Map
Cabo Blanco
Today's Surf Conditions at Cabo Blanco
Spot Conditions Map
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Today's Surf & Wind Forecast (Hourly)
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Spot Overview & Description
On the wild north coast of Peru, Cabo Blanco reigns as a crown jewel – a powerful, left-hand reefbreak that demands everything from those who dare. It doesn't break often, but when it does, it delivers heavy, radical barrels that range from shoulder-high to double overhead, around 1.5 to 3.5 meters. The magic happens under a big north-west swell, ideally sized between 4 and 12 feet, with east or south winds and low tide to unlock the best shape. The take-off is late and steep, dropping you into a spacious cavern, then a fast race down the reef towards the pier. Currents from the south and north converge here, creating a consistent rip that shapes the sand and wave quality, with the early season often yielding the cleanest conditions. This is strictly expert territory – the heavy, barreling nature leaves no room for error. Be prepared for a crowded, high-stakes lineup as some of Peru's finest surfers gather when the swell hits. The vibe can be tense, but the setting is raw and beautiful, with rocky outcrops framing the horizon. Access is easy, and the season runs from November through March. Lower tides make paddling out easier, but mid and high tides can also produce. Shortboards are the standard for navigating these demanding barrels.
Best Surf Season & Climatology
Best Surf Season (January - April)
The first four months of the year deliver the most consistent offshore winds at Cabo Blanco, with ideal conditions blowing from the S, SSW, and SW over 50% of the time. Average swell heights hover around 1.5-1.7m with long periods of 14s, providing a solid, rippable wave face. Even though the dominant swell originates from the SSW and SW rather than the optimal NW quadrant, the long period allows for good refraction into the NW-facing beach. The result is clean, powerful surf that is both fun and challenging – the sweet spot of the year.
Fair Surf Season (May & December)
May brings a jump in average swell height to 1.8m, but the ideal wind percentage drops to 43%. Stronger S and SSW winds (often 20-30kph) create more texture on the faces, though occasional lighter days still produce good waves. December sees a similar pattern: average swell 1.6m, ideal wind 38%, with a mix of SW and WSW swell. These months offer decent waves if you can pick your windows carefully.
Low Surf Season (June - November)
From June through November, the robust Southern Hemisphere swell machine pumps out consistent 1.8-1.9m groundswell with long periods, but the wind regime turns against the spot. Ideal offshore wind percentages plummet to 19-28%, with persistent moderate to strong S and SSW winds (often 20-30kph) that chop up the surface. While the swell is powerful, the lack of clean, light offshore flow means most days are disappointing. Occasional high-pressure setups can align the winds from the SSW, offering brief but brilliant sessions – but expect to work for them.
Detailed Surf Information for Cabo Blanco
Detailed Surf Forecast
Access our detailed 8-day swell and wind forecast charts for Cabo Blanco with tidal graphs, period ranges, and daily forecast text summaries.
Swell & Wind Statistics
Explore historical swell consistency, wave heights, and offshore wind windows month-by-month, compiled from over 40 years of data.
Historical Surf Report
Browse the historical database archives to view past wave reports and understand spot climatology during specific years and months.
