Map
Makaha
Today's Surf Conditions at Makaha
Spot Conditions Map
Hover over the hourly chart columns to update the wind & swell direction overlays on the map.
Today's Surf & Wind Forecast (Hourly)
Loading forecast text...
Spot Overview & Description
Nestled on the north side of the jetty beneath the watchful gaze of La Rosa Nautica restaurant, Makaha embodies the soul of Peruvian surf culture. This sprawling beachbreak offers a forgiving, shifting lineup that welcomes beginners and longboarders, especially when the inside reforms deliver gentle, rideable shoulders. The vibe is unmistakably laid-back, a true community hangout where three local surf clubs nurture newcomers, but weekends can see a steady stream of locals and learners jostling for position. The magic happens with a Southwest swell, though South and even Northwest pulses can produce fun waves. It comes alive with swell from 2 feet up to overhead, peeling over a mixed bottom of boulders and sand—peeling lefts and rights alike. Low to mid tide offers the most user-friendly shape, but high tide still holds occasional runners. A Northeast wind is your best friend, grooming the surface into clean lines. Expect a long paddle to reach the takeoff zone; on bigger days, the wave can close out, prompting many to head south for more sheltered options. Inside, a floater-friendly reform provides a mellow alternative, perfect for those finding their feet. This is a place to soak in the rich history of Peruvian surf, ride a set, and share the stoke.
Best Surf Season & Climatology
Best Surf Season (May - August)
Makaha’s surf is entirely dependent on long-period SSW swell generated by low-pressure systems in the South Pacific. From May to August, the average wave height crests at 1.5m with periods consistently in the 13-second range, delivering powerful, sucky waves that wrap into the southwest-facing beach. However, the catch is the near-constant onshore wind. The South Pacific anticyclone locks in persistent S to SSE flow at 10-20kph, making conditions blown-out for most of the day. The few windows of offshore N to NE winds are vanishingly rare—less than 1% of the time—so the best surf happens at dawn when the wind is lightest, or during the occasional passage of a cold front that shifts the wind to the north. Even with the onshore texture, the sheer energy of the swell makes this the most consistent season for size.
Fair Surf Season (September - April)
As austral spring and summer progress, the average swell height dips slightly to 1.2-1.4m, but the period remains excellent at 12-13 seconds. The wind pattern remains the same: onshore S winds dominate over 80% of the time. The lighter sea breezes of summer (December-February) can occasionally provide clean conditions in the late afternoon when the thermal gradient weakens, but genuine offshore days are still exceptionally rare. The swell becomes a touch less consistent and a bit smaller, making for a fair season marked by fun, rippable waves when the wind cooperates. The most reliable surf during these months comes from SSW groundswell that peaks during the new moon tidal swings.
Low Surf Season (No Distinct Low Season)
Given the constant influx of SSW swell from the Southern Ocean, Makaha never truly goes flat. Even in the “low” months of January and February, the average height stays above 1.2m. The real limiting factor is the wind, not the swell. So rather than a traditional low season, we consider periods of extended onshore gales (30+kph from the S) as the worst conditions—these occur mainly in May and June when the South Pacific high strengthens. During these events, the water becomes lumpy and choppy, and only the most sheltered corners of the beach offer rideable waves. With patience, however, a window always opens.
Detailed Surf Information for Makaha
Detailed Surf Forecast
Access our detailed 8-day swell and wind forecast charts for Makaha 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.
