Chacahua - surf spot statistics

Best Surf Season (May - September)

As the North Pacific high-pressure system strengthens and the Intertropical Convergence Zone shifts north, Chacahua comes alive. The southern hemisphere's winter storm track pumps consistent, long-period groundswells from the S and SSW directly into our SSW-facing beach. With average wave heights hovering around 1.6m and periods stretching well into the 13-14 second range, the surf is consistently in the fun to pumping category. The real kicker? Offshore winds from the N, NNE, and NE are frequent, with ideal wind percentages climbing to 53-65%. This is prime time – expect clean, lined-up sets perfect for firing lefts and rights. The occasional tropical disturbance can add an extra boost, keeping the energy high throughout these months.

Fair Surf Season (April, October, November)

These transitional months offer a mixed bag but plenty of hidden gems. April sees the swell direction shifting from winter's ENE-E patterns to the more favorable S and SSW, with the average height reaching 1.5m and periods of 14.0s – some of the longest of the year. However, the wind is more fickle, with only 31% ideal in April, often plagued by afternoon onshores from the WSW and W. October and November offer a similar story: solid swell (1.3-1.5m, 12.7-13.3s) and improving wind consistency (57-62% ideal). These months are a surfer's gamble – when the offshore wind aligns with a strong S swell, the waves can be world-class. Be patient and pick your windows.

Low Surf Season (December - March)

Winter months bring a different character to Chacahua. The dominant swell shifts to easterly quadrants (ENE, E, ESE) as strong cold fronts and high-latitude storms track further north. While these swells can wrap in, they're often smaller (averaging 1.2-1.4m) and less consistent, with periods in the 11-13s range. The wind still blows favorably from the N and NW about 38-59% of the time, but the swell quality takes a hit. Expect more small, fun-sized days with occasional punchy sets from a long-period S pulse. It's not a write-off – dawn patrol can still deliver glassy conditions – but the energy is noticeably lower. This is the time for groveling and working on your cutbacks, not chasing bombs.

April: Peak Period, Frustrating Wind

April boasts the year's highest average period at 14.0s and a solid 1.5m height. The swell direction is overwhelmingly favorable: 64.5% from the SSW and 17% from SW – ideal for our spot. Yet the wind is the antagonist, with only 31% ideal. Westerly quadrants (WSW 15.1%, W 14.5%, WNW 20.5%) dominate, often at 10-20 kph, creating messy, choppy conditions. The bright spot: the SSE and SE winds are minimal, and N/NNE winds still appear around 5.7% of the time. This means dawn patrol is your best bet to score glassy, long-period SSW swell. On those rare offshore mornings, the waves can be epic, with thick walls and long rides. Pack your patience and a dawn alarm.