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.

February at Rhossili Bay offers surfable conditions, though with some variability. The average swell height is 1.3m, paired with a decent period of 10.6s, providing reasonably clean and organized waves. The dominant swell directions are WSW and SW, which align well with the bay, delivering the most consistent and surfable waves (1-2.5m range). Smaller swells from the W and SSW also contribute, but larger, more powerful waves above 2.5m are rare. Wind conditions are less favorable overall, with only 13% of the time offering ideal offshore or light cross-shore winds (typically from the ENE to SE). The most common winds are onshore SW to WSW, often blowing at 10-30kph, which can create chop, especially when paired with larger swells. Expect a mix of rideable days, particularly when the winds cooperate, but be prepared for frequent wind-affected sessions. Winter swells bring energy, so solid intermediate to advanced surfers will find the best opportunities, while beginners may struggle with the power and wind challenges.