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.

In October, Rhossili Bay typically experiences an average swell height of 1.1m with an 8.8s period, offering consistent but often modest surf conditions. The dominant swell directions are WSW and SW, which produce the best waves, contributing significantly to the 1-2.5m range—ideal for intermediate to advanced surfers. WSW swells account for the largest waves, with 13.67% in the 1-1.5m range and 5.74% in the 1.5-2m range, while SW swells add consistency, especially in the 1-2.5m range. However, smaller conditions (0.5-1m) are more frequent, making larger, clean days less common. Wind conditions are challenging, with only 9% of days providing ideal offshores (typically from the east quadrants). The prevailing winds are onshore (SW-WSW), often blowing at 10-30kph, which can create chop and reduce wave quality. For surfers, October is a mixed month: when WSW swells combine with light easterly winds, it can produce excellent sessions, but frequent onshore winds and smaller swells limit premium scoring potential. Patience and flexibility are key.