Porthleven • Surf Spot Statistics

Best Surf Season (October - March)

The North Atlantic roars to life during October and stays fully engaged through March. Average surf heights run between 7-8ft (2.1-2.5m) with average periods in the 10-12s window, which means Porthleven receives serious groundswell rather than local windswell. The southwest-facing bay lines up best with S-to-WSW swell, and although W is the most frequent single swell direction in the data, the long-period energy still wraps into the bay with plenty of power. The trade-off is wind: the same Atlantic lows that generate the swell also drag SW, WSW and W winds over the water. Offshore N/NNE/NE/ENE flow only occurs 13-19% of the time during this window, so the standout days require patience and precise timing between passing fronts.

Fair Surf Season (April - May & September)

As the winter storm track weakens, average swell heights drop to 1.4-1.6m (4-5ft) and periods settle around 9-10s. The April-May period brings the highest percentage of clean offshore wind of the year, with N/NNE/NE/ENE flow reaching the bay around 25-26% of the time. Spring surf is smaller but more user-friendly, offering fun, rippable waves on a regular basis. September is the hinge back toward autumn: the water is still warm at around 16.0°C, wave energy begins to climb, and the first true groundswell events start to break through the summer doldrums.

Low Surf Season (June - August)

The Azores High becomes the dominant feature and the Atlantic storm track retreats well to the north. Average heights slump to around 4ft (1.2m), periods drop into the 8-8.7s range, and most of the energy is short-period windswell generated by W and WNW winds in the local waters. Offshore N/NE flow still occurs around 20% of the time, especially in the early mornings, so surfers can find clean conditions. But size and power are limited. This is definitely low season at Porthleven; bring a groveler and enjoy the small summer windows rather than expecting pumping Atlantic surf.