Cocal - surf spot statistics

Best Surf Season (November - March)

The North Pacific settles into its classic dry season groove as a strong subtropical high-pressure system sets up shop off the coast. This blocks the typical SW flow and funnels consistent offshore winds down from the north and northeast, keeping Cocal glassy and clean for extended stretches. Meanwhile, winter storms in the Southern Hemisphere fire up long-period SSW groundswells that march thousands of miles unimpeded across the equator. With average wave periods holding steady between 12 and 14 seconds and heights in the 1-1.5m range, these months deliver fun, rippable waves with plenty of punch. When a stronger fetch aligns, the 1.5-2.5m band (pumping) can fire, and the combination of offshore breezes and pristine swell makes this the true sweet spot of the year. Wind is ideal over 53% of the time, peaking at 67% in December.

Fair Surf Season (April - May, October)

As the dry season transitions to the wet, the subtropical high weakens and the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) begins its northward migration. This brings a more variable wind regime—ideal offshore conditions still occur, but the percentage drops into the 45-56% range. The swell remains excellent, with April and May seeing the heaviest SSW energy of the year, averaging 1.2-1.4m at 14 seconds. Storms in the Southern Hemisphere are still active, but the increased occurrence of moderate breezes from the south and southwest introduces a wind-swell component that can roughen the surface. October marks the return of stronger offshore flows as the dry season rebuilds, making it a solid shoulder month.

Low Surf Season (June - September)

The wet season is in full swing, and while the Southern Hemisphere keeps pumping out south-southwest swell (averaging 1.3-1.4m at 13-14 seconds), the wind patterns become less reliable for pristine conditions. The ITCZ sits overhead, and afternoon sea breezes from the south are common, creating bumpy, sometimes choppy surf on otherwise powerful groundswell. However, July stands out with a surprising spike in ideal wind (63%), due to early morning land breezes that keep the lineup glassy for the dawn patrol. On the whole, this season is a game of patience: wait for a window of light northerlies or a strong front to push the onshore flow away, and you can score solid, long-period waves without the crowds—but be prepared to share the ocean with occasional tropical instability.

May: Max Swell, Variable Winds

May delivers the highest average swell height (1.4m) and period (14.2 seconds) of the year, thanks to powerful Southern Hemisphere winter storms. SSW swell accounts for an incredible 87.5%, with 20.3% in the 1.5-2.5m band—pumping to massive on the best days. Unfortunately, ideal wind drops to 45%, the lowest of the year. Offshore directions (N, NNE, NE) are light and sparse, while moderate S (7.9%), SSW (8.5%), and SW (8.2%) winds increase, often producing afternoon onshores. Dawn patrols with light land breezes are the ticket to scoring these long-period gems.