Conditions at Lafitenia in December
December: Peak Consistency
December delivers peak consistency to close out the year. Average swell height is 1.7m (5.6ft), average period is 12.6s, and the ideal wind percentage reaches its annual maximum of 38%. The dominant swell directions are WNW at 39.6% and NW at 32.4%, with straight W adding another 3.8%. This combination is perfect for Lafitenia, as it sends a constant flow of long-period groundswell straight at the beach. The 1.5-2.5m (5-8ft) categories are well represented, and there are regular appearances of waves over 2.5m (8ft+), especially when a deep low pressure system stalls over the North Atlantic.
The wind statistics show why December is so reliable: frequent S, SSW and SW winds associated with winter storms and frontal systems keep the offshore wind blowing a large percentage of the time. When the wind is too strong, it will destroy the surface, but the reset comes quickly as the next front approaches. Air temperatures average 9.9°C, water temperature is 13.4°C, and rain averages 3.69mm/day. It is cold, it is wet, and it can be intimidating, but December is arguably the most consistent month of the year for big, powerful and well-shaped surf at Lafitenia.
Average Spot conditions at Lafitenia in December
Swell history for December
Wind history for December
Swell quality
Analyze the groundswell consistency at Lafitenia 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 Lafitenia for your next trip in December.
Ground swell
Ground swell by size
Wind conditions
Evaluate the wind and swell alignment at Lafitenia 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 Lafitenia.