Olende - surf spot statistics

Best Surf Season (December - April)

December through April marks the prime window for surfing at Olende, as the South Atlantic high pressure system retreats and allows for occasional bursts of offshore flow from the northeast. During these months, the wind is ideal for surfing 16-24% of the time, with March and April offering the highest consistency. Swell energy remains steady, with long-period groundswell in the 11-13 second range emanating from persistent Southern Ocean storms, delivering rideable waves in the 0.5-1.5m range. While the majority of swell is directed from the SSW, it wraps nicely into the southwest-facing beach, and when the wind cooperates, you get glassy, clean conditions that are fun and rippable.

Fair Surf Season (May & November)

May and November serve as transitional months, where the offshore wind window begins to close or reopen. In May, the percentage of ideal wind drops to 12% as the ITCZ shifts north and the southeast trades strengthen, but swell remains plentiful and the occasional early-morning northeasterly can still clean things up. November sees a similar 12% ideal wind frequency as the pattern shifts back, offering a brief return of surfable conditions before the peak season sets in. Swell heights average 0.8m with long periods, making these months hit-or-miss but capable of delivering quality sessions.

Low Surf Season (June - October)

From June through October, Olende is dominated by persistent onshore winds from the south and southwest associated with the strengthening of the South Atlantic subtropical high and the intensification of the southeast trade winds. During these months, ideal offshore wind conditions occur less than 1% of the time, making the surf characteristically choppy and wind-affected. Swell continues to roll in from the Southern Ocean with average heights of 0.8-0.9m and long periods, but the relentless onshore flow degrades wave quality, turning even the most promising groundswell into a mushy, bumpy mess. This is the season to stay patient or explore other activities along the Gabonese coast.

June: Onshore Dominance - Minimal Surf Window

June sees a dramatic reduction in surfable conditions, with ideal offshore wind occurring only 1% of the time. The South Atlantic high strengthens, driving persistent onshore winds from the S (37.5%) and SSW (35.8%) at moderate to fresh speeds (10-20 kph, with gusts over 20 kph). This creates consistent chop and messy wave faces. Swell, however, is still present: average height 0.9m (the highest of the year) and a long 12.8s period. The swell direction remains SSW (90%) and SW (10%), with an increased proportion of 1-1.5m waves (20.3%). But without clean wind, the quality is poor. Expect short-period wind swell mixing in, making conditions generally unsurfable for any reasonable session.