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Conditions at Cardiff Reef in October
October: Autumn Transition and a Return of Clean Winds
October at Cardiff Reef is the true beginning of the extended fall/winter season. Average swell heights remain modest at around 3ft (0.9m), but the average period of 13.4s means the waves are far from weak. Swell directions become more mixed: SW (40.3%), WSW (36.0%), W (14.0%) and SSW (9.1%) all contribute. The bulk is 2-3ft (0.6-0.9m), while W and WSW supply a respectable number of 3-5ft (1-1.5m) sets, and a hint of 5-7ft (1.5-2m) energy appears from W.
The best news is the wind. Ideal conditions jump to 22 percent as NE/ENE offshore and light E flows return to the wind rose. The Pacific High is loosening its grip, and the first cold fronts allow cleaner winter-style conditions to set up at the reef. With air temperatures at 19.5°C, water still warm at 18.5°C, and autumn sunshine, October can offer some of the best quality-per-wave-size sessions of the year.
Average Spot conditions at Cardiff Reef in October
Swell history for October
Wind history for October
Swell quality
Analyze the groundswell consistency at Cardiff Reef during October. Based on historical data, there is a % probability of groundswell occurring this month. The chart below provides a detailed breakdown of the average wave height distribution, offering deep insights into the swell quality and surf potential you can expect at Cardiff Reef for your next trip in October.
Ground swell
Ground swell by size
Wind conditions
Evaluate the wind and swell alignment at Cardiff Reef for October. Our analysis shows that favorable offshore or side-shore winds coincide with surfable swell approximately % of the time. The accompanying graph illustrates the average size distribution of waves during these optimal wind windows at Cardiff Reef.