Guéthary
Guéthary is where European surfing ventures into serious territory—a powerful reef break tucked beneath the charming Basque village that transforms into a genuine big wave arena when Atlantic storms unleash. The main peak offers heavy, left-breaking walls that can hold well overhead surf, while the outer reefs light up for experienced chargers during the largest swells. The local crew is tight and proud, with decades of history at this wave, so respect in the lineup isn't optional. When the harbor wall is getting swamped and the sets are marching in, Guéthary reminds everyone that European surfing has teeth.
Guéthary surf forecast
Model forecast for swell, wind and tide.
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Spot Details
CustomizeCustomize this spotSwell Requirements
- Optimal direction
- NW (310°)
- Direction range
- 280° - 340°
- Size range
- 1m - 3.5m
- Ideal size
- 2.1m - 2.9m
- Height multiplier
- 1.08×
- Ideal period
- 14s+
Wind Requirements
- Optimal direction
- ESE (120°)
- Offshore range
- 80° - 160°
Tide Requirements
- Optimal tide
- low to mid
- Optimal range
- 0.4m - 1.5m
Water temp
16°C
Wetsuit
4/3mm fullsuit
Difficulty
7/10
Crowd level
6/10
👥 Toussaint Break (Oct 17 – Nov 2) — expect extra crowds
Access: Jump off harbor wall or paddle from beach.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of wave is Guéthary?
Guéthary is a reef break in Basque Country, France, that mostly breaks left.
What swell works best at Guéthary?
Guéthary picks up swell from the W round to the NNW, and it's best when it's coming straight out of the NW. It starts working at around 1m and handles up to about 3.5m, with the sweet spot around 2.1 to 2.9m. Period matters too: aim for 14s or longer, as anything under 10s tends to be weak. These are the numbers our scoring uses, so treat them as a guide rather than a promise.
What wind is offshore at Guéthary?
An ESE wind is dead offshore at Guéthary, and anything from the E round to the SSE keeps it clean. The morning is typically the best window, roughly 6am to 11am. Light winds from other directions can still be fine; strong offshores can make it hard to get into waves.
What tide is best at Guéthary?
Guéthary is at its best around the low to mid tide, roughly 0.4m to 1.5m on the local chart.
When is the best time of year to surf Guéthary?
The most reliable run of swell at Guéthary comes Sep to Mar. There's a second window in Apr to May too. Autumn-Spring. Needs solid swell. Handles size well.
How cold is the water at Guéthary?
The water at Guéthary averages around 16°C, so you'll want a 4/3mm fullsuit. It shifts a few degrees through the year, so check the season before you pack.
Is Guéthary good for beginners?
Not really. It's rated 7/10 for difficulty and suits experienced surfers. Expect a moderate crowd (6/10) when it's on. Heavy local crew. Respect the lineup. Rocky entry.
How do I get to Guéthary?
The nearest airport on our list is BIQ, then it's roughly a 20-minute drive. Jump off harbor wall or paddle from beach.
What other surf spots are near Guéthary?
The closest breaks we track are Lafitenia (2.0 km), Belharra (6.1 km) and Les Cavaliers (13 km), handy when Guéthary isn't working.
Best Season
Peak: Sep, Oct, Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar
Secondary: Apr, May
Autumn-Spring. Needs solid swell. Handles size well.
Getting There
Nearby Spots
Lafitenia
🇫🇷 Intermediate perfection • Long right walls • Basque Country classic
Belharra
🇫🇷 France's giant • 2.5km offshore • Some winters stays silent
Les Cavaliers
🏖️ Anglet surf strip classic • Sandbar-dependent peaks • French beach culture
La Graviere
🇫🇷 World's heaviest beachbreak • Canyon-amplified power • Pro-level tubes
La Nord
💪 Europe's heaviest beach break • Canyon power • Autumn perfection
Zurriola
🏛️ Europe's most elegant surf • San Sebastián beauty • Urban beach perfection
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