Shonan - surf spot statistics

Shonan, Japan, offers varying surf conditions throughout the year, with the best windows for consistent waves and favorable winds typically occurring in late summer and autumn. The swell data shows that ground swells, which provide cleaner and more powerful waves, are most frequent from August to October, peaking in August at 16%. Wind swells dominate the rest of the year, particularly from March to May and again in October, with percentages above 60%. However, wind conditions are generally poor across all months, with good wind days rarely exceeding 15% (best in October and November). The mean swell size remains modest, averaging 0.6m to 0.8m, with slightly larger waves in March, September, and October. For surfers seeking the most reliable conditions, September and October stand out as the prime months. These months combine a higher percentage of ground swells (15% and 14%, respectively) with slightly improved wind chances (13% and 15% good wind days) and a mean swell size of 0.8m. Late summer (August) also sees a spike in ground swells, though wind quality remains poor. Winter months (December-February) and early spring (March-May) offer more wind swells but suffer from consistently bad onshore winds. Summer (June-July) tends to be the least favorable, with smaller swells and persistent poor winds. Overall, autumn provides the best balance of swell energy and marginally better wind opportunities for surfers willing to wait for clean sessions.

In February, Shonan offers generally small surf with an average swell height of 0.7m and a moderate period of 6.5s, making sessions best suited for longboarders or beginners. The majority of waves fall in the 0.5-1m range, with the dominant swell directions coming from the NNE and WSW, which provide the most rideable conditions. However, larger swells (1.5m+) are rare and mostly linked to WSW winds. Wind conditions are challenging, with only 9% of days offering ideal offshore/light cross-shore winds. Strong onshore winds from the NNE and WSW are common, often disrupting wave quality. Surfers should target early mornings or days with lighter winds, as the spot is highly wind-sensitive. Overall, expect inconsistent but occasionally fun small waves, with the best potential during clean wind windows.