Las Gatas • Statistics for January

January: Long-Period Winter Swell and Dawn-Patrol Windows

The north Pacific settles into its winter groove in January, and Las Gatas sits in the shadow of the steeper NW swell that lights up other points. The average swell height is 1.0m (3.3ft), but don't let the modest number fool you - the average period is a solid 13.3s, which means the energy is organized. The wave rose is almost entirely dominated by SSW and SW directions (26.4% and 43.3% respectively), with a meaningful WSW push at 24.6% and only 5.4% from due west. Most waves fall into the 0.5-1m (1.6-3.3ft) and 1-1.5m (3.3-4.9ft) range, giving rideable, fun-sized peaks on the reef. A trace of 1.5-2m (4.9-6.6ft) develops when the strongest frontal systems rumble through.

The wind story is what keeps January from being truly epic. NNW (18.1%), NW (14.8%), WNW (11.5%) and W (11.1%) winds dominate the month, putting the west-facing beach under frequent cross/onshore flow. Only 23% of the time does the wind blow from the favourable offshore quadrant (ENE-E-ESE-SE), making dawn patrol the window when the surface glass off. Air temperatures average a warm 24.6°C, water temperature sits at 28.3°C, and precipitation is minimal at 0.45mm/day. January is a low-rainfall month with a tropical feel, but surfers need to pick their sessions carefully.