Today's Surf Conditions at Yoff Beach
Spot Conditions Map
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Today's Surf & Wind Forecast (Hourly)
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Spot Overview & Description
Yoff Beach, situated just north of N'gor, is a go-to spot when the swell fails to wrap around Almadies Cape, offering a reliable and accessible alternative for surfers of all levels. Its laid-back vibe and consistent waves make it a magnet for those seeking a mellow session, though the lineup can get lively during peak hours. Primarily a beginner's playground, Yoff delivers long, forgiving lines of crumbling whitewash that are ideal for building confidence and refining technique. The beach picks up most swell directions, with a NorthWest swell producing the best results, while SouthWest and North swells also contribute. Waves start to roll in at around 1 foot (0.3 meters) over a sandy bottom, breaking as both lefts and rights across a classic beach break setup. Optimal conditions align with a SouthEast wind, and the tide is remarkably flexible—low, mid, or high all yield rideable waves. Just be prepared to share the water, as Yoff’s popularity means you’ll have plenty of company in the lineup.
Best Surf Season & Climatology
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.
Detailed Surf Information for Yoff Beach
Detailed Surf Forecast
Access our detailed 8-day swell and wind forecast charts for Yoff Beach with tidal graphs, period ranges, and daily forecast text summaries.
Swell & Wind Statistics
Explore historical swell consistency, wave heights, and offshore wind windows month-by-month, compiled from over 40 years of data.
Historical Surf Report
Browse the historical database archives to view past wave reports and understand spot climatology during specific years and months.
