Taghazout - surf spot statistics

Best Surf Season (November - March)

The heart of the North Atlantic winter delivers the goods to Taghazout. As powerful extratropical storms track across the Atlantic, they generate consistent, long-period swell averaging 2.0-2.2m with periods often exceeding 12s. The dominant swell direction is from the NW and NNW, which, while not ideal, refracts into the bay to produce clean, hollow waves. More importantly, the winter months boast the highest frequency of optimal offshore winds from the NNO to O quadrant (NNE through E), with ideal wind conditions occurring 52-62% of the time. This combination creates pumping surf that can rival any in Morocco.

Fair Surf Season (April, September, October)

Spring and early autumn offer a mix of conditions. Swell heights drop to 1.5-2.0m and periods shorten to 10-12s, but there are still windows of quality. The North Atlantic remains active, but the frequency of strong storms decreases. Wind patterns become more variable, with the percentage of ideal offshore winds falling to 42-56%. However, when a passing low aligns with an E/ENE wind, you can score clean, rippable waves with fewer crowds than the peak winter season.

Low Surf Season (May - August)

The summer months see a dramatic shift. The North Atlantic storm track retreats, leaving Taghazout with small, weak swell averaging 1.5-1.8m and periods dropping to 7-9s. The dominant swell is almost entirely from the NNW at a very high percentage (over 60% in many months), which produces weak, closeout waves at most breaks. Thermal winds and the Azores high dominate, leading to frequent afternoon onshore breezes from the W/SW. Ideal offshore wind percentages are at their lowest (38-51%). While the mornings can offer clean conditions with E/ENE winds, the surf is typically small and short-period – better for a longboard or a beach day. The exception is July and August where a slight uptick in offshore wind frequency (51-52%) can make the small waves rideable, but it’s still a low season for serious surf.

May: Summer Lull Begins

May sees the significant arrival of the summer pattern. Swell height averages 1.8m with a short 9.4s period, indicating windswell and small groundswell. An incredible 62.9% of the swell comes from the NNW, producing weak, closeout conditions at many spots. Ideal wind drops to only 38%, with the most common offshore direction being N (13.6%) – less than ideal. The increase in afternoon sea breezes from the W/SW (collectively over 10%) often ruins the surf by midday. It’s a month for dawn patrol missions with a grovel board, or seeking shelter at more protected spots.