Acapulquito - surf spot statistics

Best Surf Season (March - May)

As spring unfolds, the Pacific high-pressure system strengthens, driving a reliable and consistent offshore flow from the west-northwest. During these months, the wind is ideal for surfing over 85% of the time, and the average swell height climbs to a fun, rippable 1.1m. The dominant S-SSW swell, while not directly in the optimal window, arrives with long periods (13-14s) and wraps beautifully into the east-facing nook of Acapulquito. The days are long, the water is warm, and the combo of groomed faces and plentiful swell makes this the sweet spot of the year. When a strong West Pacific storm sends a S'ly pulse, expect waves that are powerful and punchy.

Fair Surf Season (June - August & October - November)

Summer sees the peak of the south swell train, with wave heights averaging 1.2m and periods still in the 12-14s range. The seabreeze influence from the Gulf of Tehuantepec occasionally kicks up lighter onshore winds, but the dominant pattern remains offshore from the W to NW over 80% of the time. This is a solid season for consistent, chest-to-head-high waves, though the onset of tropical storms can bring periods of unsettled conditions. In the autumn transition (Oct-Nov), the frequency of high-latitude storms increases, and the swell direction begins to skew more southerly. Wind consistency drops to about 70-78% ideal, but when the stars align, you can score clean, long-period groundswell with silky offshore breezes.

Low Surf Season (December - February)

Winter brings the smallest average swells (around 0.8m) and the lowest percentage of offshore wind (64-75%). The North Pacific storm track is active, but much of its energy is directed toward the California coast, leaving Acapulquito with mainly short-period, localized windswell from the E and NE. The wind regime becomes more variable, with frequent outbreaks of N to NE winds that, while not directly onshore, rarely provide the groomed, offshore perfection of spring. That said, the wave period remains high (11-12s) during the few groundswell pulses that make it south, so if you time it right—typically after a strong frontal passage—you can still find waist-to-chest high waves with the right offshore breath from the NW.

December: The Winter Slump

December marks the low point of the year in terms of wind quality—only 64% ideal—and the smallest swells (0.8m average). The period is 11.9s, still decent, but the frequency of N and NNE winds is high (26% combined) and often brings choppy, onshore conditions from the E and NE. Swell direction is varied: S (40.5%), SSW (28.8%), but also notable amounts from N (5.7%), SSE (5.8%), and even E and SE (3.8%). This spread indicates a mix of local windswell and distant groundswell. When a strong winter storm in the Bering Sea sends a long-period NW swell, and if the wind goes anywhere from W to NW (which happens about 15% of the time), you can score a few clean sets. But these windows are brief. Best to book a trip to a more exposed coast—or wait for spring.