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.

February at Saltburn offers fairly typical winter conditions for surfers, with a mix of rideable swells but often challenging winds. The average swell height is 1.0m, paired with a decent 7.4s period, suggesting mostly playful, softer waves rather than powerful or hollow conditions. The most consistent swell directions come from the north and northeast sectors, particularly in the 0.5-1.5m range, which accounts for the majority of the waves. Larger swells (over 1.5m) are less frequent but still present, primarily from N, NNE, and NE directions. Wind conditions are the bigger hurdle—only 13% of the time is the wind ideal for surfing, meaning offshore or light cross-shore. South to west winds dominate, often blowing in the 10-30kph range, which can create choppy or blown-out conditions. Stronger winds (30kph+) are not uncommon, especially from SSW to WSW directions, further limiting clean surf opportunities. Overall, February is a month of patience—smaller, manageable swells with occasional bigger days, but wind quality is the limiting factor. Experienced surfers can find windows of cleaner conditions, particularly during northerly or northeasterly wind patterns, but expect frequent onshore or cross-shore winds to disrupt the lineup.