Manly - surf spot statistics

Manly Beach in Australia offers a mix of conditions year-round, with the best surfing months typically being from late summer into autumn, particularly February to April. During these months, the swell is a balanced mix of ground and wind swells, with February having 18% ground swell and 82% wind swell, while April sees an increase in ground swell to 26% and 74% wind swell. The average swell size remains steady at 1.6m, providing consistent wave heights. Wind conditions are also favorable, with February having the highest percentage of good winds at 47%, though April sees a slight drop to 37%. Winter months from May to August experience higher ground swell percentages, peaking at 31% in June, but the wind conditions deteriorate significantly, with bad winds dominating at 76% in May and peaking at 85% in July. Swell size decreases slightly in winter to around 1.4-1.5m. Spring and early summer from September to December see a return to more wind-dominated swells, with ground swell dropping below 20% by November and December. Wind conditions improve slightly, with good winds rising back to 34% in October and 42% in December. Overall, surfers will find the most reliable conditions from February to April when swell composition, size, and wind conditions align best for quality surfing at Manly.

May at Manly offers decent surf conditions with an average swell height of 1.6m and a solid period of 9.7s, providing enough energy for clean, rideable waves. The swell distribution shows a dominant southerly influence, particularly from SSE, S, and SE directions, which account for the majority of waves in the 1-2.5m range—ideal for intermediate to advanced surfers. ENE and E swells also contribute, though typically smaller. Wind conditions are less favorable, with only 24% of days offering clean offshore or light cross-shore winds (typically from the W or NW). Stronger onshore winds from the S-SSW are more frequent, potentially creating choppy conditions. Overall, expect a mix of good days with clean, mid-sized waves and wind-affected sessions. Timing and patience will be key to scoring the best sessions.