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Getxo - surf spot statistics
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 May
May: Summer Lull Begins
May marks the entrance into the low season with average swell heights dropping to 1.2m and periods averaging 9.9s. The dominant swell direction is NW (50.8%), but the energy is significantly weaker – over 65% of the NW swell is under 1.5m. Ideal wind frequency falls to 39%, with S (6.6%) and SSW (6.0%) still the go-to. The waves become small, fun-sized, and grovelly, best suited for high-performance shortboards or a fish. Onshore WNW (10.7%) and NW (11.6%) winds increase, often creating choppy, bumpy conditions. Best to hunt the dawn glass-off with light southerly flow.
Average Spot conditions at Getxo in May
Swell history for May
Wind history for May
Swell quality
Analyze the groundswell consistency at Getxo during May. 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 May.
Ground swell
Ground swell by size
Wind conditions
Evaluate the wind and swell alignment at Getxo for May. 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.