Leblon seasonal overview
Best Surf Season (April - August)
Leblon's most consistent and powerful surf unfolds between April and August, when the South Atlantic storm track shifts north and low-pressure systems march across the South Atlantic. Average swell heights reach 1.4-1.5m (4.5-5ft) with periods of 10.6-11.1s, and the direction matrix is dominated by SSE, S and SSW swells - exactly what a south-facing beach needs. Better yet, the offshore N and NW wind flow becomes more reliable in June and July, when ideal wind percentages peak at 57-58%. That combination of solid S/SSW groundswell and clean offshore flow makes this the prime window for powerful, well-ordered surf at Leblon.
Fair Surf Season (September - November)
September through November sees the storm track slowly retreating poleward, but there is still plenty of life in the water. September average swell height holds at 1.5m (5ft) with a 10.5s period, while October and November still produce 1.3m (4-4.5ft) averages with 9.8-10.0s periods. The problem is wind: the South Atlantic subtropical high begins to strengthen, and the E/ENE trade winds become more persistent. Ideal offshore wind drops to just 38-43%, so many days come with bumpy, cross-shore texture. When a well-defined S or SSW groundswell lines up with a N/NNW breeze, however, Leblon can still fire - especially in September.
Low Surf Season (December - March)
December through March is the low season at Leblon. The summer South Atlantic high locks in, tropical heat and sea-breeze cycles dominate, and the average swell drops to 1.1-1.2m (3.5-4ft) with periods of 9.5-10.4s. Swell energy shifts to E, ESE and SE windswell, with only occasional S/SSE pulses; the long-period groundswell becomes rare. Ideal wind percentages are respectable in December (46%) and February (55%), but the waves themselves are small. This is the time for high-performance groveling, small-wave boards and summer fun, not the winter gems of Leblon.