Vanimo - surf spot statistics

Vanimo, Papua New Guinea, offers consistent surf year-round, but the best conditions for surfers depend on swell quality, wind conditions, and wave size. The optimal months are typically from October to March, when ground swell dominates—especially in October, November, December, and January—with percentages between 44% and 52%. These months also provide the largest mean swell sizes, ranging from 0.9m to 1.3m, making them ideal for powerful, clean waves. Wind conditions improve slightly during these months, with good wind percentages peaking around 44-45% in November and December. The worst wind conditions are from June to September, when onshore winds prevail 63-71% of the time, often ruining wave quality. Swell consistency drops significantly from May to September, with higher wind swell dominance and occasional flat spells (up to 30% no swell in July). For surfers seeking quality waves, the dry season (October-March) is the prime window, combining reliable ground swells, manageable winds, and better wave heights, while the wet season (April-September) sees smaller, wind-affected swells and less favorable conditions.

November in Vanimo offers decent surfing conditions with a mix of rideable swells and variable wind patterns. The average swell height is 0.9m, with a solid 10.5s period, providing well-spaced, manageable waves. The majority of swells come from the NNE (36.3% in the 0.5-1m range) and NE (16.3% in the same range), delivering consistent chest-high waves with occasional larger sets up to 1.5-2m (13.5% NNE, 7% NE). Smaller contributions from NNW and NW directions add diversity, though waves over 2m are rare (≤0.55%). Wind is favorable for surfing 45% of the time, predominantly light to moderate (0-20kph) from E/ENE/ESE directions, which often align offshore or cross-offshore for this spot. Stronger winds (20-30kph) occasionally come from W/WNW but remain below 15% frequency. Overall, November provides reliable, mid-sized waves with clean conditions nearly half the time—ideal for intermediate to advanced surfers. The spot handles NE swells best, offering playful walls and occasional punchy sections when larger sets arrive.