Conditions at Thunders in January
January: The Northwest Monsoon Fights the Southern Groundswell
The new year opens with plenty of energy in the water, but quality is a lottery. Average swell heights sit at a solid 1.3m (4.3ft) and the 12.2s period means the energy is long-period and powerful as it hits the reefs. The swell window is dominated by SSW (46%) and SW (33%) directions, with a further 12% coming from S and WSW - all square in Thunders' exposure. Most waves fall in the 3-5ft (1-1.5m) range, with 16% pushing into 5-6ft (1.5-2m).
The problem is the northwest monsoon. Combined wind from W, WNW, NW and NNW accounts for over 67% of observations, and much of it blows with speeds of 10-30kph. Those directions are cross-onshore to onshore for this west-southwest-facing break, so even chest-to-head-high SSW groundswell can turn ragged and lumpy. Ideal offshore NNE-E winds only occur around 8% of the time, which is why the ideal surfing wind statistic limps in at 26%. With air temps around 27°C and water a warm 28.9°C, it is still a tropical surf trip - just be ready to pick your moments between rain squalls and trade out of the wind-blown days.
Average Spot conditions at Thunders in January
Swell history for January
Wind history for January
Swell quality
Analyze the groundswell consistency at Thunders during January. 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 Thunders for your next trip in January.
Ground swell
Ground swell by size
Wind conditions
Evaluate the wind and swell alignment at Thunders for January. 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 Thunders.