State's Avenue - surf spot statistics

Best Surf Season (October - March)

The North Atlantic roars to life during these months, with average swell heights holding steady between 1.3m and 1.4m and periods averaging 7.0-7.7 seconds. A powerful climatological uptick in extratropical storm activity drives consistent, punchy swell from the S through WSW windows. Meanwhile, offshore winds from the NW quadrant dominate, blowing clean and groomed lines onto the SSE-facing beach. December and January see the highest frequency of ideal wind (28%), often paired with crisp high pressure over the continent. When the right combination aligns, long-period groundswell wraps in with sunny skies and light offshore breezes -- that is when State's Avenue truly comes alive.

Fair Surf Season (April - May, September)

Transition months bring a mixed bag. April and May still see a notable presence of S and SSW swell (up to 16.9% and 17.9% respectively), but average wave heights dip slightly to 1.1-1.2m and periods hover around 7.2-7.3s. Offshore wind percentages drop to the low 20s, and onshore SSW breezes become more frequent, especially in the afternoon. September offers a glimmer of hope as longer periods return (8.4s average) and the first autumn cold fronts begin to stir the ocean. However, swell directions shift more easterly, reducing the number of truly clean days. These months reward patience and a willingness to pick the windows when synoptic patterns align.

Low Surf Season (June - August)

Summer settles in with average wave heights bottoming out at 0.9m and short, weak periods averaging 7.0s. The dominant swell comes from the SSE and S, which, while large in percentage, are often accompanied by onshore SSW winds that tear up the surface. Ideal wind drops to a meager 14-16% during these months, and the persistent thermal low over the interior pumps in afternoon sea breezes from the SW. The result is generally small, choppy conditions best suited for a log or a groveler. Early mornings can occasionally offer clean, fun-sized waves before the wind shifts, but consistent quality is hard to come by.

October: Prime Time Begins

The North Atlantic comes alive in October, with the average swell height ticking up to 1.3m and a period of 7.7s. Swell from the E (14.5%) and ESE (13.1%) still contribute, but the more favorable directions like S (8.0%) and SSW (4.8%) begin to increase. Ideal wind climbs to 28%, with WNW (8.7%) and NW (8.5%) re-establishing themselves as strong offshore players. The synoptic pattern becomes more active, with low-pressure systems tracking across the North Atlantic and sending consistent swell trains toward the coast. The combination of solid swell, improving wind statistics, and longer days makes October a fantastic month for wave quality. Look for the first strong cold fronts of the season to bring pumping, head-high sets with clean offshore winds.