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.

November: Winter Swell Arrives

November sees a further ramp-up in swell energy with an average height of 1.1m and period 6.4s. The swell direction is heavily weighted toward the northeast and north: NE (16.5%), NNE (15.4%), N (7.7%), and NNW (11.7%). South-southwest swell takes a back seat at only 1.0%. However, the power and consistency of the winter swell is now evident. The wind regime is strongly easterly (ENE 23.9%, E 17.8%, NE 17.8%), leading to frequent onshore conditions. Ideal offshore wind remains low at 17%, but the cold fronts become more organized, delivering periods of north to northwest winds that can clean up the surf. When a south swell coincides with these offshore windows, the waves can be pumping (1.5-2.5m) with punchy periods. Most days, however, the spot is dominated by east-swell with wind chop. November offers the best combination of swell size and weather patterns that can align for quality sessions, making it a prime month for dedicated surfers.