Encuentro - surf spot statistics

Best Surf Season (October - March)

As the North Atlantic settles into its winter pattern, the fetch from strong extratropical cyclones between the US East Coast and Bermuda becomes the primary energy source for Encuentro. Average swell heights climb to 1.5-1.6m with periods hovering in the 9.3-9.4s range – a solid combination that delivers punchy, rideable waves. The wind regime is a gamble, however; despite ideal offshore winds from the S/SW quadrant occurring only 18-23% of the time, the occasional cold front passage can pivot the wind to the south, creating glassy conditions on the best N-to-NW swells. This is the window for the spot to truly fire.

Fair Surf Season (April & September)

Transition months see a subtle shift in the dominant swell direction from ENE toward E, and wave heights dip to 1.2-1.3m with periods around 8.8-8.9s – still offering plenty of fun, rippable waves. The wild card is wind: September boasts the highest ideal wind percentage of the year (39%), while April sits at 21%. In September, the tail end of hurricane season can inject long-period, powerful swell into the mix, but it's a hit-or-miss scenario. Expect average conditions with occasional standout days when a tropical system aligns with a southerly breeze.

Low Surf Season (May - August)

Summer ushers in a pronounced lull. Swell heights drop to 1.1-1.2m and periods shorten to 7.2-8.1s, resulting in weaker, more chopped-up waves. The trade wind machine kicks into high gear, with E-ESE winds dominating over 60% of the time – onshore and side-onshore for this north-northeast facing beach. While the ideal wind percentage rises to 27-33%, the lack of consistent, quality groundswell means surfers will be groveling on small, wind-affected waves. Only the occasional tropical wave or far-off hurricane swell can break the monotony, but such events are rare.

January: Depth of Winter Swell

The North Atlantic peaks in January, delivering an average swell height of 1.6m and a period of 9.4s – the strongest combo of the year. The dominant swell direction is ENE (39.1%), with significant contributions from NE (24.3%) and NNE (13.4%). While ENE is on the fringe of the optimal window (N, NNE, NW, WNW), the true gems come from the NNE and NE bands, often carrying more energy (1.5-2.5m). The wind, unfortunately, tilts onshore: E and ESE winds combine for 55.8% of the time, with lighter S-SSW breezes only 1.4% of the time. Ideal surf (S, SSW, SW, WSW winds) occurs just 21% of the days. When a cold front drops a S/SW wind and a NNW or NW swell fills in, Encuentro turns into a rippable, hollow playground – but patience is key.