Periscopes - surf spot statistics

Best Surf Season (May - September)

The heart of the dry season brings consistent southeast trade winds that blow offshore across the west-facing reefs of Periscopes. Combined with a steady diet of powerful SSW to SW groundswells generated by relentless Southern Ocean storms, this is prime time. Expect average wave heights in the 1.5-1.8m range with long periods averaging 14-15 seconds, delivering clean, rippable walls. With offshore wind conditions exceeding 90% for most of these months, the window for perfect waves is wide open.

Fair Surf Season (April, October, November)

These transitional months see a shift in the wind patterns. April still offers excellent conditions thanks to strengthening easterly trades, while October and November experience a return of more variable winds as the monsoon transitions. Swell quality remains high with solid SSW energy, but the percentage of clean offshore wind drops to 50-80%. You'll need to pick your windows, but when it aligns, the waves can be just as good as the peak season.

Low Surf Season (December - March)

The wet season brings unfavorable westerly winds that blow onshore across Periscopes, drastically reducing the quality. While the swell direction remains favorable from SW, the average wave heights dip slightly to 1.3-1.4m and periods remain long, but the wind blows from the west and northwest over 50% of the time, creating choppy, messy conditions. Ideal offshore winds occur less than 15% of the time in January and February, making surfable waves a rare treat. Only a few windows of cleaner conditions may appear during cold fronts pushing through.

May: Prime Time Arrives

May hits the sweet spot with offshore winds 96% of the time, mainly from ESE and SE. Swell energy is high, averaging 1.5m with a long 14.3-second period. The SSW direction accounts for 63% of the waves, and within that, a healthy 24% reach 1.5-2m. The Southern Ocean is pumping, and Periscopes receives consistent, powerful groundswell that wraps into the bay. The easterly winds groom the waves to perfection, creating clean, hollow walls. This is the month to plan a trip—the odds of scoring clean, fun-to-pumping surf are as good as they get.