Zipolite • Surf Spot Statistics

Best Surf Season (June - September)

Zipolite is a south-facing stretch of exposed Pacific coastline in Oaxaca, and the rhythm of its surf year is written by the long-fetch swells of the Southern Hemisphere and the migration of the ITCZ. The best season runs from June through September, when average surf heights peak at 1.6-1.7m (5-6ft), average periods sit in the powerful 13-14 second range, and SSW/S swells account for the overwhelming majority of the energy. Offshore north to northeast winds are most reliable in July and August, when ideal conditions blow 64-66% of the time and every proper south pulse wraps into the bay with clean, lined-up walls.

Fair Surf Season (March - May and October - November)

Spring is a tale of building swell but fading wind. From March to May, the average height climbs to 1.5-1.6m (5ft) and periods reach 14s, yet the ideal offshore wind window drops to 41-49% as the afternoon sea breeze strengthens. October and November are the mirror image: the swell is still solid and the wind returns offshore 60-65% of the time, but the size begins to ease and the direction spreads out, with more ENE/E energy sneaking into the spectrum.

Low Surf Season (December - February)

The winter months are the low point, though 'low' is relative on the Mexican Pacific. Average heights drop to 1.2-1.3m (4ft), periods shorten to 12s, and the west-northwest/northwest wind flow becomes more dominant. ENE and E swells from the Gulf of Tehuantepec appear more frequently, but they hit the south-facing beach at a poor angle and rarely groom. Light offshore days still produce fun, rippable waves, but the power and consistency are definitely off.