Cabo de San Antonio - surf spot statistics

Best Surf Season (October - March)

As the North Atlantic storm track fires up, Cabo de San Antonio sees a welcome increase in average swell heights to around 1.1-1.2m. While the predominant swell direction remains from the northeast and east quadrant due to persistent trade winds, the occasional frontal passage can swing winds into a favorable offshore quadrant (N, NNE, NE, NNW), cleaning up the waves. South and southwest swells, though rare, are most likely during this period as old lows track across the Gulf or from distant Southern Hemisphere storms. The average period of 6-7 seconds keeps waves punchy and rideable, but don't expect long-period groundswells often. When the alignment is right, these months offer the best chance for quality surf at this south-facing reef.

Fair Surf Season (April, September)

Transitional months. April sees a drop in average height to 0.9m as the winter pattern weakens. Trade winds remain strong from the east, making offshore conditions less frequent. September, on the fringe of hurricane season, can bring sudden pulses of south to southwest swell from tropical systems in the Gulf, but also the risk of messy onshore winds. Wave periods are short, averaging 6 seconds, so conditions are usually small and choppy, but occasional clean small waves can be found.

Low Surf Season (May - August)

The summer doldrums settle in with average swell heights bottoming out at 0.6-0.7m and periods around 6-7 seconds. The dominant easterly trade winds (E, ESE, SE) blow almost constantly, creating onshore conditions that wreck what little wave energy exists. South swell events are extremely scarce (less than 1% occurrence). During this period, the spot is mostly flat or blown out, making it a poor time for surfing. The only hope is a fleeting tropical disturbance that might bring rare south swell and light winds, but reliability is extremely low.

December: Peak Winter Conditions

December delivers consistent winter swell with an average height of 1.1m and period 6.5s. Swell direction mirrors November: NNE (12.4%), NE (11.9%), NW (3.7%), and NNW (13.1%) leading the pack, with south-southwest swell at only 1.2%. The trade winds are powerful, with ENE (20.4%) and E (19.8%) dominating. Offshore wind is possible 16% of the time, primarily from the north and northeast under high pressure. The average wave period indicates average, punchy surf, but occasional long-period groundswells from distant storms can push into the powerful 10-14s range. Wave heights are often in the fun, good to pumping categories. While the predominant swell direction remains unfavorable, the sheer amount of energy means that even a small south component can create good waves. When a strong cold front sweeps through, bringing offshore north winds and a short window of south swell, the spot can turn on. December is one of the most promising months for scoring quality surf at Cabo de San Antonio, despite the directional challenges.