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.

In June, Kincardine offers generally small to moderate surf conditions with an average swell height of 0.8m and a period of 6.9s, which can provide soft, rideable waves for longboards or beginner to intermediate surfers. The majority of swells come from the ESE, SE, and SSE directions, contributing to the most frequent waves in the 0.5-1.5m range. Larger swells (1.5m+) are less common but occasionally appear, mostly from S and SE directions. Wind conditions are variable, with only 15% of days offering ideal offshore or light cross-shore winds. The most frequent wind directions are SSW, S, and SW, often blowing in the 10-30kph range, which can create choppy or less favorable conditions. Stronger winds (30-50kph) are possible but rare. The best sessions will likely occur when lighter ESE or SE winds align with a small to moderate SE swell, creating clean, rideable waves—though larger, more powerful conditions are uncommon this time of year. Overall, June is a decent month for relaxed surfing, but consistency and quality depend heavily on wind alignment.