Map
Chicama
Today's Surf Conditions at Chicama
Spot Conditions Map
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Today's Surf & Wind Forecast (Hourly)
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Spot Overview & Description
Chicama sits roughly halfway between Lima and the Ecuadorian border, a stark, arid stretch of Peru's northern coast where the desert meets the cold Pacific. The landscape is often shrouded in a thick sea fog, cloaking the horizon and lending an air of mystery to the legendary point. This is the longest wave in the world—a left-hander unfurling for more than four kilometers, from the outermost takeoff all the way to the fishing jetty. In practice, most surfers link a handful of rides through the distinct sections while drifting with the current, rather than one continuous 4-km glide. The vibe is relaxed, with a range of accommodations nearby to suit any budget, making it a mellow destination for wave-chasers. The wave is a textbook point break, peeling left over a mix of sand and scattered rock. It handles a broad swell window, but the magic happens with a south-southwest swell, ideally paired with a southeast wind that grooms the face. Size can vary from waist-high at around 0.6 meters to a formidable 4.5 meters (15 feet) on a solid winter swell. The current runs strong, actually helping to carry you into the next takeoff zone—though paddling back against it is a workout, so many opt to ride down the point and walk back along the beach. This current also makes wave-catching easier for surfers of all skill levels, so you’ll see everything from beginners on longboards to advanced shortboarders, funboards, and fish all working the same line. Tide-wise, Chicama remains rideable at low, mid, and high, though the character changes with the water level. Crowds are generally thin compared to other global icons, but when winter delivers proper swell, the lineup fills out. For those seeking a long, pressure-free session with plenty of room to stretch your legs—and your wave count—Chicama delivers a uniquely stunning, endlessly repeating left-hander.
Best Surf Season & Climatology
Best Surf Season (March - September)
The heart of the surfing year at Chicama is driven by the relentless pulse of the Southern Ocean. From March through September, the South Pacific roars to life, sending consistent, long-period SSW groundswell hurtling toward the Peruvian coast. This is when the world-famous left-hand point break truly shines, wrapping around the headlands with power and grace. Average wave heights climb from 1.5m in March to a meaty 1.8m from May through September, with periods frequently exceeding 13 seconds. The trade-off, however, lies in the wind regime. While March and April still enjoy a high percentage of ideal offshore winds (S to SSW), the core winter months see a shift to stronger SSE breezes. These winds, though often still offshore for the NW-facing coast, are less predictable and can introduce a touch of texture. Still, when the combination aligns—a solid SSW swell and a morning glass-off—the waves at Chicama are nothing short of epic.
Fair Surf Season (October - February)
As austral spring turns to summer, the size and consistency of the south swell begin to wane. October through December still produce rideable swell, with average heights around 1.4-1.6m and periods in the 12-13 second range, but the most powerful pulses become less frequent. January and February see the smallest average heights of the year (1.3-1.4m), yet this is compensated by the most reliable offshore wind conditions. The percentage of ideal wind (S to SSW) peaks at 88-90% during these months, meaning the waves that do arrive are often glassy, lined-up, and perfect for longboard cruises or groveling on a high-performance shortboard. This is the 'fair' season: smaller but cleaner, offering fun-sized waves when the swell angle is right. November and December can also serve as transition months with decent swell and improving wind.
Low Surf Season (No true low season, but weakest months: November - February)
Chicama rarely goes flat, but the period from November through February represents the seasonal lull in terms of swell energy. The average wave height dips below 1.5m, and the longer-period swells (15s+) become scarce. While the southerly wind flow remains mostly favorable (especially from December through February), the lack of consistent, powerful groundswell means you will be chasing smaller, weaker lines. A good low-pressure system in the South Pacific can still fire up a few days of fun surf, but overall, this is the time to expect a lower chance of truly pumping, firing conditions. Don't let the 'low' label fool you—if you time it right with a passing swell, the offshore breeze can make for some silky-smooth sessions on the smaller waves.
Detailed Surf Information for Chicama
Detailed Surf Forecast
Access our detailed 8-day swell and wind forecast charts for Chicama 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.
