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.

December at Rhossili Bay delivers consistent winter swells with an average height of 1.3m and a solid 10.1s period, offering surfable waves most days. The dominant swell direction is from the SW-WSW, which aligns well with the bay, producing clean, powerful waves in the 1-2.5m range, accounting for the majority of conditions. Larger swells (2m+) are less frequent but occur occasionally, mainly from SW-WSW directions. Wind conditions are often challenging, with only 10% of days providing ideal offshore winds. The prevailing winds come from SW-WSW, frequently blowing at 20-40kph, which can create choppy onshore conditions. However, when winds swing NE-E, they clean up the waves, though these instances are rare. Expect a mix of punchy beachbreak peaks and heavier sections, best suited for experienced surfers due to the powerful winter energy and variable wind patterns. Winter wetsuits (5mm+) are essential. Overall, December brings reliable waves, but patience is key to scoring cleaner sessions.