Pease Bay - surf spot statistics

Best Surf Season (October – March)

The North Sea’s winter fury peaks from October through March, bringing the most consistent and sizeable swell to Pease Bay. With average wave heights ranging from 1.3m to 1.6m and periods averaging 6.2–6.4s, the bay sees a steady diet of short-period windswell generated by passing extratropical cyclones. Crucially, the dominant wind tracks during these months – from the SW and WSW – blow directly offshore for this NNE-facing beach, grooming the waves and holding them open. While the average period rarely exceeds 10s, the combination of punchy 1–1.5m swell and favourable offshore flow creates rideable, often fun-to-solid conditions. The NAO index often amplifies these patterns, with positive phases funnelling more low pressure across the north Atlantic into the North Sea. Expect the best windows when a high-pressure ridge stalls over Scandinavia, turning the SW winds lighter and cleaner.

Fair Surf Season (April & September)

During April and September, the transition months, Pease Bay offers a mixed bag. Average swell heights drop to 1.0–1.1m and periods linger around 5.5–6.0s. The wind probabilities still favour offshore quadrants around 16% of the time, but the swells become less consistent and often smaller. Spring sees a gradual weakening of the Atlantic storm track, while autumn begins to recharge. These months can deliver clean, fun-sized waves (1–1.5m) when a late-season low or early autumn storm aligns with a southerly breeze. It’s a gamble, but the potential for quality sessions exists between the flatter spells.

Low Surf Season (May – August)

The summer months from May to August are the leanest period for surf at Pease Bay. Average wave heights bottom out at 0.7–0.9m and periods drop to 5.0–5.7s, resulting in mostly small, weak, and often choppy conditions. Although the percentage of offshore wind remains around 15–16%, the swell is predominantly short-period windswell generated by light local breezes. The dominant swell direction shifts to NNE and NE – which is favourable for the bay’s orientation – but the wave heights are too small to produce any real power. Most days offer only micro surf or flat spells. This is the season for longboard cruises on the rare 0.5–1m days, but serious surfers will find little to get excited about.

September: Autumn Awakens

September marks the transition back to more consistent surf, with average swell height climbing to 1.0m and period to 5.5s. Swell from NNE (11.5%) and W (9.6%) mix, but the key change is an increase in wave heights above 1m: 1–1.5m becomes more common (over 22% of total). Offshore wind hits 16% of the time, and the SW-WSW wind corridor (28.6%) provides frequent clean conditions. This month offers the first real opportunity for decent waves after the summer doldrums, with punchy, fun-sized surf on the upswing.