South Point - surf spot statistics

Best Surf Season (March - May)

Autumn brings the most consistent combination of quality groundswell and favorable offshore winds to South Point. As the Southern Ocean storms intensify, we see a shift toward more westerly swell angles (WSW, W, WNW) that align perfectly with the WNW-facing beach. Average wave heights sit in the fun to solid range of 1.9-2.3m with long periods averaging 12.5-12.9s, producing powerful, rippable waves. Offshore winds from the ENE through SE quadrant blow clean over the break 25-26% of the time during these months, creating the kind of groomed, hollow conditions that make this spot truly shine. This is the window for the wave of the season.

Fair Surf Season (June - August)

Winter delivers the biggest and most powerful swell of the year, peaking at an average 2.8m and 13.3s in July. The sheer energy from deep Southern Ocean lows is impressive, with a notable increase in WSW and W swell (often up to 30-40% of total energy). However, the trade-off is a higher frequency of onshore winds from the WSW through NW that trash the wave quality. Ideal offshore conditions drop to just 16-17%. When the stars align — a long-period W swell with a crisp SO morning breeze — South Point can hold onto some epic, heavy barrels. But expect more rough and windy days than glassy ones.

Low Surf Season (September - February)

Spring and summer see a distinct drop in average swell height (1.8-2.2m) and a rotation toward more southerly swell angles (SSW, SW) that are not optimal for the WNW exposure. The predominant wind also shifts, with consistent sea breezes from the S and SSE often creating onshore conditions. While there are occasional windows with offshore ENE winds and a good SW groundswell that wraps in, the quality and reliability are significantly lower. The wind is ideal only 14-18% of the time. This is the time to watch forecasts closely and pick the rare gems, but expect many small or messy days.

August: Late Winter Pulse

August sees a slight easing of swell to 2.7m but the period increases to 13.3s — the longest of the year. Swell direction is very good: SW at 25.6%, WSW at 14.0%, and W at 4.1%, plus WWW at 1.4%. Over 19% of the swell comes from the optimal quadrant. Wind remains the weak point, with ideal conditions at just 16%. The prevalence of strong W and NW winds (over 20% combined) means many days are blown out. Still, the cleanest days with a SE offshore and a solid WSW groundswell produce epic, heavy surf that rivals any spot in the region.