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Conditions at Plettenberg Bay in December
December: Summer Groveling and Rare East Pulses
December is back to summer mode in Plettenberg Bay. The average swell height eases to 2.0m (6.5ft), the period sits at 11.0s, and the wind is ideal 40% of the time. The thermal sea breeze is in full force, with E (12.0%), ESE (14.0%) and SE (9.0%) combining for a large onshore wind share of around 35%. Swell is still mostly SSW (28.2%) and SW (22.9%), with S (12.8%) and SSE (8.8%) trailing, while true ESE/SE swell represents under 10% of the spectrum. Mornings are the saving grace: a WSW/W offshore before sunrise can leave the bay clean and lined up, with around head-high waves on the better SSW pulses. Water temps are comfortable at 19.1°C and air averages 19.5°C, making December one of the more pleasant months for a sunrise session and a cold drink afterwards - just don't expect all-day perfection.
Average Spot conditions at Plettenberg Bay in December
Swell history for December
Wind history for December
Swell quality
Analyze the groundswell consistency at Plettenberg Bay 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 Plettenberg Bay for your next trip in December.
Ground swell
Ground swell by size
Wind conditions
Evaluate the wind and swell alignment at Plettenberg Bay 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 Plettenberg Bay.