Magheroarty - surf spot statistics

Best Surf Season (October - March)

The North Atlantic fires on all cylinders from October through March, delivering consistent, powerful swell to Magheroarty's NW-facing beach. Average wave heights hover between 2.6m and 3.6m with long periods often exceeding 12 seconds, thanks to a parade of intense extratropical cyclones rolling off the Labrador Sea. The downside? Onshore winds from the NW quadrant accompany many of these storms, limiting the 'clean' window. Still, when a high-pressure system parks over the British Isles, a crisp SE to S offshore flow transforms the beach into a world-class left point or beachbreak. These are the days you live for.

Fair Surf Season (April & September)

The transition months of April and September offer a compromise: solid swell (2.0-2.2m average) with a higher chance of favorable offshore winds (14-15% ideal). April sees the waning of winter's fury, but the N Atlantic still delivers regular WNW-NW pulses in the 10-14s range. September marks the ramp-up after summer, with the first major lows reawakening. Both months see a more balanced mix of swell directions, often with cleaner conditions as autumn lows stall south of Iceland.

Low Surf Season (May - August)

Summer arrives and the swell machine downshifts. Average heights drop to 1.5-1.8m and periods dip to 8-9s, typical of weaker, more distant swell sources. The dominant W and NW swell still reaches the coast, but you'll be hunting for sandbars to make the most of fun-sized, rippable waves. The silver lining: offshore wind frequency increases to 15-16%, offering plenty of groomed, glassy mornings. It's a great time for longboarding and fine-tuning your rail game, but don't expect to get pitted.

August: Subtle Swell Increase

August sees a slight uptick in wave energy – average height 1.7m, period 8.9s – as distant tropical depressions and early autumn fronts start to stir the Atlantic. The W (26.0%) and WNW (21.3) remain dominant, with some mid-period sets beginning to reappear. Ideal offshore wind drops a bit to 15%, but still yields plenty of clean days. Onshore NW winds are manageable. This month bridges the gap between summer's lull and the approach of autumn, offering a taste of what's to come.