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.

November at Rhossili Bay brings a mixed bag of conditions for surfers. The average swell height is 1.2m with a decent period of 9.4s, indicating generally clean and well-spaced waves. The dominant swell directions are WSW and SW, which produce the most consistent and sizable waves—particularly in the 1-2.5m range—offering good surf potential. However, the wind is only ideal for surfing 11% of the time, with SW to W winds being the most frequent but often blowing onshore or cross-shore, which can create choppy conditions. Stronger winds (20-50kph) from these directions are common, further reducing surf quality. Smaller, weaker swells from other directions (N to SE) are less impactful. Overall, November can deliver solid sessions when swell and wind align, but it’s inconsistent—best suited for surfers who can wait for the right windows or handle rougher conditions.