Playa A Frouxeira - surf spot statistics

{ "spot_name": "Playa A Frouxeira", "seasonal_overview": "

Best Surf Season (October - March)

The North Atlantic winter engine fires on all cylinders during these months, delivering a relentless procession of powerful extratropical storms that send long-period, groundswell pulses marching toward the Galician coast. With average swell heights consistently above 2.4m and periods frequently exceeding 11 seconds, Playa A Frouxeira sees its most consistent and high-quality surf. The beach's NNW exposure is ideally aligned with the dominant N-to-NW swell windows, and the shifting low-pressure tracks often usher in offshore winds from the S-SSW quadrant — ideal for grooming the lines. The percentage of time with favorable wind ranges from 31% in February to 34% in October and December, meaning that while you may have to be selective, the potential for epic sessions is high. Expect pumping, heavy waves in the 1.5-2.5m range with frequent XL days exceeding 2.5m when a deep low stalls over the Bay of Biscay.

Fair Surf Season (April - June & September)

As the winter storm track weakens and shifts north, the Atlantic still sends respectable swell trains, but they become less frequent and shorter in period. April through June sees average swell heights dropping from 2.3m to 1.6m and period dropping from 10.7s to 9.1s. The wind patterns become more variable, with the ideal offshore wind percentage hovering between 18% and 24%. April and May still offer fun, rippable waves in the 1-2m range, often from a solid NW-WNW direction, but morning offshore breezes from the land (S-SW) become less consistent as the thermal gradient builds. September is a standout transition month with a notable uptick in swell size (1.9m avg, 10.2s period) and a healthy 28% ideal wind window — often delivering clean, long-period groundswells before the autumn gales fully awaken. These months require more patience and a careful eye on the forecast, but when conditions align, you'll be rewarded with empty peaks and glassy walls.

Low Surf Season (July - August)

Summer settles in and the North Atlantic goes quiet. July and August are the leanest months for surf at Playa A Frouxeira, with average swell heights bottoming out at 1.5-1.6m and periods dropping to a mediocre 8.6-8.9s. The swell is dominated by short-period, local windswell from the NW and NW-WNW, which struggles to produce clean, organized waves at this exposed beach. Worse yet, the prevailing winds are dominated by a pronounced NE-E to NNE component (over 30% of the time), which is directly onshore for the spot's orientation, ruining wave quality. The percentage of time with ideal offshore wind plummets to just 15% in July and 18% in August, and those rare windows often come with weak, 0.5-1m micro-swell. While there can be the odd fun-sized morning session (1m range) if a small NW swell coincides with a dawn southerly breeze, these months are best suited for a board change to a groveler or a summer trip to a different coast. For the dedicated locals, it's a time to appreciate the beach in all its other forms.

", "monthly_stats": { "january": "

January: The Winter Peak

January is the apex of the Atlantic storm track, delivering the biggest and most powerful surf of the year at Playa A Frouxeira. With an average swell height of 3.3m and a long-period average of 12.7s, the sea state is dominated by energetic groundswells. Over 57% of the swell energy comes from the WNW (10.4%), NW (8.1%), and NNW (3.9%) quadrants, with a further 5.3% from due W. These are the ideal swell directions for this NNW-facing beach, wrapping in with serious punch. Wave heights frequently push into the 2-2.5m range (3.5% from NW alone in that category) and over 2.5m (1.8% from WNW). The average period of 12.7s places most energy in the powerful, long-period band (10-14s). Wind conditions are often the challenge: the dominant wind directions are from the S (11.3%), SSW (13.9%), and SW (9.8%) — these are offshore quadrants and account for the 33% ideal wind window. However, strong onshore breezes from N through NW also occur (cumulatively ~12%), which can quickly ruin an otherwise epic day. The key is to watch for high pressure building over the Bay of Biscay, which sets up crisp, southerly flow and clean, glassy lines. January is for the dedicated charger — expect pumping, heavy waves and a crowd of local chargers when it's on.

", "february": "

February: Consistent Winter Power

February continues the winter's strong reputation, with an average swell height of 3.2m and an identical 12.7s average period, making it nearly indistinguishable from January in swell stats. However, there's a slight shift in swell direction distribution: WNW (9.3%), NW (8.1%), and NNW (6.7%) combine for over 24% of the total, with a notable increase in westerly swell (5.2%) adding variety. The 1.5-2.5m range dominates across all directions, especially from NW and NNW. Ideal wind percentages drop marginally to 31%, but the southerly and southwesterly flow still dominates: S (7.9%), SSW (11.8%), SW (9.5%), and WSW (8.0%) combine for over 37% — plenty of offshore opportunities. Notably, ENE winds (13.1% total, mostly moderate speeds) are cross-shore but can create side-offshore conditions when combined with a W swell. February is a great month for variety: from hollow NW windswell to long-period WNW groundswells, the beach delivers consistent quality. The NAO index often stays negative, keeping the storm track active, so be ready for a big swell any week.

", "march": "

March: Transitional Power

March sees the first signs of a seasonal slowdown, but don't let that fool you — the surf remains substantial. Average swell height drops to 2.8m, and the period eases slightly to 12.0s, still well within the powerful range. Swell direction remains favorable, with WNW (12.2%), NW (10.3%), and NNW (7.8%) leading the charge — together accounting for over 30% of the total energy. The W direction adds another 6.1%. The biggest category jumps: 1.5-2.5m and 2-2.5m combine for over 22% of the WNW energy alone, so there is plenty of punch. The ideal wind window narrows to 27% as the spring transition takes hold. The wind rose shows a strong ENE component (15.9%) and NE (10.0%) — these are cross-onshore and can degrade quality if they pick up. However, southerly quadrants (S, SSW, SW) remain significant at 26.2%, so morning offshore breezes are common before the sea breeze builds. March is a sweet spot for those who want consistent winter-size waves without the peak intensity, often with lighter winds and more sunny windows.

", "april": "

April: The Spring Shift

April marks a clear transition to spring, with average swell height dropping to 2.3m and period to 10.7s — still solid, but the power is fading. Swell distribution shows a broader spread: WNW (15.2%) and NW (13.3%) remain dominant, but NNW (11.1%) also contributes, while westerly swell (8.4%) holds steady. The 1.5-2m and 2-2.5m size classes still have decent percentages, meaning fun-sized and solid waves are common. The ideal wind percentage falls to 24%, as the onshore-prone NE (12.8%) and ENE (15.9%) directions strengthen with the increasing thermal gradient. However, southerly winds (S, SSW, SW, WSW) still make up a combined 28.4%, offering morning

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