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Conditions at Buffels Bay in September
September: Late-Winter Swell Meets a Shifting Wind Field
September is a transition month, but the ocean is still full of energy. Average swell height remains a solid 9ft (2.7m) and the period is 11.7s. The problem is wind consistency: ideal wind frequency drops to 38%, and the data show WSW (13.1%) and W (12.1%) winds becoming more dominant, along with E (9.6%) and ESE (8.6%). These are less favourable for clean surf moulding. Swell direction is still winter-like, with SW (18.9%), SSW (13.3%), S (6.3%) and SSE (4.8%), so size and power are not in short supply. The window for a perfect surf is tighter: you need a strong high-pressure ridge to deliver WNW/NW wind while the last of the winter SW groundswell wraps around. On those days, expect smooth, hollow lines with water temperature holding at 16.2°C. Air temps average 14.7°C, with an unsettled feel during frontal passages.
Average Spot conditions at Buffels Bay in September
Swell history for September
Wind history for September
Swell quality
Analyze the groundswell consistency at Buffels Bay during September. 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 Buffels Bay for your next trip in September.
Ground swell
Ground swell by size
Wind conditions
Evaluate the wind and swell alignment at Buffels Bay for September. 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 Buffels Bay.