Surf forecastStatisticsHistorical report

Thunders seasonal overview

Best Surf Season (May - September)

The heart of the dry season brings the Indian Ocean to life. Consistently strong southeast trade winds drive a relentless stream of long-period SSW groundswell that pours into the bay. Average wave heights climb to 1.5-1.7m with periods often exceeding 14 seconds. More importantly, the wind regime flips to a dominant easterly flow – blowing directly offshore from the land. This combination of powerful, directionally aligned swell and clean offshore winds creates the most consistent and high-quality surf of the year. Expect punchy, hollow right-handers off the reef when the swell lines up.

Fair Surf Season (April & October)

These transition months serve as the bookends of the prime season. While the monsoon winds are shifting, the Indian Ocean is still energized. Swell heights average around 1.3-1.5m with excellent periods (13-13.5s). The dominant swell direction remains SSW, delivering good waves. However, the wind reliability drops. You will experience more days of variable breezes and occasional onshore flows, but the windows of offshore easterlies still occur frequently enough to score fun, rippable waves. This is a solid shoulder season for uncrowded sessions.

Low Surf Season (November - March)

The northwest monsoon sets in, bringing a shift in both swell and wind patterns. Average swell heights drop to around 1.3m, and wave periods shorten slightly (12-13s). While the dominant swell direction remains favorable (SSW to SW), the quality suffers due to the atmospheric circulation. The wind direction swings predominantly from the northwest and west, blowing directly onshore across this west-southwest-facing beach. Ideal offshore easterlies become scarce, with wind being ideal only 26-32% of the time. Waves are more likely to be choppy, lumpy, and blown out. This season requires patience and luck to find a clean window between the trade winds and the monsoonal slop.

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Conditions at Thunders in April

April: Transition to Quality

The trade winds are strengthening. Southeast and east-southeast winds become more common (ESE+SE ~15%), and the ideal wind percentage reaches 39%. The average swell height holds at 1.3m, but the period extends to 13.5s, signaling the arrival of longer-period groundswell. The swell mix is dominated by SSW (64%) and S (16%), both of which wrap into the bay well. The increasing frequency of offshore winds means more sessions with clean, peeling waves. The monsoon onshore flow is in retreat, making April a rewarding month for those who can read the shifting wind patterns. Expect fun, punchy surf with occasional pumping days.

Average Spot conditions at Thunders in April

Swell history for April

0 - 0.5
0.5 - 1
1 - 1.5
1.5 - 2.0
2.0 - 2.5
> 2.5 m

Wind history for April

0 - 10
10 - 20
20 - 30
30 - 40
40 - 50
> 50 km/h

Swell quality

Analyze the groundswell consistency at Thunders during April. 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 Thunders for your next trip in April.

Ground swell

Ground swell by size

Wind conditions

Evaluate the wind and swell alignment at Thunders for April. 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 Thunders.

Swell with good wind

Swell with good wind by size