Taito - surf spot statistics

Best Surf Season (October - March)

The winter half-year delivers the most consistent swell at Taito. As the Aleutian Low strengthens and cold fronts push across the North Pacific, we see a marked increase in long-period groundswell from the NE through E quadrants. The average wave period climbs above 9 seconds, often peaking in the 9.5s range during January and December, producing punchy to powerful waves. While the predominant winds blow from the N and NE – onshore for this ENE-facing beach – the percentage of optimal offshore flow from SSW through W remains low (16–20%). However, when a high-pressure system sets up over the Sea of Japan, light to moderate westerlies can align perfectly with the incoming NE swell, turning Taito into a clean, hollow peak. The average swell height hovers around 1.2–1.4 m, meaning waves are consistently in the fun-sized to solid range. The key is patience: waiting for those windows of offshore wind often yields the best surf of the year.

Fair Surf Season (April & September)

April and September represent transitional months where the swell source shifts. In April, the North Pacific storm track becomes less active; swell heights drop slightly to 1.3 m and period shortens to 8.6s. The dominant swell direction rotates to E and SE, with a notable increase in ESE swell (17.6%). This means more waves wrap around from the south, offering rideable but less powerful surf. Offshore wind odds improve to 24% in April, with frequent light to moderate SSW and SW winds creating clean conditions. September sees a return of better-defined E/ENE swell (13.8% ENE, 25.2% E) as early autumn storms begin to form, and the average period recovers to 9.1s. However, onshore NE winds still dominate (19.3% of the time), limiting clean surf to around 22% of the month. Both months offer decent chances for fun, rippable waves when the wind cooperates, making them a bridge between the low and high seasons.

Low Surf Season (May - August)

From May through August, Taito experiences its weakest surf conditions. The summer monsoon and stable subtropical high-pressure systems prevail, pushing the dominant swell direction to the SE and SSE quadrants. This orientation is far from optimal for the ENE-facing beach, resulting in small, weak waves that often wrap in with little power. Average swell height drops to 1.1–1.2 m, and period dips to 8.0–8.4s – borderline average to choppy. Although offshore wind odds peak during this period (29–37% from SSW/SW), the lack of groundswell from the N through E directions means the waves are often too small or messy. Summer days can deliver fun-sized, groveling conditions on a rare good swell, but generally, this is the time to explore other spots or enjoy the warm water with a longboard. The best bet is to watch for typhoon swells that can swing around from the east, though they are infrequent and often accompanied by strong onshore winds.

March: Power With a Side of Chop

March maintains strong swell energy with the highest average height of the year at 1.4 m, though period drops slightly to 9.1s. The dominant swell directions shift further: ENE takes the lead at 19.7%, followed by E (14.5%) and ESE (11.4%). This means more swell wrapping from the southeast, which can still produce rideable waves but with less power than pure NE. Wind remains a challenge – NE and NNE winds blow 25.7% of the time, but offshore SW and SSW winds increase to 15.3%, with the SW component often strong (20–40 kph). When the wind goes offshore, the waves clean up quickly, offering solid, rippable surf in the 1–1.5 m range. The increased average height also means occasional pumping days when a storm track aligns. March is a transitional month with potential for great sessions if you time the wind.