Saltburn - surf spot statistics

Saltburn in the United Kingdom offers surfable conditions year-round, but the best months for surfers are typically from autumn through early spring, when swell energy and consistency peak. The most favorable period is between October and December, with strong ground swell contributions (11-17%) and the highest mean swell sizes (0.9-1.0m). November and December stand out with the highest combined swell probability (78-79%) and decent ground swell influence, though wind conditions remain challenging (85-86% bad winds). Winter months (January-February) also provide solid surf, with consistent wind swells (62-63%) and reasonable ground swell presence (13-16%), though onshore winds prevail (87-88% bad winds). Spring (March-April) sees slightly smaller swells (0.9m) but marginally improved wind conditions (15-18% good winds). Summer (May-August) is the least reliable, with minimal ground swell (1-3%), weaker swells (0.6-0.8m), and persistent poor winds (84-87% bad). September marks a transitional period, with improving swell but still suboptimal winds. For the best balance of swell size and frequency, late autumn and early winter (October-December) are prime, despite frequent onshore winds—surfers should prioritize sessions during rare offshore wind windows (12-17% probability) for cleaner conditions.

April at Saltburn offers fairly typical North Sea conditions with an average swell height of 0.9m and a decent period of 7.4s, providing rideable waves for intermediate to advanced surfers. The most consistent swell direction is from the northern quadrant (N, NNE, NE), contributing the bulk of waves in the 0.5-1.5m range, with occasional bigger sets up to 2.5m. Weak swells (under 0.5m) are common from easterly directions, while southerly swells are negligible. Wind conditions are challenging, with only 18% of days offering ideal offshore or light cross-shore winds (typically from the W or NW). The predominant winds are onshore (E to S), often blowing in the 10-30kph range, which can create choppy or messy conditions. Expect a mix of small, clean sessions when winds align favorably and larger, wind-affected waves during prevailing onshore flow. Overall, April is moderately reliable but requires patience for the best windows.