Long Beach - surf spot statistics

Long Beach in South Africa offers consistent surf conditions year-round, with a strong dominance of ground swell, minimal wind swell, and virtually no flat days. The best months for surfers are generally from April to September, when ground swell percentages peak (88–92%), and average swell size increases, reaching its maximum in July (3.3m). May stands out with 91% ground swell and slightly better wind conditions (23% good winds), though wind quality remains challenging overall, with bad winds prevalent (77–84% most months). Winter months (June–August) bring larger swells (3.2–3.3m) but retain poor wind conditions (80–82% bad winds). Autumn (April–May) and early spring (September) offer a balance of solid swell size (2.6–3.0m) and marginally improved wind chances (19–23% good winds). Summer (December–March) has slightly smaller swells (2.5m) and the worst wind conditions (83–84% bad winds), making it less ideal despite the high ground swell consistency. For advanced surfers prioritizing wave quality, late autumn to early winter (May–July) is optimal, though offshore winds remain rare—patience and flexibility are key for scoring the best sessions.

February at Long Beach, South Africa, offers solid surf conditions with an average swell height of 2.5m and a favorable period of 11.7s, indicating well-spaced, powerful waves. The swell predominantly comes from the SW (36%) and SSW (13%) directions, with the biggest waves (2-2.5m) frequently arriving from the SW (20%), making it ideal for experienced surfers. Small to medium waves (1-2m) are common from the S and SSE, providing variety. However, wind conditions are often challenging—only 16% of the time do winds align ideally for surfing, primarily when lighter offshore winds (N to ENE) occur. Strong SE to ESE winds (10-50+ kph) dominate, creating onshore chop and reducing wave quality. Surfers should target rare windless or light offshore days for cleaner, more organized waves. Overall, February delivers consistent swell but requires patience with wind conditions.