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.

July at St Ives offers relatively small but surfable conditions, with an average swell height of 1.1m and a decent period of 8.8s, suggesting some consistency and energy in the waves. The most dominant swell direction is from the west, contributing to the majority of rideable waves, particularly in the 0.5-2m range. WSW, W, and WNW swells provide the best chances for slightly larger waves (1-2.5m), making up a notable portion of the swell distribution. However, waves over 2.5m are rare in July. Winds are a mixed bag—only 15% of the time are they ideal for surfing, with prevalent SW to WSW winds often bringing speeds of 10-30kph, which can create choppy conditions. Light winds (0-10kph) from the north and northeast occur occasionally, offering cleaner surfaces. Overall, expect small to medium-sized waves with variable wind conditions, requiring patience for those glassy sessions. It’s not the most powerful time of year, but there are still opportunities for fun, especially when the wind cooperates.