Seal Point - surf spot statistics

Best Surf Season (May - July)

The heart of winter sees the Southern Ocean roar to life, sending consistent, long-period groundswells marching toward the Cape. Average wave heights peak at a solid 3.1m with periods averaging 12.4–12.5s, offering a steady diet of powerful, well-structured lines. Offshore wind potential also hits its annual high at 36–37 percent, driven by frequent cold fronts that deliver clean W to NW winds in their wake. This is when Seal Point truly fires, with overlapping SW and SSW swells wrapping perfectly into the bay.

Fair Surf Season (April, August - September)

Shoulder months bring a slight drop in consistency but still offer excellent potential. April averages 2.7m at 11.8s, while August and September hold onto 3.0–3.1m with periods around 12s. Ideal wind percentages cool to 28–31 percent, meaning more onshore days from the E and ENE. However, when a strong high-pressure system sits just south and a cold front passes, the windows of W/NW wind align with the remaining SW groundswell, producing firing sessions.

Low Surf Season (October - March)

Spring and summer bring a noticeable lull in size and consistency. Average wave heights dip to 2.4–2.6m and periods drop to 10.9–11.1s. The wind pattern becomes dominated by persistent E and ENE breezes, blowing directly onshore and ruining wave quality. Ideal offshore wind frequency falls to 21–25 percent. While occasional long-period pulses from distant storms in the Southern Ocean can still deliver pumping days, they are often accompanied by poor wind. Patience and careful timing are essential during these months.

October: Spring Transition Brings Mixed Signals

October is a transitional month with smaller, less consistent surf. Average swell height drops to 2.8m and period shortens to 11.1s. Swell direction sees a return of more easterly components: E (2.7%), ESE (3.9%), SE (4.0%), and SSE (4.5%) combined make up a larger share, though these are not ideal for the point. SW (11.6%) and SSW (10.2%) still deliver the best waves. The wind regime is dominated by strong onshore easterlies: ENE (14.2%), E (16.3%), and ESE (6.0%) blow over 36% of the time at moderate to fresh speeds. Westerlies weaken (W 15.6%, WSW 19.1%), and ideal offshore wind drops to 21%. Conditions are often bumpy and choppy, but when a cut-off low tracks south and brings W winds, there are still fun, punchy waves to be had.