Yerbabuena - surf spot statistics

Best Surf Season (December - February)

The heart of winter delivers the most consistent and powerful swells to Yerbabuena. Average wave heights hover around 1.4-1.5m with long periods of 11-12s, providing punchy, high-quality waves. A strong NAO negative phase often correlates with low-pressure systems tracking across the North Atlantic, pumping long-period WNW groundswell into the Andalusian coast. The favorable offshore winds from the north quadrant blow up to 45% of the time in January, grooming the waves to perfection. When everything aligns – a solid NW swell with light N winds – Yerbabuena turns into a world-class left-hander.

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

During the autumn and spring transitions, the North Atlantic starts to wake up or wind down. Swell heights average around 1.2m with periods in the 9-10s range – still very rideable and often less crowded than the peak winter months. The wind consistency drops to 28-37% offshore, meaning you'll need to pick your days carefully. A shifting Azores High and passing cold fronts can bring alternating windows of clean NW swell and occasional spells of onshore SW winds. These months offer a good balance of quality and solitude for the savvy surfer.

Low Surf Season (May - September)

Summer is dominated by the thermal low over the Iberian Peninsula, which sets up a persistent Levante wind from the E to ESE. Offshore wind percentages plummet to 20-25%, and the average swell drops below 1m with short periods under 8s – often just small, weak windswell from the east or weak WNW pulses. The spot becomes a groveling zone at best. However, on the rare occasion that a southerly wind shift or a distant swell sneaks through, you might find a fun-sized wave. But for most, this is a season to explore other hobbies or check the forecast obsessively for a glimmer of hope.

April: Spring Promise

April sees the swell drop to 1.2m average with a period of 9.4s, slipping into average/punchy territory. The offshore wind percentage falls to 28% as the Levante becomes the dominant player. The wave height distribution shows a large bump in the 0.5-1m range (20.4% from WNW alone), indicating smaller, cleaner days mixed with occasional pulses. Still, a late-season storm can fire up a long-period swell that catches the right tide and light N wind – those are the days to call in sick.