Esterillos - surf spot statistics

Best Surf Season (December - April)

The dry season delivers the most consistent offshore winds at Esterillos. As the North American high pressure system strengthens, it funnels stable north-northwest winds across the Central Pacific coast, creating clean, glassy conditions for the south-facing beach. Swell from the SSW and SW is ever-present, with periods averaging 12-14 seconds. While wave heights are modest (mostly 0.5-1.5m), the combination of crisp offshore wind and long-period groundswell produces fun, rippable waves. February and March are particularly reliable, with over 40% ideal wind windows.

Fair Surf Season (May - June & November)

These shoulder months see a transition in the trade wind pattern. The Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) begins its migration, weakening the northerly flow and allowing more southerly winds to creep in. Swell energy picks up noticeably, with average heights climbing to 1.2-1.4m and periods still in the 13-14 second range. However, onshore winds from the S and SW become more frequent, cutting the quality factor. Still, savvy surfers can pick off clean morning sessions before the seabreeze kicks in. May offers the best balance of size and occasional offshore windows.

Low Surf Season (July - October)

The heart of the rainy season brings the largest swell of the year, with average heights around 1.4m and plenty of 1.5-2m+ pulses from the South Pacific. However, the wind picture deteriorates significantly. Southerly and southwesterly winds dominate, blowing directly onshore and causing messy, choppy conditions. Ideal offshore wind drops to just 26-28%. The wave period also decreases slightly, settling around 12-13 seconds. While there are still excellent days when a strong high pressure system stalls over the Caribbean, they are the exception rather than the rule. Most of the time, expect lumpy, wind-affected surf that requires a keen eye and flexible schedule.

July: Rainy Season Grind

July is the heart of the rainy season, with average swell still 1.4m and period 13.4s. The swell direction remains largely SSW (93.4%), but the proportion of smaller waves increases. Ideal wind bottoms out at 26%, making it the month with the least consistent offshore flow. Onshore winds from the S and SW dominate, often accompanied by showers. Surfable waves are certainly there, but you have to work for them. The best chances come when a cold front pushes south, bringing a brief pulse of north wind.