Arenillas - surf spot statistics

Best Surf Season (October - March)

The North Atlantic winter pattern delivers consistent, powerful swell from the NW quadrant. However, at Arenillas, the ideal window aligns when the swell swings more northerly (N to NNE) and is accompanied by offshore S-SSW winds. These months see the highest average wave heights (1.5m-2.0m) and longest periods (11-14s), providing a solid platform for good surf. The percentage of ideal wind conditions peaks at 38-42%, meaning that a significant portion of the days offer clean, offshore conditions. The combination of long-period groundswell and favorable wind makes this the prime time for Arenillas.

Fair Surf Season (April & September)

Shoulder months see a transition. April still has moderate swell (1.4m avg, 10.9s period) but ideal wind drops to 31%. September sees similar stats (1.2m, 10.4s, 32%). The swell direction remains predominantly from the NW, but the wind patterns become more variable, with fewer consistent offshore windows. You can still score good waves, but you'll need to be selective.

Low Surf Season (May - August)

The summer months bring smaller, weaker swell (0.9-1.1m, periods 8-10s). The dominant NW swell is still present but much less organized, often mixed with short-period windswell. Ideal wind percentages drop to 22-30%, meaning onshore winds (from N-NW) frequently ruin the waves. The surf is generally small and mushy, with only rare opportunities for decent waves when a southerly breeze cleans up the leftover swell. This is a time for groveling and longboard sessions at best.

December: Peak Winter Promise

December rounds out the year with the strongest average swell parameters: 1.9m height and 12.6s period. The NW (35.8%) and WNW (20.6%) are still dominant, but there's a healthy mix of N (2.5%), NNE (3.7%), and NNW (11.9%) – totaling nearly 18% from more northerly directions. Ideal wind is at 42%, tying with January and October for the best odds. The combination of powerful, long-period swell and frequent offshore winds creates prime conditions. This month often sees the largest swells of the year, with over 1.2% of waves exceeding 2.5m from the NW. When the stars align – a deep low near Iceland, a blocking high over central Europe – Arenillas can produce epic, pumping barrels. It’s the perfect way to end the year.