Recco - surf spot statistics

Best Surf Season (November - February)

The North Atlantic roars to life during these months, with powerful extratropical storms marching across the basin and firing long-period swell into the Ligurian Sea. At Recco, the SSW-facing beach becomes a magnet for the dominant SW and SSW swell trains, often arriving with periods of 6-9 seconds and occasionally pushing into the 10-14 second range. The average swell height hovers around 0.9m, with a solid chunk of waves in the 0.5-1.5m range — ideal for wrapping into the bay. Offshore winds from the N and NNE quadrants blow a steady 20-30% of the time, carving clean faces and offering groomed lines when the timing aligns. When a deep low-pressure system stalls in the Gulf of Genoa, the fetch aligns perfectly, delivering pumping, firing conditions that make this the prime window for Recco.

Fair Surf Season (March & October)

Transition months bring a mixed bag, but the potential remains solid. As the winter storm track begins to shift in March, or reawakens in October, the Ligurian Sea sees a blend of groundswell and windswell. Swell heights average 0.7-0.8m, with SW and SSW directions still dominating the energy spectrum. Wind conditions become more fickle — ideal offshore winds from the north occur only 17-19% of the time, and onshore southerly flows often spoil the party. However, when a high-pressure ridge sets up over the Alps and funnels a crisp northerly breeze down the coast, coupled with a healthy SW swell, the waves at Recco turn rippable and fun-sized. It’s a gamble, but the payoff can be a afternoon of clean, shoulder-high waves.

Low Surf Season (April - September)

Summer settles over the Mediterranean like a thick, stagnant lid. The Azores High dominates, squashing storm activity and leaving Recco starved for consistent swell. Average wave heights dwindle to 0.4-0.7m, periods drop below 5 seconds, and the predominant wind shifts to the SE, S, and SSW — directly onshore for this beach. Ideal offshore winds from the north occur less than 16% of the time, often only in the early mornings before the sea breeze kicks in. The swell that does arrive comes from the SW, but lacks the power and period to break cleanly. This is a time for groveling on a longboard or a high-volume shortboard, chasing small, fun-sized waves when a rare southerly groundswell sneaks through. For serious surf sessions, it's best to plan around the autumn equinox when the first frontal systems begin to reawaken the sea.

August: Glimmers of Hope

Still deep in the summer slump, but a slight uptick from July. Average swell height remains 0.4m, period 4.4s. SW swell is still the majority (36.9%), but the 0-0.5m fraction is 25%. NW and NNW swell combine for 8.9%, some of which can be longer-period from distant northern storm tracks. Ideal offshore wind rises to 9%, with NNE (12.1%) leading. The daily onshore flow still dominates (SE and SSE at 18.6%). The key difference from July is the occasional pulse of longer-period swell from Atlantic lows that manage to sneak into the Med. When these events occur, Recco can see waist-high waves with a 6-8s period, best caught at dawn with a light offshore breeze. Still, the percentage of surfable days is low.