Conditions at Pipeline in December
December: The Crown Jewel Fires
December is the hallmark month at Pipeline. Average surf height reaches the annual maximum of 8.9ft (2.7m) alongside a powerful 12.4s period. The optimal NNW window is the leading direction at 14.1%, with NW at 4.1% and N at 4.1% - a true north-northwest groundswell regime. ENE and E trade winds still fill the wind rose, but ideal offshore winds occur 24% of the time, providing enough clean windows for the world's best surfers to do battle with the reef. The combination of long-period energy, a northwest-facing exposure, and warm tropical weather (air 23.6°C, water 24.8°C) makes this the most consistent and most famous month of the Hawaiian winter.
Average Spot conditions at Pipeline in December
Swell history for December
Wind history for December
Swell quality
Analyze the groundswell consistency at Pipeline 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 Pipeline for your next trip in December.
Ground swell
Ground swell by size
Wind conditions
Evaluate the wind and swell alignment at Pipeline 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 Pipeline.