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Conditions at Alibaba in December
December: The Winter Peak Arrives
December marks the official peak of the winter surf season at Alibaba. Average wave heights hit 7ft (2.2m) and the average period reaches its annual high of 11.7s. The dominant swell directions are NNE (27.1%), NNW (24.7%), N (12.1%) and NE (8.1%), giving the northern quadrant a wide spread of energy and the best chance of consistent wrap-around surf on the southwest-facing beach. The long periods mean the North Atlantic storm swell arrives with real force, and the outer reefs can be firing during the largest pulses.
The trades are still the main issue, with NE (57.6%), ENE (22.8%) and NNE (14.0%) dominating and plenty of 20-40kph winds. Ideal wind conditions drop to 14%, so glassy days are a premium. But when the winter high pressure settles and the trade wind eases, December serves up some of the best - and biggest - surf of the entire year at Alibaba. Water temp is still pleasant at 24.4°C, air temps average 23.3°C and rainfall is 0.96mm/day. This is the month to start booking your trip if you're chasing North Atlantic groundswell in Cape Verde.
Average Spot conditions at Alibaba in December
Swell history for December
Wind history for December
Swell quality
Analyze the groundswell consistency at Alibaba during December. 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 Alibaba for your next trip in December.
Ground swell
Ground swell by size
Wind conditions
Evaluate the wind and swell alignment at Alibaba for December. 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 Alibaba.