Getxo - surf spot statistics

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.

January: Deep Winter Fury

January is the heart of winter, delivering the highest average swell height of the year at 2.1m with a long-period punch of 12.8s. Swell direction is overwhelmingly from the WNW-to-NW window, which together accounts for over 52% of all observations. These are powerful, west-northwest groundswells that wrap into Getxo with plenty of size – over 35% of the swell falls in the 1.5–2.5m range, making for pumping, heavy, firing conditions. The wind is ideal 44% of the time, with the dominant offshore flow coming from the SSW (19.8%) and S (14.7%) quadrants. When the stars align, expect long-period, lined-up waves with clean faces under a southerly breeze. Beware of the WNW and NW winds (totaling 15.6%) that can shred the surface, so pick your windows carefully.