Keramas - surf spot statistics

Best Surf Season (December - March)

The northwest monsoon takes hold, delivering a powerful combination of consistent, long-period S-SSW swell and predominantly offshore winds out of the northern quadrants. From December through March, Keramas comes alive. Average wave heights hover in the fun, rippable 0.8-1.0m range, but the 12-14s period gives them serious punch. This is when the iconic righthander is at its most groomed, offering smooth, hollow walls. The stats back it up: offshore wind frequency peaks at 64% in January and remains above 40% through March, creating clean, lined-up sets from morning to evening.

Fair Surf Season (April & November)

The transition months between monsoons introduce a pick-and-choose scenario. In April, the southeast trades start to strengthen, dropping offshore wind frequency to just 17%. However, the swell direction shifts more directly from the S-SSW, and average periods climb to nearly 14s. You can still find glassy windows early in the month before the afternoon sea breeze kicks in. November sees the return of northwesterly winds as the northwest monsoon builds, but the wind is still fickle – only 15% ideal. The swell, almost exclusively from the SSW, delivers clean, chest-to-head-high waves when the wind cooperates. It’s a month of patience rewarded.

Low Surf Season (May - October)

The southeast monsoon dominates from May through October, and for a SSE-facing reef, this is the cruellest period. Persistent onshore winds from the E-ESE-SE blow a steady 10-20kph, 50-70% of the time, chopping up even the most powerful swell. The wave heights actually peak during these months – averaging 1.0-1.1m with long 14s periods – but the wind-ruined surface makes most days unrideable. Offshore wind frequency plummets to between 1-5% from June to September. Only the occasional dawn patrol before the trades kick in, or a rare synoptic pattern that backs the wind to the north, will offer a window. This is the time to travel elsewhere or pack a groveler and hope for magic.

June: High Swell, Low Quality

June brings the highest average swell of the year – 1.1m – with a 14.2s period, making it the most powerful month. The swell distribution is split between S (42.1%) and SSW (46.4%), with a notable 27.4% in the 1-1.5m range. This is pumping, heavy groundswell. But the wind is relentless: offshore frequency at 4%, with ESE-SE winds at 75.1% of the time, most at 10-20kph. The wave faces are covered in wind bumps, making it nearly impossible to find a clean line. This is the heart of the low season, saved only for those willing to surf in messy conditions or wait for a rare northerly breeze.