Osbourne - surf spot statistics

Best Surf Season (October – March)

The heart of winter delivers the most consistent and powerful swell to Osbourne. Average wave heights hover around 1.6–1.7 m with periods often reaching into the 8.6–8.7 s range, thanks to frequent extratropical cyclones tracking across the North Atlantic. These systems generate significant long‑period groundswell that can light up the east‑southeast facing beach. However, the offshore wind window (W‑NNW) is only open about 25 % of the time, so quality sessions are a game of patience. When a cold front passes and the wind swings west, the waves become clean, hollow and absolutely pumping.

Fair Surf Season (April – June & September)

Spring and early autumn offer a trade‑off: smaller but more rideable waves and a slightly higher chance of offshore breezes. April averages 1.4 m at 8.4 s, while September sees 1.2 m at 8.5 s. Wind‑favorable conditions occur 28–37 % of the time, making these months the most reliable for fun, rippable waves. Swell direction shifts south as the jet stream weakens, and while the dominant S‑SSW energy isn’t ideal, it still produces workable lines. Longboarders and shortboarders alike find plenty of fun‑sized surf.

Low Surf Season (July – August)

Summer brings the smallest surf of the year. Average wave heights drop to just 1.0 m with periods of 7.2–7.7 s – often choppy and groveling. Although the offshore wind clock ticks up to 41–45 % (the highest of any season), the swell is simply too weak to light up the spot in a meaningful way. Occasional tropical systems can inject a rare pulse of energy, but most days are best reserved for a paddle or a flat‑day session.

May: Small but Sweet

Average swell height falls to 1.2 m with a period of 7.7 s – typical fun‑sized spring surf. Swell energy is overwhelmingly from the S‑SSW quadrant (S 21.4 %, SSW 19.8 %), with optimal E‑SSE making up 45.7 % of the total. That’s a decent share, but the limited fetch of spring storms means waves are generally ≤1.5 m. Offshore wind odds rise to 29 %, with SW‑WSW winds (SW 14.3 %) starting to dominate the wind rose. The lighter breeze of May can turn small lines into clean, groveling fun. It’s a great month for beginners and longboarders, while experienced surfers keep an eye on the tropics for early injections.