January+
Demanding Basque winter. 2.5–4 m swells, water at 12°C, regular Atlantic lows. Erretegia may open mid-tide windows, Parlementia is fully alive for those who master it. 5/4 mm hooded required.
February+
Sustained winter conditions. Intermediates still find sessions at Le Centre and Erretegia between fronts. Water at 12°C, hard skies, variable winds.
March+
Pleasant surf returns. 1.5–2.5 m swells, water at 13°C, more sun. Bidart regains its intimate tempo with clean banks and near-empty weekday beaches.
April+
Spring settles. 1.2–2 m swells, water at 14–15°C, generous light. Excellent for easing back, steady morning offshore winds, anecdotal crowds.
May+
Pivot month. 1–1.5 m swells, water at 16–17°C, long days. Le Centre's precise sandbars reveal themselves, Erretegia offers long clean sessions. 3/2 mm.
June+
Excellent compromise. Consistent swells, water at 18–19°C, light crowds before peak season. Dawn sessions recommended at central spots.
July+
Summer waves (0.7–1.2 m), water at 21°C. Less crowded than Biarritz, but best slots are at dawn. Parlementia inactive in summer.
August+
Tourist peak. Small waves, water at 22°C. For intermediates, time to favour dawn sessions or detours into the Spanish Basque Country.
September+
The crown jewel. Autumn swells (1.5–2.5 m), water at 20°C, thinning crowds from early September. Le Centre and Erretegia regain their tempo. Parlementia awakens.
October+
Premium conditions. Powerful 1.8–3 m swells, water at 17–18°C, lighter beaches, golden Basque light. One of the most complete windows on the south-west coast.
November+
Mature autumn. 2–3 m swells, water at 15°C, shifting skies. Locals dominate the lineup, Parlementia enters its full season.
December+
Storms return. 3–4.5 m swells, water at 13°C, conditions often beyond intermediate. A few technical low-tide windows at Erretegia.