Stuart Public Beach - surf spot statistics

Best Surf Season (December - March)

The heart of winter delivers the most consistent and highest-quality surf of the year at Stuart Public Beach. With the North Atlantic storm track firing on all cylinders, average swell heights hold steady around 1.2m and periods climb into the 8-second range. Critically, the percentage of ideal offshore winds (from the SW-W quadrants) peaks during these months, reaching 22-26% of the time. This combination means you can score clean, punchy waves with good shape on the optimal NE to ENE swell. Look for strong cold fronts pushing through to bring crisp west winds and some solid, long-period groundswell. It's a season of opportunity, but you'll need to be ready to move when the wind switches.

Fair Surf Season (October, November, April, September)

These shoulder months offer a mixed bag. Swell sizes are still respectable, averaging 1.0-1.3m, and periods often sit in the 8-second sweet spot. However, the frequency of onshore easterly winds is higher, especially in October and November, when the Atlantic hurricane season can throw a curveball. Offshore wind windows are shorter (16-24% ideal) and often linked to passing frontal systems. April sees a drop in size (1.0m) but maintains a decent 24% offshore wind shot. These months require a patient approach – keep an eye on the wind models and be ready to pounce when the breeze goes southwest.

Low Surf Season (May - August)

Summer is the sleepy season for Stuart Public Beach. The Atlantic storm track shifts north, leaving the area with small, short-period windswell generated by the persistent easterly trade winds. Average swell heights dwindle to 0.6-0.9m, and periods drop below 7.5s, resulting in weak, choppy conditions. Ideal offshore winds occur less than 21% of the time, and the prevailing onshore breeze from the E and SE further degrades wave quality. While the occasional summer storm or distant hurricane may produce a pulse of rideable swell, the default state is micro-swell and bumpy surf. It's a good time to wax the log and enjoy the small stuff when the wind lightens, but don't expect any pumping sessions.

September: First Hints of Autumn

September marks a significant shift as the average swell height jumps to 1.0m and the period stretches to 8.2s – the highest of the year so far. This is driven by the early-season return of North Atlantic storms and remnants of tropical systems. Swell direction is heavily concentrated in the optimal NE (32%) and ENE (30%) quadrants, meaning the exposed beach receives a lot of quality energy. However, wind is still a wildcard: only 20% of the time do we see ideal offshore flow, with ESE and E winds still prevalent. When the wind goes light or southwest, you can score some long-period, powerful waves with excellent shape. September is the start of the window for serious surfers.