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.

June: The South Swell Engine

June retains the high swell height (1.1m) but sees a slight dip in period to 13.7s, though still well within the powerful range. The south swell engine is in full force—45.8% from S, 51.3% from SSW—and the 1-1.5m range dominates (over 31% in each direction). The wind is ideal 86% of the time, though the offshore fetch from the W, WNW, and NW is a bit weaker in speed (mostly 10-20kph) than spring. The upshot: the surf is consistent, the waves are punchy, and the crowd is thick. Early summer mornings are glassy before the seabreeze fills in, but that seabreeze is actually offshore (W to NW), so it only improves the shape. Watch for tropical storms brewing to the south that can send XL pulses.