you can expect at Getxo for your next trip in December.

Ground swell

Ground swell by size

Wind conditions

Evaluate the wind and swell alignment at Getxo for December. Our analysis shows that favorable offshore or side-shore winds coincide with surfable swell approximately % of the time. The accompanying graph illustrates the average size distribution of waves during these optimal wind windows at Getxo.

Swell with good wind

Swell with good wind by size