Arpoador - surf spot statistics

Arpoador, Brazil, offers relatively consistent surf year-round, but the best conditions typically occur from February to August. During these months, ground swell percentages rise significantly, peaking in May (59%) and remaining strong through June and July (59% and 51%, respectively). Ground swells tend to produce cleaner, more organized waves compared to wind swells, which dominate the rest of the year. The mean swell size also increases during this period, averaging 1.1m to 1.3m, providing a good balance of power and rideability. Wind conditions are most favorable from January to June, with the highest likelihood of good winds in February (55%) and a steady decline from July onward. September through November sees the worst wind conditions, with onshore winds becoming more frequent (59-63% bad winds). While summer months (December-January) have smaller swell sizes (0.9m-1.0m) and higher wind swell influence, they still offer surfable waves, particularly when the ground swell component is present. For the most reliable surf with cleaner conditions, mid-year months (May-July) stand out due to the strong ground swell presence and manageable wind probabilities. However, those seeking smaller waves can still find opportunities in the shoulder seasons, though with greater variability in wind quality.

December at Arpoador offers fairly consistent surf conditions with an average swell height of 1.0m and a solid period of 9.6s, indicating well-formed waves with decent energy. The most dominant swell directions are from the S and SSE, delivering the majority of rideable waves, with a significant portion (over 16%) in the 0.5-1.5m range and occasional larger sets up to 2.5m. Smaller swells from the SE and ESE also contribute, though less frequently. Wind conditions are favorable for surfing nearly half the time (46%), with the best scenarios occurring when winds are light (0-20kph) and blow from the NE to ESE, minimizing onshore chop. Stronger winds, particularly from the SE and ESE, can occasionally disrupt conditions but are less frequent. Overall, December provides reliable waves for intermediate to advanced surfers, with a mix of playful mid-sized waves and occasional punchy peaks when the swell direction aligns optimally.