Ngor Rights - surf spot statistics

Best Surf Season (October - March)

The North Atlantic winter engine fires up, bringing consistent NW groundswell with average heights of 1.6–1.8m and periods often exceeding 12 seconds. This is when the spot sees its biggest, most powerful surf. However, the dominant trade wind regime from the N to NE quadrant blows onshore over 90% of the time, making for largely bumpy, choppy conditions. The magic happens when a passing low-pressure system ushers in lighter SW to W offshore winds, creating brief but world-class windows of clean, walling waves. Patience and a keen eye on the synoptic charts are key.

Fair Surf Season (April, May, September)

These transitional months offer a trade-off: spring months still carry solid NW swell (1.6–1.7m) but with virtually no offshore wind (<1% ideal in April). September, on the other hand, sees a dip in swell size (1.3m) but a marked increase in favorable S to SW winds, delivering cleaner, fun-sized waves on longer-period swell. This is the sweet spot for those who value quality over quantity.

Low Surf Season (June - August)

The North Atlantic storm track retreats far north, leaving the region with inconsistent, weak swell. Average wave heights drop to 1.3–1.4m with periods around 9 seconds, often resulting in gutless, crumbly surf. Wind becomes more variable, with occasional S to SW breezes that can polish the meager energy into something surfable, but overall the spot lacks the punch and power of the winter months. It is a time for longboard logging or taking a break.

January: The Deep Winter Power

January delivers the peak of the North Atlantic swell window. A massive 75.7% of all wave energy arrives from the NNW, with an additional 10.9% from the NW – both ideal swell directions for Ngor Rights. Average wave height hits a solid 1.8m and period stretches to 12.9s, meaning very powerful, long-period groundswell. However, wind is the spoiler: NNE winds dominate (37.7%), often blowing at 20–30kph, creating choppy, onshore conditions. Only a meager 5% of the time does the wind align from the SW to W quadrant (the offshore sweet spot). When those brief windows occur, expect pitching, barreling waves in the 1.5–2.5m range. Keep an eye on the NAO index – a negative NAO can shift the trade winds south and improve odds of clean surf.