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.

October: Building Momentum

October sees a sharp jump in energy: 1.3m average height and 9.9s period. The North Atlantic is waking up, with swell from WNW (30.8%), W (17.7%), and NW (19.9%) becoming more powerful. Optimal directions SW through W now supply a good chunk of surf: WSW (9.9%), SW (4.7%), and W (17.7%). Wave heights in the 1.5-2.5m range become regular for the first time since spring, offering solid, rippable to pumping conditions. Offshore wind frequency is 39%, with NE (13.7%) and NNE (10.8%) leading. However, southwesterly onshore winds also increase (S 13.4%, SSW 10.2%), so timing is crucial. When a high-pressure system settles over the Bay of Biscay and a low passes north, Larido can see long-period W swell with light offshore breezes – pure magic.