Streedagh Strand - surf spot statistics

Best Surf Season (October - March)

The North Atlantic is fully awake from October through March, delivering a relentless conveyor belt of powerful extratropical lows. At Streedagh Strand, this is prime time. Average wave heights hover between 1.3m and 1.8m with long periods of 11-13 seconds, meaning consistent, powerful swell from the optimal W to NNW window. Offshore wind conditions are best during this period, with ideal wind blowing 28-31% of the time from the E to SSE quadrant. When a deep low pressure system stalls west of Ireland, the fetch aligns perfectly, and we see pumping WNW groundswell marching into the bay. The NAO often runs positive, steering storms right at us. This is the season to get your fill of big, clean waves.

Fair Surf Season (April & September)

Shoulder months April and September offer a transition. Swell heights drop to around 1.1m and periods shorten to 10-10.7 seconds. While still rideable, the power is dialed back. The swell direction remains dominated by W to NW, but with a higher percentage of smaller, shorter-period windswell mixed in. Wind patterns become more variable, with ideal conditions occurring about 26-28% of the time. These months can serve up fun, clean waves if you time the pressure systems right, especially when a late-season or early-autumn depression brushes the coast.

Low Surf Season (May - August)

Summer settles in from May to August, and the surf goes into hibernation. Average heights drop below 1m, and periods dip into the 8-9 second range. The swell is dominated by weak, short-period windswell generated by local breezes, not powerful Atlantic storms. The optimal swell directions still appear, but in much smaller, weaker form. To make matters worse, the wind shifts unfavorably: ideal offshore wind percentages fall to just 17-23%, and onshore westerlies from the same direction as the swell often ruin what little wave energy there is. If the ocean is flat, it's a good time for a paddle or a surfari elsewhere. That said, a rare summer low can provide a fun, grovelly session on a longboard.

September: Autumn Returns

September marks the real transition back to surf season. Average wave height climbs to 1.1m and period lengthens to 10.2 seconds. The Atlantic wakes up as the first strong lows of autumn track across the ocean. Swell from WNW dominates at 34.6%, with increasing contributions from NW and W. Offshore wind improves to 26%, with south to southeast winds becoming more reliable. This is the month to start watching forecasts again—groundswell pulses can produce fun, head-high waves with clean conditions. A good time for a shortboard.