St Ives - surf spot statistics

St Ives in the United Kingdom offers surfable conditions year-round, but the best months for quality waves and favorable winds are typically from late autumn through early spring, particularly November to February. During these months, ground swell dominates (65-82%), providing more consistent and powerful waves with mean swell sizes ranging from 2.0m to 2.4m. However, wind conditions are often challenging, with bad onshore winds prevailing 88-91% of the time, which can make sessions messy. The prime window is likely December to February when ground swell percentages peak, but surfers must be prepared for strong winds. Spring (April-June) and summer (July-August) see a significant drop in ground swell activity, replaced by wind swell (42-77%) and smaller waves (1.1-1.4m). While wind conditions improve slightly (15-17% good winds), the lack of consistent ground swell makes sessions weaker and less reliable. September and October mark a transitional period, with ground swell increasing again (37-53%) and better wave energy returning (1.3-1.7m). For surfers seeking cleaner conditions, these shoulder months might offer occasional good days, though wind remains a limiting factor. Overall, winter delivers the most powerful waves, but patience is required to score optimal wind alignment.

April at St Ives offers surfable conditions, though with some variability. The average swell height is 1.4m with a solid 10.5s period, providing decent energy for intermediate to advanced riders. The most dominant swell direction is from the W (15.85% of waves in the 0.5-1m range and 15.21% in the 1-1.5m range), followed closely by WNW and WSW swells, which often produce cleaner, more organized waves. The second most prominent swell direction is ENE, contributing smaller but still surfable waves, particularly in the 0.5-1.5m range. However, wind conditions are less favorable—only 16% of the time are winds ideal for surfing, typically light offshore (NE-ENE) or cross-shore (W-NW). Stronger onshore winds (SW-W) are more frequent, which can create choppy or blown-out conditions, especially when combined with larger W swells. For the best sessions, watch for W-WNW swells with periods over 10s paired with lighter ENE or variable winds. While not epic, April can deliver fun, punchy waves, particularly on incoming tides when the swell wraps more cleanly into the bay. Keep an eye out for those rarer offshore wind days, which can turn this spot into a more technical, barreling setup.