Kincardine - surf spot statistics

Kincardine, Canada, is primarily a windswell-dominated spot with occasional ground swell influence, particularly in late summer and fall. The best months for surfing are typically from September through December, when swell consistency and size improve. September stands out with a noticeable increase in ground swell (11%) compared to other months, while October to December see the highest wind swell percentages (80-85%) and minimal no-swell days (7-13%). Swell size also peaks in December with a mean of 1.5m, offering the most substantial waves of the year. However, wind conditions are generally poor year-round, with bad winds (onshore or cross-shore) dominating 85-93% of the time across all months. Late fall (October-November) provides a slightly better balance, with 11% good wind days—still low but marginally better than other periods. Summer (June-August) is the least favorable due to smaller swells (0.6-0.7m) and higher no-swell likelihood. For dedicated surfers, the shoulder seasons (September-early December) are the best bet, despite the challenging winds, as they deliver the most consistent and sizable waves. Winter (December-February) brings bigger swells but worse wind conditions, making sessions rare and highly conditions-dependent. If you can time sessions around the occasional clean wind day in late fall, that’s your best shot at scoring decent waves in Kincardine.

April in Kincardine offers generally small to moderate surf conditions with an average swell height of 1.0m and a decent period of 6.8s. The most consistent swell direction comes from the ESE to SSE, contributing to the majority of rideable waves, particularly in the 0.5-1.5m range. While 1-1.5m waves are frequent (around 3-4% per direction), larger swells (over 2m) are rare, limiting big-wave potential. The wind is only ideal for surfing 13% of the time, with lighter winds (under 20kph) most common from the E to SSE. However, stronger winds (20-30+ kph) from the S to NW are prevalent, often creating choppy or cross-shore conditions. Surfers should watch for cleaner sessions when offshore WNW or NW winds align with ESE/SE swells, though these setups are infrequent. Overall, expect smaller, occasionally rideable waves, with the best opportunities likely early in the day before winds pick up. It’s not a high-performance month, but patient surfers can score fun, waist-high sessions.