Woolamai - surf spot statistics

Best Surf Season (May - September)

Winter and early spring bring the most consistent combination of powerful, long-period swell and favourable offshore winds to Woolamai. As the Roaring Forties intensify, low-pressure systems track across the Southern Ocean, delivering a near-constant stream of SW groundswell. The average wave period sits around 12 seconds, with heights frequently in the 1.5-2.5m range – solid, pumping surf that works beautifully on the south-facing beach. Offshore winds from the N to NW quadrant dominate over 40% of the time, grooming the waves to perfection. This is the prime window for quality sessions on the Points and beach breaks.

Fair Surf Season (March - April & October - November)

The transition months offer a mix of solid swell and increasing wind variability. During March and April, the ocean is still fired up from winter, with average periods around 12s and heights often in the fun to solid 1-1.5m range. However, the ideal wind percentage drops to 25-38%, meaning you'll need to pick your days as onshore SE-SSE winds creep back in. October and November see the tail end of winter's energy, with average swell heights at 1.5-1.6m and periods around 11.5-12.2s. Offshore flows are less frequent (25-32%), but when a high-pressure system parks over the Tasman Sea, it can channel clean N-NW winds over the peninsula, making for excellent mid-morning sessions.

Low Surf Season (December - February)

Summer is the quietest time for reliable surf at Woolamai. The dominant SW swell still rolls in, but it's often smaller and less consistent, averaging 1.5m with a shorter 11s period. The real issue is the wind: SE and SSE onshore flows blow over 30% of the time, chopping up the waves. Light offshore winds from the north occur only 19% of the time. While you can still score fun, rippable waves on good days, the overall conditions are more grovelly and less dependable. Early mornings often offer the slickest windows before the seabreeze kicks in.

January: Summer Lull with Occasional Gems

January is the heart of the Australian summer, and Woolamai feels the lull. Average swell height sits at 1.5m with a period of 11.1s – just on the cusp of powerful, but often lacking punch. Swell direction is dominated by SW (47.2%) and SSW (27.1%), which are optimal for the spot's south-facing orientation. However, these swells rarely exceed 2m; most are in the 1-1.5m range (22.8% from SW, 14.1% from SSW). The wind is the main spoiler. Onshore SE and SSE winds blow a combined 27.4% of the time, chopping up the surf. Offshore northerly winds (N, NW, NNW) occur only about 8.7% of the time. Your best bet is to chase early dawn patrols when a light N wind sometimes appears before the seabreeze sets in. Despite the low percentage of ideal conditions, when a solid SW swell lines up with a northerly breeze, the points can fire with fun, rippable walls.