Lincoln City - surf spot statistics

Lincoln City, Oregon, offers varied surf conditions throughout the year, with the best months for surfers typically falling within the late autumn, winter, and early spring periods. From November through February, the swell quality is most consistent, with ground swell percentages peaking between 41-57%, delivering the most reliable waves. December and January stand out as prime months, with mean swell sizes around 1.6m and relatively high ground swell influence (52-57%). Wind conditions, however, remain challenging, with bad onshore winds occurring 81-82% of the time during these months, requiring patience for favorable offshore or cross-shore winds. March sees a slight drop in ground swell (42%) but maintains decent size (1.4m), while October offers a transitional improvement with 32% ground swell and slightly better wind stats (18% good conditions). Spring and summer (May-August) are the least favorable, with weak swells (0.7-0.9m), dominant wind swell, and consistently poor wind conditions (90%+ bad winds). September marks the beginning of the return to better surf, bridging the gap to the winter season. For committed surfers, the winter months provide the most powerful and consistent waves despite the frequent poor winds, while those seeking smaller, more forgiving conditions might find late autumn or early spring more suitable.

March in Lincoln City offers surfable conditions with an average swell height of 1.4m and a solid period of 12.3s, suggesting consistent, well-spaced waves. Swell direction is predominantly from the WNW, contributing to over 40% of the waves, with a fair distribution in the 1.5-2.5m range—ideal for intermediate to advanced surfers. SSW, SW, and W swells also appear but less frequently. Wind conditions are less favorable, with only 14% of days offering ideal offshore or light cross-shore winds (typically from the E/NE). Stronger onshore winds (S, SSW, SW) dominate, which can create choppy or messy conditions. Expect the best sessions when WNW swells pair with lighter easterly winds—often early mornings or during high-pressure systems. The spot handles larger winter swells, but March sees more manageable sizes while still providing power. Watch for wind shifts and aim for clean-up swells after storms.