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.

November: Winter's Return

November averages 1.5m height and 10.9s period, a clear step toward winter. Swell from WNW (29.5%), W (17.7%), and NW (18.6%) dominates. The W and WSW fetch now produce substantial size, with 40% of waves in the 1.5-2.5m range. Offshore wind frequency is 40% – NE (13.2%) and NNE (10.6%) remain the primary offshore directions. Onshore winds from S and SSW (11.3% and 8.8%) are still a threat, but less frequent than in October. This month delivers powerful, long-period surf, often with excellent shape under a clean north wind. The NAO tends to be negative in November, steering storms into the Atlantic and giving Larido consistent WSW swell. Expect some of the best waves of the year, especially during the week when winds are lightest.