Cloud 9 - surf spot statistics

Best Surf Season (October - November & April - May)

The most promising windows for quality waves at Cloud 9 come during the transition months when the Northeast Monsoon (Amihan) begins to weaken or build. October stands out with an average 1.1m swell at 10.2 seconds and a 35% chance of offshore southerly winds—a rare alignment of moderate size and clean conditions. November offers larger 1.3m swell but ideal wind drops to 12%, so patience is key. April and May see the monsoon shift, with May delivering a 32% offshore wind frequency and fun-sized 0.8m swell that can still juice up on longer period pulses.

Fair Surf Season (December - March)

The heart of the NE monsoon season brings consistent, powerful swell from N through ENE, with average heights ranging from 1.3m in March to 1.7m in January and periods often exceeding 9.5 seconds. However, the wind is predominantly from the NE and ENE as well—onshore and often strong, degrading surface quality. Despite the pumping size, ideal offshore wind occurs only 3-6% of the time, meaning clean waves are fleeting. These months offer epic potential when a cold front or localized trough brings a southerly wind shift, but expect mostly wind-affected conditions.

Low Surf Season (June - September)

During the Southwest Monsoon (Habagat), the wind clocks around to the south and southwest, providing offshore flow at Cloud 9 up to 60% of the time in August. Unfortunately, the same pattern suppresses swell generation, with average heights bottoming out at 0.7m and periods dipping to 8.4-9.0s. The waves that do arrive are predominantly small, clean, and best suited for longboard or fun-shapes. While not the stuff of barrels, these months offer reliable, crowd-free surfing in silky conditions.

October: The Sweet Spot

October delivers the best statistical balance of the year: an average 1.1m swell at 10.2 seconds—the longest average period—combined with a 35% chance of offshore wind. Swell direction is primarily NE (49%) and NNE (20%), indicating strength from the north Pacific. Wind patterns are mixed, with many days featuring onshore NE flow, but tropical depressions and cold fronts often drag southerly winds across the region, creating clean, powerful surf. When the light S wind sets in, Cloud 9 produces its classic barrel—hollow, fast, and deep. This month should be circled on every surfer's calendar.