El Chinchorro • Statistics for September

September: Hurricane Season Wildcard

September is a fascinating transition month. Average wave height drops to 0.9m (3ft) and period to 6.2s, statistically the smallest of the year. The ESE lobe remains dominant at 48.2%, but the S/SSW/SW family finally shows a pulse at around 2% - still small, yet more than any previous month. This is the time when passing tropical cyclones or their remnants can send much-needed southerly energy toward the shore. Winds are still mostly offshore from the NNW at 32.5%, though southerly components begin to creep in: S at 4.1%, SSW at 3.6% and SE at 7.7%. Ideal surf wind is 55%. If a hurricane stalls in the Bahamas or a tropical wave aligns perfectly, September can produce the longest-period waves of the summer - but on average it remains small and inconsistent. Water temperature peaks at 29.2°C with air temperature at 27.6°C.