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.

November at Outer Kom delivers solid surf conditions with an average swell height of 2.6m and a healthy 11.6s period, indicating powerful, well-spaced waves. The swell is predominantly from the SW (29.5% of the time with waves over 1.5m, peaking in the 2-2.5m range at 15.5%) and SSW (8.6% over 1.5m), offering consistent, quality waves with good energy. Cross-shore winds (E/ESE/SE) are present but only 11% of the time are they ideal offshore (light W/NW), while onshore SE winds (20.3% of days) can occasionally degrade conditions. Expect punchy, overhead waves with occasional larger sets—best suited for experienced surfers who can handle powerful beach breaks. Wind stability is the limiting factor, so watch for rare NW wind windows for premium sessions.