Margaret River - surf spot statistics

Best Surf Season (May - September)

Winter in the Southern Ocean unleashes its fury and Margaret River goes full-pumping. From May through September, the average swell hovers around a solid 2.3m to 2.8m, with periods consistently in the 12.9-13.3s range – that's powerful, long-period groundswell that wraps perfectly into the West-South-West facing coastline. The dominant swell directions shift to SW and WSW, the exact sweet spot for this stretch of coast. While onshore westerlies can be a menace, the prevalence of E to NE winds during high-pressure setups offers clean, glassy conditions especially in the mornings. This is prime time for pumping 1.5-2.5m plus waves at iconic spots like The Box and Mainbreak.

Fair Surf Season (April & October)

Shoulder months bring a transition period where the ocean is still very much alive. April and October see average swells between 2.0m and 2.2m with periods around 12.8-12.9s – solid and rippable. Wind ideal percentages climb to 29% in April thanks to more frequent easterly regimes, while October cools off slightly. These months can deliver fun, clean waves without the peak-winter crowds, making them a favorite for those seeking quality over quantity.

Low Surf Season (November - March)

Summer settles in and the Pacific High-pressure system dominates the Indian Ocean, suppressing the storm track. From November through March, average swell heights drop to 1.8-1.9m and periods slip to 11.8-12.5s. While still rideable, the swell tends to be more windswell-infused and less consistent. The wind regime is dominated by afternoon sea breezes – SSE to SW onshores that wreck wave quality. However, early morning offshore easterlies from the land breeze can still create short windows of fun, groveling waves in the 0.5-1.5m range. March stands out as the best of the low season with 21% ideal wind and longer average periods (12.5s), hinting at the approaching winter swell.

May: Winter Kicks Into Gear

May is when the Southern Ocean roars to life. Average swell jumps to 2.3m with a period of 12.9s – powerful and consistent. Swell directions broaden: SW (33.0%) remains dominant, but WSW (16.5%), W (5.0%), and even WNW (2.6%) start contributing, meaning swell wraps into every nook of the coast. Wind ideal percentage holds at 29%, with NE to E winds (NNE 5.5%, NE 6.1%, ENE 6.0%, E 6.1%) offering clean offshore conditions early. The westerly component of the wind increases slightly, but the strong westerlies (over 20kph) are still limited. This month pumps out heavy, firing waves in the 1.5-2.5m range, with frequent overhead sets. Mainbreak and The Box start to show their true form.