Larido - surf spot statistics

Best Surf Season (December - February)

The core of winter sees the North Atlantic at its most active, with powerful extratropical cyclones marching across the basin. Larido, with its west-southwest exposure, captures the brunt of these long-period swells. Average wave heights hover around 1.7-1.8m with periods frequently reaching 12-13s, delivering pumping, heavy surf in the 1.5-2.5m range. Offshore winds from the NNE through E quadrant blow over 40% of the time, keeping conditions clean. This is prime time for serious waves, especially when a high-pressure ridge builds behind a front, bringing sunny skies and glassy conditions.

Fair Surf Season (March - May & September - November)

During these shoulder months, energy levels are more variable. Spring sees a gradual decline in swell size and period as the jet stream retreats, with March still offering solid 1.5m waves but May dropping to a fun 1.0m average. Autumn sees a reverse ramp-up: September provides small but punchy groundswells from early-season storms, while October and November see size and period increasing sharply. Winds remain favourable around 37-40% of the time, though southerly onshore flows become more common. Expect rippable, fun-sized waves on the better days, with occasional pumping sessions when a storm aligns with offshore winds.

Low Surf Season (June - August)

Summer is the quietest period for Larido. The Atlantic storm track shifts north, leaving the region dominated by weak, short-period windswells from the northwest. Average heights bottom out at 0.8-0.9m with periods around 7s, resulting in small, often choppy conditions. While offshore breezes from the northeast persist roughly 36-39% of the time, the lack of swell energy means most days are for groveling on small boards. Only occasional pulses from distant southern hemisphere storms or localized summer seabreezes can produce a brief window of fun waves, but overall this is a time for smaller craft and patience.

January: Winter Peak

January is the heart of winter, with an average swell height of 1.8m and a long 12.9s period. The dominant swell direction is from the WNW (31.5%), but the optimal SW-W directions also contribute significantly: W (18.2%), WSW (6.9%), and SW (3.5%). This means Larido receives a steady diet of powerful, long-period groundswell. Over 40% of waves fall in the 1.5-2.5m range, putting the spot in pumping territory. Offshore winds from NNE, NE, ENE, and E combine for 41% of observations, with NE (14%) and NNE (8.9%) being most common. This keeps the waves clean and well-shaped. On days when a high-pressure system settles over the Bay of Biscay, glassy conditions under a crisp winter sky produce world-class lefts. Watch out for onshore SSW-SW flows (10-17%) which can ruin the lineup.