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.

September: Autumn's Last Hurrah

September is the final month of consistent winter swell. Average wave heights are 3.0m with a period of 11.8s, still solid but declining. Swell directions shift slightly: SW (13.0%) and SSW (8.8%) remain present, but there is an increase in S (4.6%) and SE (2.1%) swell as the storm track begins to move south. Wind patterns become less favorable: onshore ENE (12.8%) and E (9.1%) strengthen, while westerlies begin to wane (W 20.2%, WSW 19.6%). Ideal offshore wind drops to 26%. This month requires more patience—many days are blown out by E winds, but the occasional powerful SW groundswell still packs a punch and can be worth the wait when the wind cooperates.