Mooloolaba • Surf Spot Statistics

Best Surf Season (June - August)

Mooloolaba's east-facing beach turns on during the Australian winter. The tradewind-generated E/ESE swell continues to roll in at 4-5ft (1.2-1.5m), but the big change is the wind: high pressure systems migrating across the continent establish a more frequent offshore component from the WSW, W, WNW and NW. Ideal wind frequency peaks at 29-31% in June and July, the highest of the year, and average swell periods reach 8.7-8.9s. This is when the lineup gets clean, lined-up and rippable.

Fair Surf Season (April - May & September)

The shoulder months offer a blend of solid swell and improving wind. April and May still pack an average of 5-6ft (1.6-1.7m) of E/ESE/SE swell with 8.8-8.9s periods, while the offshore wind frequency climbs to 15-23%. September is the reverse: good wind (25% ideal) but slightly smaller 4ft (1.3m) swell and shorter 8.2s periods as spring warmth breaks down the winter pattern. These months are the best bet for groomed waves on a good sand bank.

Low Surf Season (October - March)

From spring through summer and into the early autumn, Mooloolaba comes under the influence of the South Pacific tradewinds and frequent onshore ESE/SE winds. Ideal wind frequency ranges from only 9-18%, with average swell periods dropping to 7.7-8.6s. Although January to March can see average heights of 5-6ft (1.5-1.8m), sometimes courtesy of tropical cyclones or East Coast Lows, the onshore energy usually makes for raw, lumpy and hard-to-read surf. The occasional offshore W/NW flow after a cold front remains the saving grace.