Sidi Ifni - surf spot statistics

Sidi Ifni offers consistent surf year-round, but the best conditions for surfers typically occur from October through March, when ground swells dominate (68-88%) and swell sizes average 1.6-1.9m. Winter months (December-February) provide the most reliable ground swell (81-88%) and the largest waves (1.8-1.9m), though wind conditions are less favorable, with bad winds (offshore or cross-shore) prevailing 67-76% of the time. November stands out as a strong month with good ground swell (75%) and slightly improved wind conditions (29% favorable). October and March are transitional months, still offering solid ground swell (68-74%) before the swell mix shifts toward wind swell in late spring and summer. From April to September, conditions deteriorate for advanced surfers as wind swell takes over (reaching 94% in July), swell size drops (1.4-1.7m), and bad wind conditions become nearly constant (88-94%). Summer months (June-August) are the least favorable, with small, wind-driven waves and very few clean days. For surfers prioritizing quality waves, the window from October to March is prime, with the absolute peak in winter if you can handle the challenging winds.

In May, Sidi Ifni offers consistent surf conditions with an average swell height of 1.7m and a solid period of 9.6s, indicating well-formed, powerful waves. The dominant swell direction is from the NNW, contributing the highest percentage of surfable waves—particularly in the 1-2.5m range—with 24.38% of waves measuring 1-1.5m and 26.54% at 1.5-2m. Larger swells (2-2.5m) are also frequent (16.89%), while anything above 2.5m is rare (0.66%). The wind is less favorable, with only 9% of days providing ideal offshore or light cross-shore conditions. The prevailing winds are northerly to northwesterly, often blowing at 10-30kph, which can create choppy or onshore wind-affected waves. However, the strong, clean NNW swells combined with the spot’s exposure still make it surfable for experienced riders, particularly on days when wind conditions align. For best sessions, aim for mornings when winds tend to be lighter. Overall, May delivers reliable surf with punchy waves, though patience is required for optimal wind windows.