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.

November at Piha offers decent surfing conditions, with an average swell height of 1.9m and a solid period of 12.6s, indicating powerful, well-spaced waves. The predominant swell direction is from the WSW, which produces the highest percentage of surfable waves—particularly in the 1–2.5m range, with the peak distribution between 1.5–2m. Swells from the W and SW also contribute, though less consistently. Wind conditions are less favorable, with ideal offshore or light winds occurring only 18% of the time. The most common winds come from the SW and SSW, often blowing at 10–30kph, which can create choppy onshore conditions. However, when winds align from the E or NE (though less frequent), they provide cleaner faces. Expect a mix of rideable days, with the best sessions occurring when swell direction aligns with lighter offshore winds. Overall, November delivers solid waves for experienced surfers, but patience is needed for optimal conditions.