Arica - surf spot statistics

Best Surf Season (May - August)

While Arica's exposure to the deep South Pacific guarantees a steady supply of long-period swell, the persistent onshore wind regime keeps quality at a premium. The austral winter months (May through August) see the highest average swell heights (1.8m) and longest periods (up to 13.7s), delivering the most powerful waves of the year. Though the dominant swell direction remains SSW and SW—far from ideal for the WNW-facing beach—the sheer energy can occasionally overcome the constant WSW and W winds, offering more size and punch for the dedicated surfer. This is the window to chase if you are willing to work with wind-affected, yet more substantial, surf.

Fair Surf Season (September - November & March - April)

The shoulder seasons bring a slight drop in average swell height (1.6-1.7m) while periods stay solidly in the 13s. The wind pattern shows little change, with onshore flows from the WSW and W dominating over 90% of the time. However, these transitional months can see a slightly higher frequency of lighter morning wind events before the afternoon onshore breeze kicks in. Combined with the consistent long-period swell, these windows provide the best chance for the most rideable, albeit still angled, waves. Patience and an early alarm are key.

Low Surf Season (December - February)

The austral summer delivers the smallest average swell heights (1.5m) and the shortest periods (around 12.6s). Swell continues to come from the sub-optimal SSW and SW directions, and the wind relentlessly blows from the WSW and W (bad directions) over 85% of the time. The resulting surf is typically small, grovelly at best, and often reduced to choppy, messy conditions by the constant onshore breeze. This is the least reliable period for surf at Arica. While a rare combination of a slightly westerly swell and lighter easterly land breeze could salvage a session, the overall outlook is minimal.

December: Summer Sets In, Minimal Surf

December ushers in the austral summer, with average swell height dropping to 1.5m and period to 12.6s. Swell direction comes almost entirely from SW (62.3%) and SSW (37.2%), with a negligible amount from WSW (0.3%). Wind remains the dominant factor: WSW (46.9%) and W (46.8%) blow onshore across over 93% of observations. The surf is consistently small and weakened by both the bad angle and the onshore wind. The higher periods (12.6s) still give the swell some life, but it's rarely enough to overcome the adverse conditions. This is the height of the low season for surf at Arica. The beach is more suited for sunbathing than surfing. The only hope for a decent wave is a rare combination of a small-groundswell from the west and a light offshore wind from the east—both fleeting and uncommon events.