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.

September: Spring Transition

September sees the swell height drop to 2.6m with a period of 13.2s. Swell direction continues to favor SW (28.4%) and WSW (15.9%), with W at 3.5% — still a good mix. Wind conditions improve slightly (18% ideal) as the frequency of strong westerlies decreases and lighter E to SE breezes become more common. This month often delivers a few excellent days with powerful, long-period waves and offshore winds, but the overall window is narrowing. The season is turning, and the consistent quality of autumn is still a few months away.