Oum El Bouir - surf spot statistics

Oum El Bouir in Western Sahara is a prime surf spot with consistent conditions year-round, though the best months are clearly defined by swell quality, size, and wind. The most reliable period for surfers is from November to February, when ground swell dominates (80-87%) with minimal wind swell interference, ensuring clean, powerful waves averaging 1.4-1.6m. Wind conditions are also most favorable during these months, particularly in November, December, and January, with good offshore winds around 65-66% of the time. February sees a slight drop in favorable winds (51%) but maintains excellent swell consistency. March and April still offer decent ground swell (72-79%), but wind conditions deteriorate, with onshore winds becoming more frequent (59-64%). From May through September, the spot shifts to wind swell dominance (62-99%), which tends to be less organized and weaker, though September shows a slight ground swell return (32%). Summer months (June-August) have the worst conditions, with almost pure wind swell (91-99%) and poor wind stats (36-44% good winds). October marks the transition back to better surf, with ground swell rising to 64% and winds improving (59% favorable). Overall, winter delivers the highest quality waves, while summer is inconsistent and better suited for beginners or windsurfing. For advanced surfers, November to January is the peak window.

January at Oum El Bouir offers fairly consistent surf conditions with a solid mix of rideable waves and favorable winds. The average swell height is 1.4m with a good period of 12.9s, ensuring clean and well-organized waves. The dominant swell directions are from the north, northwest, and NNW, with the highest frequency (30.28%) coming from NNW in the 1-1.5m range. Larger sets between 1.5-2m are also common, especially from the NNW (14.09%) and NW (8.29%), providing enough power for intermediate to advanced surfers. Winds are surf-friendly 66% of the time, primarily from the NNE, NE, and ENE at 10-20kph, which helps maintain clean conditions. Stronger winds above 20kph are less frequent but can occur, mostly from the northern quadrants. Overall, January delivers reliable surf with decent size and quality, though smaller days are possible. It's a good month for surfers who prefer consistency, though the wind can occasionally shift and affect conditions.