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.

March in St Ives brings fairly consistent surf conditions with an average swell height of 1.9m and a solid period of 11.6s, indicating well-organized, powerful waves. The dominant swell direction is from the west to northwest, with a high frequency of waves in the 1-2.5m range, particularly from the W (13.1% at 1-1.5m) and WSW (2.16% at 1-1.5m). Swells over 2.5m are less common but still occur occasionally from the W and WNW. Wind conditions are more variable, with only 12% of the time offering ideal offshore or cross-offshore winds for surfing. The prevailing onshore winds come from the southwest to west, often in the 10-30kph range, which can create choppy or bumpy conditions. However, when winds are lighter or from the north or northeast, cleaner surf can be expected. Overall, March provides decent surf opportunities, especially for those comfortable with larger, more powerful waves, but patience and timing are key to scoring peak conditions.