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.

August at Rhossili Bay offers generally small but surfable conditions, with an average swell height of 0.7m and a decent period of 7.6s. The majority of swells come from the WSW and SW directions, providing the cleanest and most consistent waves, though most waves fall in the 0.5-1.5m range. Larger swells (over 1.5m) are rare, making it ideal for longboarding or beginners when conditions align. Wind quality is often the limiting factor—only 7% of the time is the wind ideal (light offshore or cross-offshore). The prevailing winds tend to be from the SW to W, which can create chop or even onshore slop at higher speeds (10-30kph). If you catch it on a calm day with a WSW swell, Rhossili can deliver playful, rippable waves, but expect mostly small, wind-affected surf with occasional clean windows. Patience and timing are key.