Acapulco - surf spot statistics

Best Surf Season (November - March)

The heart of Acapulco's surf calendar settles in from November through March, when the North Pacific high-pressure system weakens and the Aleutian low retreats. This pattern allows frequent cold fronts to sweep across the Gulf of Mexico, but for the south-facing shores of Acapulco, it's the long-period groundswell from the Southern Hemisphere that takes center stage. Swell directions lock into a consistent SSW to SW band, with average heights hovering around 0.9–1.1m and periods stretching to 13–14 seconds. Combined with ideal wind percentages peaking at 58% in December and 56% in November (thanks to frequent light northerlies and offshore breezes from N, NNE, NE, and NNW), this window delivers the cleanest, most rippable conditions of the year. It's when the combo of groomed faces and punchy swell lines truly shines.

Fair Surf Season (April - June & October)

As spring transitions into summer, the trade winds begin to build and the Pacific storm track shifts south. From April through June, average swell heights climb to 1.2–1.4m, and periods remain solid in the 13–14 second range. The swell direction remains dominated by SSW (often 70–90% of the total), so the potential for good waves is high. However, the offshore wind window narrows. Ideal wind percentages drop to 34–40% as the region sees more frequent onshore flow from the SW and W, especially during afternoons. October marks a return toward more stable patterns, with ideal wind at 46% and still‑decent swell from the Southern Hemisphere. This is a transitional season—expect glassy mornings with building afternoon seabreezes. Surfers who chase the early windows will find fun, solid waves on the better days.

Low Surf Season (July - September)

Summer deepens into the heart of the Eastern Pacific hurricane season, and Acapulco's wave quality suffers from a classic conflict. Swell heights remain robust, averaging 1.3–1.4m with a mix of SSW and S directions, and periods still in the 13‑second range. But the wind patterns become erratic: the region is sandwiched between the North Pacific high and developing tropical systems, leading to a higher frequency of onshore winds from the S and SW. Ideal wind percentages bottom out at 34–43%, and those light northerlies that define the best season become scarce. Even when swell is plentiful, the prevailing onshore flow and occasional storm‑related wind shifts quickly chop up the surface. It's not a total writeoff—early mornings can still deliver clean, long‑period lines before the wind kicks—but overall, this is the least consistent period for quality surf at Acapulco.

October: Transition Back to Fall, Improving Wind Reliability

October marks the beginning of the transition back to favorable wind patterns. Average swell is 1.3m with a period of 13.4s. Swell is again dominated by SSW (85.1%), with SW at 8.1% and S at 6.3%. Wave heights center on 1–1.5m (68.2%) and 1.5–2m (16.2%). Ideal wind improves to 46%. The winds become less aggressive: the W flow (21.0%) and WNW (18.6%) are still present, but light offshore winds from the N (3.0%), NNE (2.3%), NE (2.8%), and NNW (3.9%) begin to increase. The calm‑wind percentages also rise. October offers a mix of late‑summer swell strength and early‑fall wind stability. Mornings are increasingly clean, and the window for good surf lengthens again. It's a month of hope after the hurricane season chaos.