Margaret River - surf spot statistics

Margaret River is a world-class surf destination with consistent year-round swell, primarily driven by ground swells, which dominate 92-97% of the time. The best months for surfers are typically April through September, when the mean swell size increases to 2.7m-3.7m, offering powerful, clean waves. May to August stands out with the largest swells (3.1m-3.7m), ideal for experienced surfers seeking big, hollow waves. However, wind conditions are a challenge, as bad winds (onshore or cross-shore) prevail 76-85% of the time, peaking in the winter months. The most favorable wind conditions, though still limited, occur in April and May (24% good winds), making these months particularly appealing when clean offshore winds occasionally coincide with solid ground swells. The summer months (December-February) see smaller swells (2.3m-2.4m) and near-constant bad winds (85-88%), reducing surf quality. Overall, advanced surfers should target autumn and winter (April-September) for the biggest and most consistent waves, accepting the likelihood of windy conditions, while those seeking slightly smaller but still reliable waves might prefer early autumn (April-May) when wind conditions are marginally better.

April at Margaret River delivers powerful and consistent surf with an average swell height of 2.7m and a solid 13.5s period, indicating well-formed, energy-packed waves. The dominant swell direction is from the SW, which aligns perfectly with the spot, producing clean, heavy barrels and open faces—ideal for advanced surfers. Around 18.5% of the time, SW swells reach 2-2.5m, while 14.4% of swells are in the 1.5-2m range, ensuring plenty of overhead to double-overhead days. Wind conditions are the main challenge, with only 24% of days offering favorable offshore or light cross-shore winds (typically E/NE). However, strong SE-SSW onshore winds are common (20-30kph range, 4-5% frequency), which can disrupt wave quality. When the wind cooperates, expect world-class, powerful surf with long, hollow rides, but be prepared for variable wind conditions that may limit ideal sessions. This is prime time for experienced surfers to score epic waves, though patience and timing are key.