Rhossili Bay - surf spot statistics

Rhossili Bay is a reliable surf spot in the UK, but conditions vary significantly throughout the year. The best months for surfing are typically from late autumn through winter, particularly from November to February, when ground swells dominate, averaging 1.2m to 1.4m in size. January and December offer the highest percentage of ground swell (53% and 46%, respectively) with mean swell heights around 1.3m-1.4m, providing more consistent and cleaner waves. However, wind conditions during these months are often unfavorable, with bad winds occurring 87%-90% of the time, making offshore winds rare. February also stands out with decent ground swell (52%) and slightly better wind probabilities (13% good winds). Spring and summer (April to September) see a steep decline in ground swell, dropping to as low as 3% in July and August, while wind swells become more prevalent but are generally weaker (0.7m-0.8m). Wind conditions worsen in summer, with bad winds exceeding 90% in most months. October marks a transition period, with ground swell increasing to 23% and swell size improving to 1.1m, though wind conditions remain poor. For experienced surfers, the winter months offer the most powerful and cleanest waves despite challenging winds, while summer is better suited for beginners due to smaller, less consistent conditions. Overall, the prime window for good surf at Rhossili Bay is late autumn to early winter, balancing swell size, consistency, and occasional favorable winds.

April at Rhossili Bay offers variable but manageable surf conditions for experienced riders. The average swell height is 0.8m with a solid 9.2s period, providing reasonable energy for the size—ideal for performance surfing when the bigger sets roll through. The dominant swell directions are WSW (peaking at 21.88% in the 0.5-1m range) and SW (8.23% in 0.5-1m, but also delivering 5.79% in the 1-1.5m range). These swells, combined with the bay’s exposure, create clean, rideable waves when winds cooperate. However, only 13% of winds are ideal (likely light offshore/cross-shore), with the majority being moderate SW-WSW (10-30kph), which can create chop or texture. Bigger days (1.5-2m+) are rare (3.05% WSW, 2.44% SW) but offer powerful, lined-up walls when they arrive. Expect smaller, weaker waves from other directions, though ENE-E swells (0.83% and 1.01% in 0.5-1m) may sneak in. Patience and timing are key—wait for the SW-WSW energy and lighter winds for the best sessions. A solid intermediate-to-advanced spot in April, with occasional gems for those chasing quality over consistency. *(Note: Wind/swell synergy is critical here—monitor forecasts closely for those cleaner windows.)*