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.

September at Shoals Point offers relatively small but rideable conditions, with an average swell height of 0.7m and a solid period of 10.9s, suggesting decent energy despite the modest size. The most consistent swell directions are from the SW and WSW, contributing the majority of waves in the 0.5-1.5m range, though larger sets occasionally reach 2m+ when SSE swells push through. Wind conditions are hit or miss—only 15% of the time is the wind ideal for surfing, with the worst being onshore SE to SSE winds (10-30kph) that create chop. However, lighter winds from the W or NW occasionally clean things up. Expect smaller, mid-period waves best suited for longboards or high-volume shortboards, with the occasional waist-high+ day when swell direction aligns favorably. It’s not a high-performance month, but patient surfers can find workable sessions, especially early mornings before winds pick up.