Playa Boca Chica • Surf Spot Statistics

Best Surf Season (November - April)

Playa Boca Chica's south-facing coastline really comes alive during the dry season. From November through April, strong high pressure over North America sets up frequent offshore winds out of the N, NNE, NE and NNW, and the wind score sits in the reliable 46 to 61 percent range. At the same time, long-period southern hemisphere groundswell travels north across the equator, delivering consistent SSW and SW swell that averages 3.5 to 4.5ft (1.1 to 1.4m) with wave periods in the powerful 13-14 second band. Wind speeds are generally light, so a modest offshore breeze can keep the surface glassy. With minimal rainfall and warm water temperatures in the 28-29°C range, this is the most user-friendly and quality-consistent part of the year at Boca Chica.

Fair Surf Season (May - August)

As the northern hemisphere warms up, the surf gets bigger but the winds become more fickle. May through August sees the southern hemisphere storm track strengthen, pushing average swell heights up to 5ft (1.5-1.6m) while maintaining long 13.5-14.2s periods. The S, SSW and SW directions dominate, which is exactly what this south-facing beach wants. However, the monsoon trough and afternoon thermal lows bring more onshore S, SW and WSW wind, and the ideal offshore wind percentage drops to 41-51 percent. Rainfall also becomes a regular feature, especially by June. When a morning offshore window lines up with a southern or tropical pulse, the surf can be excellent, but you will need to sift through more bumpy, wind-affected days.

Low Surf Season (September - October)

If there is a low-quality season at Boca Chica, it is the September to October transition. The swell machine is still running-September averages 5ft (1.6m) and October 5ft (1.5m)-but the eastern Pacific hurricane season reaches its climatological peak and rainfall is at its heaviest, especially with 11.07mm/day in September. Tropical storms, humid air, and lingering southern hemisphere or hurricane swells often leave the ocean bumpy, gutless or stormy. Offshore winds still occur around half the time, so there are definitely days to score, but consistency is the trade-off. Once the first strong norte pushes arrive in late October and November, the air dries out, the winds swing offshore, and Boca Chica returns to its best form.