Piha - surf spot statistics

Piha, New Zealand, is a powerful, exposed beach break that receives consistent swell year-round, with ground swell dominating over wind swell in all months. The best time to surf here is during the autumn and winter months (March to August), when swell energy is strong and consistent, with mean swell sizes peaking around 2.1m from May to October. However, wind conditions are generally less favorable during this period, with bad wind days occurring over 70% of the time, particularly from August to November when unfavorable winds exceed 80%. The shoulder seasons (February to April) offer a slightly better balance, with decent swell size (1.5m to 1.8m) and marginally improved wind conditions—around 30% good wind days in February to March. Summer (December to January) brings smaller swells (1.6m mean) and higher wind swell influence, though ground swell still dominates. While summer has the least frequent bad wind days (around 76% in January), it’s still not ideal due to inconsistent winds and smaller waves. Advanced surfers will prioritize the larger, cleaner swells of autumn and early winter, while intermediates may find late summer and early autumn more manageable despite the still-challenging wind patterns. Overall, March stands out as a strong month with a high percentage of ground swell (91%), manageable mean size (1.7m), and slightly better wind odds (31% good days) compared to deeper winter.

January at Piha delivers consistent surf with an average swell height of 1.6m and a solid 12.4s period, providing well-organized, powerful waves ideal for intermediate to advanced surfers. The dominant swell direction is from the WSW (29.82% in the 1-1.5m range, 19.03% at 1.5-2m), creating strong, clean lines that work well with the beach’s orientation. SW swells also contribute, particularly in the 1-2m range, adding variety to the break. Larger sets (2m+) are less frequent but present, offering more challenging conditions when they arrive. Wind conditions are surfable 24% of the time, with the best scenario being lighter winds from the ENE or E under 20kph, which are offshore or cross-offshore here. Unfortunately, stronger SW and WSW winds (10-30kph) are more common, occasionally chopping up the swell. However, the long period helps maintain wave quality even in less-than-ideal winds. Expect a mix of punchy beach break peaks and occasional barrel sections, especially on mid-to-high tides. In short, January offers reliable surf with good energy, though wind luck is needed for glassy conditions.