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Conditions at Porthleven in December
December: The Climactic Peak
December is the climatic peak of Porthleven's surf year. Average swell height matches the January maximum at around 8ft (2.5m), with an average period of 11.2s, meaning long-period, heavy groundswell is the norm. The wave rose shows W (16.6%), WSW (12.2%), WNW (7.2%) and SW (6.2%) as the primary swell directions, with occasional E/ESE events adding variety but rarely producing quality waves at this spot.
Wind quality is at its worst of the year. WSW (11.6%), SW (10.4%), W (9.7%), SSW (8.5%) and WNW (8.6%) dominate the wind rose, while ideal offshore N/NNE/NE/ENE flow is just 13%, the lowest of any month. This means a lot of December surf is raw, stormy and onshore. The standout days come from high pressure settling over the UK, producing offshore north-easterlies over a still-pumping Atlantic.
Water temperature drops to 11.3°C, air averages 10.1°C, and precipitation is 3.80 mm/day. December is heavy, cold and demanding, but when the stars align, Porthleven is exposed to some of the most powerful and challenging surf of the year.
Average Spot conditions at Porthleven in December
Swell history for December
Wind history for December
Swell quality
Analyze the groundswell consistency at Porthleven 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 Porthleven for your next trip in December.
Ground swell
Ground swell by size
Wind conditions
Evaluate the wind and swell alignment at Porthleven 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 Porthleven.