El Silencio - surf spot statistics

Best Surf Season (March - April)

During the transition from summer to autumn, El Silencio strikes its finest balance. The South Pacific storm track is still active, delivering consistent SSW and SW swell in the 1.5-2.5m range with long periods (13-14s). More importantly, the percentage of offshore winds from the NNE-E quadrants peaks at 4-8%, offering the best chance of clean, glassy conditions. This is when you can score punchy, rippable waves without the relentless onshore blow that plagues the winter months.

Fair Surf Season (January - February & November - December)

These shoulder months see slightly smaller swell averages (1.4-1.5m) but still dominated by optimal SSW-SW directions. Offshore wind frequency drops to 1-2% in November-December, but February manages a 6% window. Expect fun, groveling to solid head-high waves, but be prepared to hunt for the occasional clean session when the wind shifts offshore. The longer periods (12-13s) maintain good shape even when the breeze is light onshore.

Low Surf Season (May - October)

The austral winter brings the largest swell of the year (1.7-1.9m average) with frequent 2-2.5m pulses from the SSW and SW. Wave periods remain long (12.8-13.6s), creating powerful, heavy surf. However, the wind consistency is brutal: offshore winds occur less than 1% of the time. The prevailing S-SSW-SW winds blow directly onshore, gutting the wave quality and making for choppy, blown-out conditions most days. Only the rare high-pressure setup that delivers a northerly flow can salvage a session. This is a time for oversized, challenging conditions best left to the experienced.

September: Swell Holds, Wind Still a Spoiler

September sees 1.9m average swell and 12.9s period. S swell increases to 18.6% while SSW is 73.3%. The 1.5-2.5m range dominates 40.5% + 19.9% respectively. Offshore wind is again a meager 1%. Onshore S and SSW winds blow 76.6% cumulatively, with a significant 18.3% of SSW in the 10-20kph range. The long period helps the waves hold shape despite the breeze, but expect bumpy faces and regular closeouts. Patience and a weather eye are essential.