Varazze - surf spot statistics

Best Surf Season (November - March)

As the Mediterranean swings into its most active mode, Varazze comes alive. The Gulf of Genoa becomes a breeding ground for low-pressure systems, generating solid southerly swell that pushes directly into the Ligurian coast. Combined with frequent bursts of offshore Mistral wind from the N and NNW, this season offers the most consistent waves. Swell heights average 0.8-0.9m, with occasional pulses pushing into the 1.5-2m range, and periods can stretch beyond 10s during stronger storms. The wind is favorable 22-27% of the time, making it the prime window for clean, punchy surf at Varazze.

Fair Surf Season (April, May, September, October)

During the transition months, the surf is more hit-or-miss. April and October see average swell heights of 0.7m and ideal wind 16-19% of the time, offering decent opportunities when the synoptic setup aligns. Spring can see weakening storm tracks while autumn begins to ramp up. May and September average only 0.5m, with lighter and less frequent offshore winds. Still, a strong low-pressure system in the Tyrrhenian Sea or a clean northerly outflow can produce fun, rippable waves above the baseline.

Low Surf Season (June - August)

Summer in the Mediterranean is dominated by the Azores High extension, bringing stable weather, light onshore sea breezes from the S and SW, and a lack of swell-generating storms. Average swell heights drop to a meager 0.4m, periods under 5s, and ideal wind plummets to just 8-10%. The beach at Varazze is flat and often choppy — great for tanning, but not for surfing. Occasional weak pulses of windswell from thunderstorms may appear, but reliable waves are scarce.

July: The Summer Siesta

July is the absolute nadir of surf at Varazze. With an average swell height of just 0.4m and a period of 4.3s, the sea is often a glassy lake or, more commonly, a bumpy mess from daily sea breezes. The SSW and SW swells dominate (60% combined) but are extremely weak, rarely exceeding 0.5m. Onshore SE and SSE winds are the norm, making up 32% of observations, while favorable NNW offshore winds are limited to 12% ideal — the lowest of the year. The chance of a ridable wave is minimal. If you absolutely must surf, look for a rare late-evening glass-off after the seabreeze dies, but temper expectations. Otherwise, enjoy the sun.