Shoals Point - surf spot statistics

The best months for surfing at Shoals Point, United States, are typically from late autumn through early spring, with the peak season falling between October and March. During this period, the spot benefits from consistent ground swell activity, with ground swell probabilities ranging from 46% in October to 73% in January and 71% in December. Mean swell sizes are also most favorable, averaging 0.9m to 1.0m from October through February, providing solid, rideable waves. However, wind conditions are often challenging, with bad winds (onshore or unfavorable directions) dominating 85-89% of the time. The best compromise between swell and wind occurs in September, when ground swell is decent (28%), wind swell plays a bigger role (35%), and good wind conditions are slightly more likely (15%). Summer months (May to August) are generally poor, with weak swells (0.5m-0.6m) and high no-swell probabilities (50-67%), making them the least reliable for surf. If you're willing to tolerate less-than-ideal winds, target the winter months for the best wave quality, but keep an eye on wind forecasts for rare clean days. September offers a more balanced mix but with smaller swells compared to winter.

December at Shoals Point typically offers surfable conditions, though with some variability. The average swell height is 1.0m with a decent period of 12.4s, suggesting consistent, albeit modest, wave energy. The dominant swell direction is from the SW to WSW sectors, which aligns well for this spot, producing the most frequent waves in the 0.5-2.5m range. Cleaner, rideable conditions (1-2.5m) occur around 30% of the time, with larger swells (over 2.5m) being rare. Wind conditions are less favorable, with only 12% of days offering ideal offshore or light winds—typically coming from the W to NW directions. However, onshore winds from the SE to SSW sectors are more common, often creating choppy or less clean waves. Overall, December provides occasional good sessions, particularly when SW swells combine with lighter W/NW winds, but consistency and quality depend heavily on wind alignment. Experienced surfers can find opportunities, though patience and timing are key.