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.

March at Saltburn tends to offer relatively small but rideable waves, with an average swell height of 0.9m and a decent period of 7.8s, suggesting some energy in the waves despite their modest size. The most consistent swell direction is from the north, contributing to the majority of rideable conditions, particularly in the 0.5-2m range. However, wave quality is often limited by wind, with only 15% of wind conditions being ideal (offshore or light cross-shore). The dominant wind directions in March are from the south and southwest, which are frequently onshore here, leading to choppier or less clean conditions. Stronger winds (20-40kph) are common from these directions, further reducing the number of clean surf days. While there are occasional mid-sized waves (1.5-2.5m) from NNE and ENE, they’re less frequent and still at risk of being disrupted by unfavorable winds. For advanced surfers, patience and timing will be key—look for windows when winds shift lighter or offshore, particularly with N/NNE swells, which provide the best combination of size and shape. Expect mostly small, playful waves with occasional clean peaks on the right days.