Surf conditions in Biarritz
Swell, wind, tide and the Côte des Basques webcam. And above all: how to read them, from a school that is on this beach every day from April to October.
Today: Average, swell 0.6 mToday at Côte des Basques
By our standards: AveragePeriod
7.9 s
Swell
0.6 m
Wind
11 km/h NO
onshore wind
Tide
falling
low tide around 21 h
In green: the recommended windows to surf here, around low tide (three hours before, three hours after).
The swell is there, but the wind comes off the ocean and spoils the surface. On this spot, the recommended window surrounds low tide (around 21 h): three hours before, three hours after.
See our surf lessonsOpen-Meteo readings updated every hour. Unsure about the conditions right now? Call us at +33 6 21 77 25 46, we see the water.
Côte des Basques live
Panoramic view of Côte des Basques, live.
Understanding a surf forecast
Forecast sites show four numbers, and most people only look at the first one. That is the mistake that leaves holidaymakers rolling around all afternoon in a sea that was not for them. Here is what each one means, in the order you should read them.
Swell height (in metres)
It is the number everyone looks at, and the most misleading. It describes the swell offshore, not the wave breaking in front of you: a swell announced at 1 m does not give a 1 m wave on the sand. Taken alone, it says almost nothing: what matters is how it combines with the period.
The period (in seconds)
The interval between two waves, and the real marker of quality. Below 8 seconds, the swell is short and disorganised: the water moves in every direction, it is tiring and barely surfable. Beyond 12 seconds, the swell comes from far away, organised and powerful: the same announced height will produce much bigger waves on arrival. A beginner will always prefer a small short swell to a small long one.
The wind (direction and strength)
A wind blowing from the land to the sea (offshore) smooths the surface and holds the wave up longer: it is the wind of the good sessions. A wind blowing from the sea to the land (onshore) chops the surface and makes the wave collapse any old way. At equal strength, direction changes everything: a 20 km/h wind can make or ruin the same day.
The tide (coefficient and times)
Every spot has its favourite tides, and it is the most local piece of data of all: no automatic forecast will tell you what time to come here. On a sand bottom like Côte des Basques, the same swell can give a memorable session and, three hours later, nothing at all.
Reading Côte des Basques: Axel's take
Forecasts give you numbers. Axel, one of the school's instructors, is on this beach every day: here is what he looks at before a session, in his own words.
At what tide should you surf Côte des Basques?
On the falling or the rising tide, around the low: two hours before, two hours after, I would say. Avoid going in at high tide unless you know what you are doing: getting out of the water at high tide can be dangerous.
What wave size is fun here?
For a beginner, from 60 to 70 cm with a good period, you have fun! It also depends on the period: the same height gives a completely different wave depending on whether it rides on a short or a long swell.
And the wind?
An easterly wind ideally, the offshore. Onshore or cross-shore winds tend to mess up the water surface, while a light offshore wind smooths the wave and strengthens it.
The best season?
All year round! It is smaller in summer, but it stays fun.
The mistake you see every day?
Getting in the water without knowing the spot and without an instructor along. It matters to go accompanied if you doubt your knowledge of the site. Or simply: come and ask us, you are welcome!
The safety point everyone must know?
The rules of surfing and the right of way. If you go with an instructor, they handle that for you! Otherwise it is on you to know them so you do not put yourself in danger, and to identify and locate the current zones, especially the baïnes (rip channels).
Unsure about today's conditions? Come and see us under the tent, on the beach, or write to us. And if you would rather have someone take care of all this for you, that is our job.
Which swell for which level
Our standards for Côte des Basques, the ones we apply to decide whether a surf lesson goes ahead.
Swell < 0.5 m
Ideal for first-timers and children.
Swell 0.5 to 1 m
Ideal conditions for all levels.
Swell 1 to 1.5 m
For intermediate and advanced surfers. Extended briefing.
Swell > 1.5 m
Beginner lessons cancelled. Give us a call.
The forecasts we check
None of them replaces an eye on the water, but they give the trend several days ahead, handy for planning a session during a trip.
Frequently asked questions
Is there surf in Biarritz today?
Côte des Basques works most of the year, but not all conditions suit all levels. The simplest way: check today's swell and wind on one of the forecast sites below. And if you are unsure, call us at +33 6 21 77 25 46. We are on the beach, we see the water, and that is more reliable than any automatic forecast.
What swell height for a beginner?
Below one metre, with a short period and little wind, conditions are ideal for a first session. Above one metre fifty, we cancel beginner lessons: it is not excessive caution, it is that you learn nothing in waves that roll you.
How do you read a surf forecast when you know nothing about it?
Look at three numbers in this order: the period first (above 12 seconds, the swell will be powerful), the height next, the wind last (a land wind is a good sign, a sea wind much less so). The tide comes fourth, and it is the only piece of data that requires knowing the spot.
Are lessons cancelled when the sea is too rough?
Yes, and we make that call. Above one metre fifty of swell, beginner lessons are not held. We let you know and reschedule you: nobody loses their session.
Conditions look good?
There is often room left on the day itself. One message is enough.