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.

August: Late Winter Thickness

August sees the average wave height hold at 1.8 m, with the period slightly dropping to 9.3 s. The swell direction remains solid from the S and SSE, but an interesting trend emerges: NE swell increases to 9.2% and ENE to 15.6%, reflecting the last gasp of the trade wind-driven swell. Offshore wind conditions dip to 27% ideal, the lowest of the winter months, as the NNE wind strengthens and blows more frequently. This month is often characterized by thick, powerful waves combined with variable winds. The best sessions arise when a high-pressure system stalls over the coast, delivering offshore N to NW winds for several days in a row. Despite the lower wind quality percentage, the sheer energy in the water makes August a reliable month for serious surfers.