Varkala - surf spot statistics

Varkala, India, offers a mix of swell and wind conditions throughout the year, with distinct seasonal variations that influence surf quality. The best months for surfing are generally from November to March, when ground swells dominate, wind conditions improve, and swell sizes remain manageable for most surfers. During these months, ground swell percentages range from 52% to 71%, with mean swell sizes between 0.6m and 0.8m. Wind conditions are more favorable, with good wind percentages peaking at 46% in November and 42% in January and February. Though these months still see some bad wind days (54-62%), they are significantly better than mid-year conditions. From April onward, ground swell remains strong, peaking at 80% in April, but wind conditions deteriorate rapidly, with bad wind percentages climbing to 74-92% from May to September. Swell size increases notably in the monsoon season (June-August), averaging 1.8-2.1m, but strong onshore winds make these months less ideal. October marks a transition period, with improving winds (25% good) and slightly smaller swells (1.1m). For the most consistent surf, November to February provides the best balance of ground swell, decent wind conditions, and moderate swell sizes. Advanced surfers may find bigger waves from June to August, but the high frequency of unfavorable winds limits rideable days. Overall, late autumn to early spring is the prime window for quality surfing at Varkala.

February in Varkala offers relatively small but consistent surf conditions, with an average swell height of 0.7m and a solid 12.3s period, which helps maintain clean, rideable waves despite the modest size. The swell is predominantly from the south (SSW to SSE), with 36.8% of waves in the 0.5-1m range from the S direction and 25.7% from SSE, ensuring a steady supply of surfable waves. While larger swells (1-1.5m) are rare (peaking at 1.33% from S), the extended period helps maintain quality. Wind conditions are favorable 42% of the time, with the most common winds from the NE to ENE (5.2-6.0% in 10-20kph range), which can be cross-offshore or light onshore, occasionally disrupting surface conditions. Stronger winds (20-30kph) are infrequent but tend to come from WSW (2.9%), potentially causing chop. Overall, February provides manageable waves for intermediate surfers, with the best sessions occurring during lighter wind windows when the long-period south swells line up with cross-offshore breezes. Expect mostly knee-to-waist-high waves, occasionally chest-high, and prioritize early mornings for cleaner conditions.