Yoff Beach - surf spot statistics

Best Surf Season (October - March)

Winter unleashes the full power of the North Atlantic. Average wave heights hold steady between 1.5m and 1.8m with long periods often exceeding 12 seconds, delivering heavy, powerful lines. The vast majority of the swell arrives from the NNW, wrapping directly into Yoff’s north-northeast facing beach. However, the persistent trade winds blow from the north and northeast, creating messy, onshore conditions for roughly 99% of the time. The magic happens when a passing cold front or a shift in the Azores High weakens the trades, allowing light to moderate offshore winds from the south and southwest to groom the waves. Those windows are fleeting but pure gold – expect epic, long-period walls when they align.

Fair Surf Season (April - May & September)

The transition months bridge the extremes. Swell size backs down a notch to 1.3-1.7m and periods settle into the 9-11 second range, providing punchy, rippable waves. The wind pattern begins to improve, especially in September when the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) pushes north and southwesterly flow becomes more common. April and May still see a fair share of north winds, but the frequency of offshore directions (S, SSW, SW, WSW) increases, offering cleaner conditions than the winter peak. These months are a sweet spot for consistent, user-friendly surf with fewer crowds.

Low Surf Season (June - August)

Summer is the slow season for wave energy. Average heights drop to 1.3m and periods shorten to 8-9 seconds, resulting in smaller, mushier waves. The swell shifts to a more westerly direction, wrapping from the NW and WNW, which still hits the beach but lacks the punch of winter. The saving grace is the wind: the African monsoon and a northward shift in the ITCZ replace the dry northerly trades with frequent southwesterly offshore breezes. Ideal wind conditions occur 30-43% of the time, making the waves glassy but small. It’s a great season for longboards, funboards, or groveling on a shortboard beneath sunny skies.

September: The Tides Begin to Turn

September is the gateway month back to quality surf. Swell height holds at 1.3m, but the period climbs to 10.1s, signalling the return of longer-period groundswell. The swell direction also shifts back: 35% from NNW, 35% from NW – a good mix. The wind remains superb, with ideal offshore conditions blowing 42% of the time. The ITCZ is still north of Senegal, keeping southwesterly flow prominent. This combination of improving swell and excellent wind creates some of the most enjoyable sessions of the year. Waves are waist- to chest-high, clean, and fun for all levels. The transition is underway.