Conditions at Barley Cove in August
August: The First Subtle Shift Back
August marks the first subtle shift back toward surf season. Average swell nudges up to 5.2ft (1.6m), period to 8.8s, and ideal wind holds at a respectable 30 percent. The wave rose is still westerly dominated, but the southwest and south-southwest sectors become more consistent, and occasional deep Atlantic lows brushing the north Atlantic start producing longer-period pulses. It will not be Hawaii, but the combination of 1-1.5m (3-5ft) swell and light NW or NNW morning winds can make for surprisingly fun, rippable waves. Water temperature peaks at 16.0°C, air averages 15.6°C, and rainfall remains modest at 3.41 mm/day. The autumnal ramp-up has begun; any late-season tropical or mid-latitude low tracking far enough south can put a proper 2m+ (6ft+) SSW swell into Ireland by late August.
Average Spot conditions at Barley Cove in August
Swell history for August
Wind history for August
Swell quality
Analyze the groundswell consistency at Barley Cove during August. 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 Barley Cove for your next trip in August.
Ground swell
Ground swell by size
Wind conditions
Evaluate the wind and swell alignment at Barley Cove for August. 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 Barley Cove.