Red Tree Reef • Statistics for January

January: Deep-Winter Power

January sits squarely in the heart of Red Tree Reef's prime window. The average swell height is a hefty 9-10ft (2.7-3.0m), and the average wave period of 11.8s places this in the powerful, long-period category. Swell direction is dominated by SSW/SW/WSW, with WSW at 9.1%, SSW at 8.6%, and SW at 10.3%; the 5-8ft (1.5-2.5m) class is packed with heavy energy, and a significant share of the biggest waves exceeds 8ft (2.5m). When the direction swings toward the W/WNW, Red Tree Reef sees maximum power, but even the more common WSW/SW swell wraps in with serious weight.

Wind is the big variable in January. Only 26% of the time is ideal, and the rest of the month is frequently shaped by strong ESE/SE winds from passing winter storms. Those directions are offshore, but too much strength creates lumpy, blown-out conditions. When the post-frontal high pressure builds and the breeze settles into the lighter ENE/E/ESE offshore quadrant, the reef grooves up into thick, hollow, heavy waves. Water temperature is 5.9°C (43°F), air temperatures average just above freezing, and precipitation is frequent-so bring the 5/4 hooded suit and let the wind chart pick your session.