Camacho - surf spot statistics

Best Surf Season (April - August)

Camacho springs to life during the austral autumn and winter as the South Atlantic storm track shifts northward, driving powerful long-period swell directly into the southeast-facing beach. From April through August, the combination of consistent S to SSE groundswell and frequent offshore winds from the north quadrant creates the most reliable surf of the year. Average wave heights hover around 1.7-1.8 m with periods often exceeding 9 seconds, translating to punchy, rippable waves. The percentage of clean wind days peaks in May and June, reaching 34-36%, when the trade winds weaken and cold fronts leave crisp post-frontal northwesterlies in their wake. This is the prime window for charging solid, lined-up sets at Camacho.

Fair Surf Season (March & September - October)

March offers a transitional blend: solid swell from the SSW and SSE directions, with average wave periods climbing to 9.1 seconds, but the wind quality sits at a still-decent 30% ideal. Meanwhile, September and October see a jump in average wave height to 1.8-2.0 m as the first spring storms begin to brew, yet the wind becomes more fickle with only 20% offshore conditions. These months require a flexible schedule—waiting for a strong frontal passage to align the wind with the swell window. When it all comes together, the result is powerful, peeling waves with occasional overhead sets.

Low Surf Season (November - February)

The austral summer months from November through February are generally the quietest at Camacho. The South Atlantic storm track retreats, leading to smaller average swell heights of 1.5-1.6 m and shorter periods in the 8.4-8.5 s range. The dominant swell direction shifts eastward, often producing weaker, less organized waves that struggle to wrap into the beach. While the percentage of offshore wind days sits at a modest 19-30%, the combination of weaker swell and inconsistent wind direction means surfers often encounter choppy, below-par conditions. That said, even in the depths of summer, an occasional strong cold front can sneak in a flash of chest-to-head-high surf—especially in February when the wind is most cooperative.

April: Autumn Depth and Power

By April, the South Atlantic storm machine is in full swing. Average swell height rises to 1.7 m with a period of 9.3 s, and the directional distribution shows a healthy mix of SE (16.4%), SSE (16.0%), and S (14.1%) swell. This spread ensures a near-constant supply of grunty, lined-up waves. Offshore wind conditions improve to 31% ideal, fueled by a stronger north-northeast flow (22.9%). The water is still warm, but the air cools slightly, making for pleasant dawn sessions. The biggest days come from deep low-pressure systems that send 2-2.5 m SSW swell, which wraps beautifully into the beach. April consistently delivers the best ratio of size, period, and favorable wind of the entire year.