Outer Kom - surf spot statistics

Outer Kom in South Africa is a consistent year-round surf spot with a strong dominance of ground swells, which make up the majority of the swell activity, rarely dropping below 75% in any month. The mean swell size is solid throughout the year, starting at 2.5m in January and gradually increasing to peak in July at 3.3m before tapering off again toward December. The best months for surfers seeking larger, well-formed swells are from May to August, where the average swell height exceeds 2.9m, with July offering the biggest waves. However, wind conditions are a limiting factor, as bad winds (onshore or cross-shore) dominate the entire year, with good offshore winds occurring only 10-20% of the time. The least unfavorable wind conditions are found from April to July, where good wind days reach up to 20%, with May standing out as the month with the best balance between swell size and slightly more manageable winds. If you're willing to tolerate challenging winds, the winter months (May-August) provide the most powerful and consistent surf. Conversely, the summer months (December-February) have smaller swells and even worse wind conditions, making them less ideal for high-performance surfing but still surfable for those looking for more mellow waves. Overall, advanced surfers should target the mid-year window for the best combination of swell size and slightly improved wind percentages.

February at Outer Kom delivers solid surf conditions with an average swell height of 2.5m and a strong period of 11.7s, indicating powerful, well-organized waves. The swell is predominantly from the SW (33.9% of waves over 1.5m), followed by SSW (12.8%) and S (3.5%), offering consistent, sizable surf with a high likelihood of clean lines. However, wind conditions are challenging—only 12% of the time is ideal (typically lighter E/NE winds). The dominant SE/SSE winds (often 20–40kph) create onshore choppiness, particularly during stronger systems. Expect a mix of epic, powerful days with clean peaks when winds align, but frequent wind-affected sessions requiring patience. Advanced surfers will find quality waves, especially on SW swells, but expect variable wind conditions.