La Source - surf spot statistics

Best Surf Season (November - March)

Winter is when La Source truly comes alive. The North Atlantic storm track shifts south, firing powerful extratropical lows that send long-period groundswells rolling toward the Moroccan coast. While the predominant swell direction remains northwesterly due to the fetch geometry, the months from November through March offer the highest percentage of W and WNW swell energy — the closest your spot gets to its optimal SW-W window. Average wave heights sit in the 2.0-2.2m range, with periods often exceeding 12 seconds, providing the punchy, powerful lines that make this beach break worthwhile. Offshore wind conditions are most reliable during this period, with the 'Ideal Wind' metric peaking at 64% in December. A persistent high-pressure system over the Iberian Peninsula funnels easterly airflow (E-ENE) down the coast, grooming the faces and holding up the waves for clean, rippable sessions. The combination of increased swell size, longer period, and favorable wind yields the best trade-off for quality surf.

Fair Surf Season (April & October)

Transitional months like April and October offer a mixed bag. In April, average swell height drops slightly to 2.0m and period to 10.9s, while the ideal wind percentage falls to 45%. The swell becomes more dominated by northwesterly directions, with the W-WNW window shrinking. Still, occasional late-season storms can deliver solid pulses, and the lighter winds of spring allow for more variable conditions. October sees a ramp-up again: swell height climbs to 1.8m, period lengthens to 11.6s, and ideal wind jumps to 59%. The early autumn lows begin to reawaken, and you can score some glassy, lined-up sets before the winter grind sets in. These months are for the dedicated surfer willing to watch the charts and wait for the right combo of westerly swell and offshore breeze.

Low Surf Season (May - September)

Late spring through summer is the quietest time at La Source. From May to September, average swell heights hover around 1.5-1.8m, and periods shorten to 7.8-10.1s. The swell direction becomes overwhelmingly northwesterly, with NNW accounting for 74% to 94% of the total — far from the ideal SW-W window. This produces weaker, more windswell-like waves that lack the power and shape of winter. While offshore winds remain relatively common (Ideal Wind 42-57% depending on the month), the small, short-period waves often result in choppy, groveling conditions. July and August are particularly flat, with average heights of just 1.6m and periods under 8s. Unless a rare tropical storm or freak groundswell arrives, expect micro to fun-sized surf at best. This is the season for longboarders, beginners, or those content with a mellow paddle.

January: The Atlantic Roar

January is prime winter at La Source. The North Atlantic is in full fury, driving an average swell height of 2.2m with a long, powerful period of 13.3s. While the majority of the swell comes from the NNW (28.7%) and NW (32.5%) — directions that are far from ideal for this SW-facing beach — there is a notable 1.1% from due W and 9.3% from WNW. These westerly components, though small, yield the best quality waves when they align. The wind is favorable 63% of the time, with easterly quadrants (NNE through E) combining for roughly 37% of the total. Strong trades from the east and northeast keep the surface clean, especially in the morning. When a W or WNW swell coincides with an early offshore breeze, you can expect punching, 2.0-2.5m sets breaking with authority. The long period ensures the waves wrap into the bay with shape and power, offering peaky, rippable walls for intermediate to advanced surfers. Be prepared for size — anything over 2.5m can get heavy and challenging.