San Pancho • Statistics for December

December: Winter Returns with Reliable W-WNW Groundswell

December is where it all comes together for San Pancho. The average swell height is 1.0m (3ft), the average period is 13.4s, and the direction mix is once again excellent: WNW 44.5%, W 37.1%, NW 4.8%, WSW 11.1%, SW 2.1%, NNW 0.1%. Around 86% of the wave energy comes from the favourable W/WNW/NW/NNW quadrant, and the 1-1.5m (3-5ft) class is well fed by WNW and W swells. The long period means these are not just windswell bumps - they are proper groundswells with power and hold. Wind still cuts into the quality: ideal offshore flow is just 11% of the time, with NNW dominating at 47.7%, N at 15.0%, NNE at 12.2% and NW at 10.3%. But the sheer amount of W-WNW energy means even a short window of SW/SSW offshore wind can transform the beach into a fun, clean, rideable set-up. Water temps drop to 26.1°C, air averages 24.7°C, and rain is minimal at 0.72 mm/day. If you are planning a winter trip, December through February offers the best statistical chance of seeing meaningful surf, and December is the opening act.