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.

March at Rhossili Bay offers mixed but occasionally excellent surfing conditions. The average swell height is 1.1m with a solid 10s period, providing enough power for quality rides, especially when the swell direction aligns optimally. The dominant swell directions are WSW and SW, which account for the majority of waves in the 1-2.5m range, offering the best potential for clean, rideable waves. Smaller swells (0.5-1.5m) from the ENE and ESE also occur but are less consistent. Winds are the primary limiting factor—only 12% of the time are they ideal (typically light offshore from the NE/ENE). The most common wind directions are SW and WSW, often bringing onshore breezes in the 10-30kph range, which can create choppy conditions. However, when winds align favorably, the combination of a well-periodized SW/W swell and light offshore flow can produce excellent surf. Larger swells (2m+) are rare but possible, mostly from the SW quadrant. Overall, patience is key, as the best sessions will depend on wind luck, but the potential for good waves is there when conditions align.