The Streets seasonal overview
Best Surf Season (October - March)
The North Atlantic winter pattern delivers the most consistent and sizeable east-to-northeast swell to The Streets. During these months, average wave heights hover around the 0.9-1.0m mark with average periods in the 7.5-8.5s range, offering plenty of rideable, punchy surf. The frequency of offshore winds from the SW-WNW quadrant peaks at 10-15% of the time, providing cleaner conditions more often. Stronger low-pressure systems tracking along the coast can generate powerful long-period swell from the NE and ENE, occasionally pushing into the 'pumping' and 'firing' categories (1.5-2.5m). While the onshore wind still dominates, the increased swell energy and better windows of offshore flow make this the prime time for The Streets.
Fair Surf Season (April & September)
April and September serve as transitional months. Swell heights drop to around 0.8m on average, and periods remain reasonable but the frequency of ideal offshore wind decreases to around 12%. September benefits from a slightly longer average period (8.6s) as early-season tropical systems or distant storms send pulses of longer-period energy. However, wind consistency is a challenge – the trade winds begin to strengthen in spring and persist into early autumn. Expect a mix of small to fun-sized waves, with occasional better days when the wind aligns.
Low Surf Season (May - August)
The summer months bring a significant downturn in surf quality at The Streets. Average wave heights drop below 0.7m, often in the 'too small' to 'small' range, with periods lingering in the average zone. The east to southeast trade winds lock in for most of the summer, blowing directly onshore and ruining the wave surface. Ideal offshore wind occurs only 9-11% of the time. The predominant swell from the east and southeast is typically local windswell or small trade wind swell, lacking the power of winter groundswell. This is the low season – best for groveling boards and patience, as the occasional long-period hurricane swell or distant storm can fire up the spot, but it's rare.
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Conditions at The Streets in January
January: The Heart of Winter Swell
January delivers the peak of winter energy to The Streets. Average swell height sits at 0.9m with a period of 7.4s, meaning most waves are in the small to fun-sized range with punchy, rideable power. The swell direction is dominated by easterly components (E 19.7%, ENE 13.5%, ESE 10.3%), but a notable contribution from NNE (10.3%) and NE (12%) reflects passing low-pressure systems and Nor'easter activity. These northern swells often carry more energy, occasionally pushing into the 1-1.5m category. Offshore wind from the SW-WNW quadrant occurs 15% of the time – the highest of the year. The prevailing winds, however, are from the N (8.5%) and NNW (8.8%), which are cross-onshore or onshore for this east-facing break. When high pressure sets up to the north and west, a land breeze can create clean, glassy morning conditions. Overall, January offers the most consistent mix of size and favorable wind windows at The Streets.
Average Spot conditions at The Streets in January
Swell history for January
Wind history for January
Swell quality
Analyze the groundswell consistency at The Streets during January. Based on historical data, there is a % probability of groundswell occurring this month. The chart below provides a detailed breakdown of the average wave height distribution, offering deep insights into the swell quality and surf potential you can expect at The Streets for your next trip in January.
Ground swell
Ground swell by size
Wind conditions
Evaluate the wind and swell alignment at The Streets for January. Our analysis shows that favorable offshore or side-shore winds coincide with surfable swell approximately % of the time. The accompanying graph illustrates the average size distribution of waves during these optimal wind windows at The Streets.
