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.

November: Late Spring Lull, Onshore Winds

November continues the downward trend in swell, with average height at 1.6m and period 13.0s. Swell direction is dominated by SSW (51.5%) and SW (47.3%), still missing the optimal westerly window. The wind profile shows W (48.0%) and WSW (48.3%) almost evenly split, with a total onshore flow of over 96%. The combination of smaller swell and constant onshore flow leads to generally subpar surfing conditions. The waves are often small, grovelly, and chopped. November is a low point in the annual cycle: the winter swell has faded and the summer pattern of strong afternoon onshores is setting in. Mornings can still offer a brief window of lighter wind, and if a late-season storm sends a pulse of westerly swell, the beach might come alive for a day. But overall, it is a month for small-wave boards and low expectations.