Palplanche - surf spot statistics

Palplanche in Gabon offers varying surf conditions throughout the year, with the best months typically aligning with the highest ground swell consistency and favorable wind conditions. The swell data shows that from March to November, ground swell dominates, peaking between June and September with over 85% frequency and mean swell sizes ranging from 0.7m to 0.8m. The most reliable period for surfable waves is between June and August, where ground swell reaches up to 95%, though wind conditions are less ideal—only 20-24% of days have good winds, meaning offshore or light winds are rare. The shoulder months of March-May and October-November offer a better balance, with ground swell still strong (71-87%) and slightly improved wind conditions (34-46% good winds). December through February sees weaker swells (46-61% ground swell) and poor wind conditions (67-80% bad winds), making these months less consistent. For the best overall experience, target April-June and October-November when swell and wind conditions are more balanced. However, dedicated surfers chasing bigger waves may prefer June-August despite the stronger onshore winds. Keep in mind that Palplanche’s waves are generally small (0.5-0.8m), suitable for longboarding or beginners, with rare large swells.