Portrush - surf spot statistics

Best Surf Season (October - March)

The North Atlantic roars to life during these months, with average swell heights consistently over 1.8m and long periods of 10-12s. Powerful extratropical storms track across the Atlantic, sending consistent W to NW swell into Portrush's northwest-facing beaches. However, the trade-off is the prevalence of onshore winds from the west and northwest, which can ruin wave quality. Still, when a strong high-pressure system settles over the British Isles or a low tracks just right, the region can see offshore winds from the south and southwest combining with pumping, clean swell. That is when Portrush truly shines.

Fair Surf Season (April & September)

These transitional months see a drop in average swell size (1.4-1.5m) and period (9.3-9.7s), but a noticeable increase in the frequency of favorable offshore winds (16-18% ideal). The swell energy is more moderate but often punchy, and the wind tends to back off, offering more clean sessions. Spring and early autumn can deliver fun, rippable waves with less crowd pressure.

Low Surf Season (May - August)

Summer brings the smallest swell of the year, averaging just 1.0-1.2m with periods around 8-9s. While the percentage of ideal offshore wind climbs to 18%, the swell source is weak – often just local windswell or very long-period groundswell from distant lows. Most days are small but can be fun on a log or groveler. The predominant wind shifts more to the north and northeast, which can be cross-shore or even offshore, but the lack of size keeps the energy low. Consistent, clean small waves are the norm, not the exception.

October: The Power Returns

October sees a significant ramp-up in surf size: average height reaches 1.8m, and period is 9.5s. Swell from W (18.7%) and WNW (18.0%) dominates, with a substantial portion falling into the 1.5-2.5m range. The North Atlantic is fully active again, with deep lows swinging south of Greenland. The downside: ideal wind percentage drops to 11%. Winds become stronger and more frequently from the south and southwest, but also from the dreaded W (7.0%) and WNW (6.5%). The challenge is to find the lulls in the wind pattern. The reward is powerful, long-period swell hitting the coast at the peak of the jet stream. When conditions align, October delivers some of the heaviest waves of the year.