Portrush - surf spot statistics

Portrush, UK, offers a mix of ground and wind swells throughout the year, with winter months providing the most consistent and surfable conditions. From January to March, ground swell dominates (59-69%), delivering the highest mean swell sizes (1.3-1.6m). However, these months also have the worst wind conditions, with bad winds occurring 91-94% of the time. Despite this, the strong, clean swells make early winter a prime window for experienced surfers willing to brave the challenging winds. Spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October) offer transitional conditions. Ground swell decreases (21-43%), while wind swell becomes more prominent (46-51%). Swell sizes drop to 1.0-1.2m, but wind conditions remain poor (89-92% bad winds). September stands out with the best balance, offering a resurgence in ground swell (32%) and slightly improved winds (90% bad—still not ideal, but manageable). Summer (June-August) is the least favorable, with minimal ground swell (10-14%) and small mean sizes (0.7-0.8m). Wind conditions remain bad (91-92%), and wind swells dominate (52-61%), often creating choppy, less desirable waves. Late autumn (November-December) sees ground swell pick up again (52-58%) with larger waves (1.4-1.5m), but wind conditions worsen (92-93% bad). For the best waves, December through February is the peak window, though surfers must accept high wind risks. Spring and autumn provide smaller but occasionally cleaner sessions, while summer is mostly for beginners or longboarders in tiny conditions. Overall, Portrush rewards persistence—its best days are powerful but rare, requiring patience and local knowledge.

March at Portrush offers a mix of surfable conditions with an average swell height of 1.3m and a solid period of 10.9s, indicating quality, well-spaced waves. The dominant swell direction is NW, contributing heavily to the 1-2.5m range (29% of waves between 1-1.5m, 14% between 1.5-2m), making it the most consistent and surfable source of energy. WNW swells also deliver punchy waves, particularly in the 1.5-2.5m range (7.7%). However, smaller swells (0.5-1m) are frequent (18% from NW), which may suit beginners or longboarders. Wind conditions are less ideal, with only 9% of days offering favorable offshore or light cross-shore winds—typically from the E or NE. Unfortunately, prevailing S/SW winds (often 20-40kph, 10-15% of days) create onshore chop, degrading wave quality. Stronger NW winds (20-30kph, 1.5%) can occasionally align for clean conditions. Expect a mix of rideable days, but patience and timing are key to scoring the best sessions when swell, wind, and direction align.