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.

May: Entering the Summer Doldrums

May sees average swell height plummet to 0.7m with an average period of 5.9s. This is officially the beginning of the low season. Swell energy is overwhelmingly from the east and southeast (E 16.7%, ESE 19.3%, SE 20.5%), with south-southwest contributions falling to a mere 1.2%. The majority of waves are micro to small (0-1m). Trade winds are relentless: ESE is the dominant wind direction at 24.5%, followed by E at 21.0%. Offshore wind is possible only 17% of the time, usually from the north or northeast but weak. The wave period is short, making even the rare waist-high wave feel weak and messy. May is a month for flat spells and blown-out conditions. Only tropical disturbances forming early in the season could inject a sudden south swell, but those are unpredictable and rare. Best to look elsewhere for surf this month.