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.

February: Sustained Winter Swell

February closely mirrors January with an average swell height of 2.0m and period of 12.8s. The NW quadrant still dominates (NW 36.1%, WNW 19.8%), but the core winter pattern lingers. Ideal wind percentages drop slightly to 38%, but when the S-SSW breezes kick in, conditions are pristine. The N, NNE, and NNW directions combine for about 18.8% of the swell, offering the best potential for clean, lined-up waves. This month often sees multiple swell events linked to intense low-pressure systems in the North Atlantic. Look for windows where the wind shifts offshore after a cold front passage – those afternoon sessions can be firing.