Ohama - surf spot statistics

Best Surf Season (May - September)

Summer and early autumn deliver the most consistent quality surf at Ohama. As the Pacific High strengthens and tropical moisture streams northward, a steady diet of east to southeast swell fills the SE-facing beach. Offshore winds from the west and northwest occur more frequently during this period, particularly when low-pressure systems track north of Japan, creating classic glassy morning sessions. Average wave heights sit in the 1.3–1.4m range with periods averaging 7.5–9.0 seconds, offering fun, rippable waves. The percentage of ideal surf days peaks in August at 29%, making this the prime window for a surf trip.

Fair Surf Season (April & October)

These shoulder months see a transition in the swell climate. April brings a shift from winter's westerly dominance to more easterly energy, with optimal swell directions climbing to 42% of the total. Winds remain variable, but the ideal surfing percentage holds at a respectable 21%. October sees a similar mix; though the average swell height remains 1.6m, the period drops slightly and ideal wind occurs only 17% of the time. Nonetheless, when a typhoon passes well south or a front moves through, you can score clean, long-period waves from the east.

Low Surf Season (November - March)

Winter months are dominated by large, powerful swells from the west – not an ideal direction for this SE-facing beach. While offshore winds from the west and northwest are common (especially December to January), the swell energy is largely wasted on the wrong exposure. Combined with shorter periods averaging 6.9–7.7 seconds, the surf is often messy and inconsistent from the good angles. The percentage of truly good days drops to 17–20%, making this the least reliable time of year for quality waves at Ohama.

August: Typhoon Season Fire

August boasts the highest ideal surf percentage of the year at 29%, thanks to a combination of favorable swell directions and occasional light winds. Average swell height is 1.4m, but the period jumps to 9.0s – the best of any month – meaning long-period, powerful waves from the SE and SSE (14.9% and 15.8% respectively). Tropical cyclones spinning up in the western Pacific often send east-southeast pulses that wrap beautifully into Ohama's SE-facing beach. Wind patterns are similar to July, but the increased frequency of westerly shifts during typhoon recurvature chains provides clean, offshore conditions. Expect pumping, head-high-plus waves on the best days.