Raglan - surf spot statistics

Best Surf Season (February - May)

As autumn settles in, the Tasman Sea comes alive with a steady diet of long-period swell from the west and southwest. This is prime time for Raglan. The average wave height builds from 1.6m to 2.2m with periods consistently over 12 seconds, delivering powerful, punchy waves. Meanwhile, offshore winds from the west-southwest through south-southwest blow cleanly across the lineup 29-34% of the time, setting up classic peeling left-handers at the Point. This is when the stars align for consistent, rippable surf day after day.

Fair Surf Season (June - September)

Winter unleashes the full force of the Southern Ocean, with average swell heights holding steady at 2.2m and periods around 12-12.5 seconds. The swell is definitely pumping, but the trade-off comes in the form of increased onshore winds. Ideal offshore wind percentages drop to between 18-26%, meaning you'll have to pick your windows carefully. When a high-pressure system moves in from the south, the wind swings offshore and the Point lights up with XXL waves. But more often than not, you'll be dealing with strong westerly or northwesterly winds that chop up the lineup. Patience and a keen eye on the forecast are key.

Low Surf Season (October - January)

Spring and early summer bring a shift in the wind regime. The percentage of offshore wind plummets to a low of 16-19% from October through December and only begins to recover in January. While the swell is still considerable in October (2.2m average), it's frequently blown out by westerly and northwesterly winds. As we move into November and December, the average swell height drops to around 1.7-1.9m and the wave period shortens to 11 seconds or so. This is the time for smaller boards and fun, groveling waves at the Point when the wind cooperates, which isn't often. January sees a slight pickup in offshore winds (25%) and the swell period rebounds to 11.7s, offering occasional gems between the summer doldrums.

January: Summer's Subtle Swells

The height of summer brings a distinct lull in surf energy across the Tasman. Average swell height sits at 1.7m with a moderate period of 11.7 seconds. The dominant swell directions are from the WSW (41.6%) and SW (28.6%), which wrap decently into the NW-facing coast but often lack the raw power of winter swells. The ocean is frequently glassy in the early mornings, but the trade-off is that ideal offshore winds—from the W, WSW, SW, or SSW—occur only about 25% of the time. Even when the wind direction is favorable, speeds can pick up in the afternoon, creating bumpy, grovelly conditions. Look for those sweet spots when a light SSW breeze settles in—then you'll find fun, rippable waves in the 1-1.5m range that keep the loggers and fish riders happy.