Good Rats - surf spot statistics

Best Surf Season (November - March)

The North Atlantic roars to life during these months, delivering the most consistent and powerful swell to Good Rats. Average wave heights range from 2.5m to 3.0m with long periods averaging 11-12 seconds, thanks to a steady parade of extratropical cyclones tracking across the basin. Swell directions are dominated by the optimal WSW, SW, and SSW, perfectly aligned with the beach's SW exposure. Offshore winds from the NE and ENE quadrant blow a higher percentage of the time, especially from December through February, when the polar jet stream strengthens and the NAO often dips negative, driving storm tracks closer to the coast. This combo produces clean, grinding, long-period surf that can hold a board comfortably. The main challenge is the occasional onshore flow from the SE and S when high-pressure systems set up to the east, but overall, this is prime time for the spot.

Fair Surf Season (April & October)

These shoulder months offer a transition between the winter peak and summer lull. April still sees respectable average wave heights of 2.2m and periods around 10.8s, with a high percentage of ideal wind (39%) – the highest of any month. However, the swell becomes more inconsistent as the storm track shifts north. October sees a resurgence with 2.5m average height and 10.4s period, but the wind ideal rate drops to 29%, meaning more variable conditions. Both months benefit from a mix of groundswell and windswell, and with the right setup – a low pressure passing to the north and a cold front clearing out – you can score fun, punchy surf with clean offshore breezes.

Low Surf Season (May - September)

Summer settles in, and Good Rats goes into a slumber. Average wave heights drop to 1.3-1.7m, with periods shrinking to 9-10 seconds. Swell still comes from the preferred SSW-SW-WSW directions, but the energy is often weak and short-period, producing mostly small, mushy, or choppy waves. The biggest enemy is the wind: onshore flow from the SSW, SW, and WSW becomes predominant, especially from June through August, when ideal wind percentages bottom out at 19-24%. Afternoon seabreezes further degrade conditions. A stray tropical storm or cloud-to-ground hurricane swell can briefly light things up in September, but consistency is low. For the dedicated surfer, a groveler or longboard is the board of choice on the rare clean dawn patrol with a light offshore breeze from the north or east.

December: Peak Winter Boom

December is the absolute peak for swell size at Good Rats, boasting the highest average height of the year at 3.0m and a long period of 11.7s. The storm train is in full force, with intense lows tracking along the Gulf Stream and battering the coast. Swell directions are optimal, led by WSW (10.3%), SW (8.5%), and SSW (5.8%), but also a notable increase in SSW (5.8%) and even SSE (1.9%) indicating the occasional hooking swell from lows passing near or east of the region. The wind ideal percentage sits at 34%, a strong figure but slightly lower than mid-winter due to the higher frequency of East Coast lows that can also bring onshore flow from the SSE and SE (combined over 20%). When a bomb cyclone sets up and stalls off the coast, it can pump huge, powerful swell into Good Rats for days, with the rare opportunity for XXL sessions if the wind aligns. December is not for the faint of heart – it's a month for the big wave gun and a thick wetsuit, but the rewards are legendary.