La Torche - surf spot statistics

La Torche, France, is a exposed beach break that works best with groundswell and offshore winds. The optimal surfing conditions are found during the autumn and winter months, particularly from October to February, when groundswell dominates (58% to 88%) and swell heights are consistently strong (1.9m to 2.7m). November through January stands out as the peak season, offering the largest waves (2.2m to 2.7m) and the highest likelihood of groundswell. However, wind conditions during these months are frequently onshore or cross-shore (bad winds 80%+ of the time), making clean surf days rare. Spring (March to May) sees diminishing swell size (1.6m to 2.1m) but slightly improved wind conditions (good winds 22% to 26%), while summer (June to August) brings smaller, wind-driven swells (1.2m) and still mostly unfavorable winds. September and October can offer a decent compromise, with increasing groundswell (42% to 58%) and marginally better wind chances (23% to 26%). If you're chasing power and consistency, focus on winter despite the wind challenges, but if you prefer slightly cleaner conditions with smaller waves, late spring or early autumn may provide better opportunities.

In July, La Torche offers relatively consistent but generally small to mid-sized surf, with an average swell height of 1.2m and a decent period of 9.0s, providing some punch to the waves. The majority of swells come from the W and WNW directions, with the largest distribution in the 0.5-1.5m range, occasionally reaching 2.5m. WSW and SW swells also contribute, but with slightly lower heights. Wind conditions are critical, and only 20% of the time is the wind ideal for surfing—typically light offshore or cross-shore winds from the E to NE. However, the prevailing winds are often onshore (SW-WNW), which can create choppy conditions, especially when speeds exceed 20kph. For surfers, the best days will be when W/WNW swells coincide with lighter winds, offering clean, rideable waves in the waist-to-head-high range. Expect some inconsistency, but with enough favorable windows for decent sessions.