White Plains Beach - surf spot statistics

Best Surf Season (May - September)

Summer brings the south swell season to life at White Plains Beach. Optimal swell directions from the SE through SSW dominate during these months, with May and September peaking near 30% of all swell energy arriving from that quadrant. Wave heights average a fun 1.5m with periods in the 10-12s range, offering rideable, punchy waves. The wind regime, however, is a trade-off: the persistent ENE trade winds blow over 70% of the time, creating a side-offshore cross-breeze that grooms the waves nicely. While true offshore (N-NNW) winds are scarce (8-19%), the consistent side-offshore flow keeps surfaces reasonably clean. This is the go-to window for dependable, shapey surf on the south shore.

Fair Surf Season (April & October)

The shoulder months of April and October present a transitional blend. South swell percentages drop to 15-19%, but the mix of lingering winter north swell and early/late summer pulses can produce occasional standout sessions. Average heights hover around 1.5-1.6m, with periods still solid around 11-11.5s. Offshore wind percentages improve to 16-19%, making for cleaner surfaces when the wind aligns from the north. These months reward patient surfers who can read the charts and pounce on southerly windows between the trade wind onslaught.

Low Surf Season (November - March)

Winter transforms the North Pacific into a storm factory, sending massive NW and N swell trains toward the Hawaiian Islands. Unfortunately, White Plains' south-facing orientation largely blocks this energy. Dominant swell directions are from the N through WNW, contributing over 60% of the wave energy, yet these swells arrive heavily refracted or flat. Average heights remain decent at 1.7-1.8m thanks to the north wraparound, but the quality suffers from long-period, disorganized lines. On the bright side, offshore north winds are most frequent (21-26% ideal), so when a rare south swell undercuts the winter pattern, conditions can be epic – but those days are few and far between.

December: Deep Winter, Rare Gems

December sees the winter pattern fully entrenched. North swell dominates: NW 12.7%, NNW 14%, NNE 7.1% – all poor directions for White Plains. Optimal south swell totals only 6.6%. Average height reaches 1.8m with a 12.1s period, but these waves are largely unrideable due to direction. Ideal north wind occurs 21% of the time, often associated with cold fronts. The key for surfers is to watch for the occasional south or southeast swell that sneaks in between winter storms. These events are rare but can produce excellent, powerful waves in the 1.5-2m range when the wind cooperates. Christmas swells from the south are a real possibility, making December a month of patient waiting for the right swell window.