Guarita - surf spot statistics

Best Surf Season (May - August)

The austral winter months are prime time at Guarita. As the South Atlantic high pressure system migrates northward, cold fronts sweep across southern Brazil with greater frequency, delivering consistent, quality swell from the S/SSE. The average wave height sits in the 1.6-1.7m range with periods pushing towards 10 seconds, translating to clean, powerful lines. More importantly, the shift in steering winds brings a higher percentage of offshore flow from the NW-NNW quadrant, making this the most reliable window for groomed surf. Expect 50-54% of the time with ideal wind, and when the synoptic pattern aligns, Guarita fires.

Fair Surf Season (March - April, September)

During these transitional months, Guarita lies on the edge of seasonal patterns. In March and April, the tail end of the winter swell machine still sends decent S/SE energy, but the offshore wind window begins to narrow as the trades reassert themselves. Conversely, September sees the opposite – the winter rhythm is fading but still delivering solid 1.8m swell, though the wind consistency drops to around 34%. These months offer plenty of fun, rippable waves, but you’ll have to pick your windows more carefully.

Low Surf Season (October - February)

This is the trickiest time for consistent quality at Guarita. The South Atlantic trade winds become entrenched, blowing from the E-ESE quadrant almost 40-50% of the time, which is directly onshore and ruins the wave face. While swells from the same E-ESE directions are abundant (average heights 1.4-1.6m), they come with short, weak periods (8-8.5s) and are accompanied by onshore wind. Ideal offshore wind conditions (NW-WNW) drop to 29-35%. Rare cold front passages can still produce a good day, but overall, expect smaller, messier surf and a lot of waiting for that perfect window.

January: The Summer Trade Wind Grind

January is classic mid-summer at Guarita. Dominant swell comes from the E-ESE (45% of all swell) with heights clustered in the fun 1-1.5m range and an average period of 8.2s – rideable but lacking real punch. The real issue is wind: the trade winds are in full force, blowing from the NE-ENE for over 34% of the time, which is cross-shore to onshore given the SE exposure. Offshore flow from the NW quadrant is scarce at 6.5%. Only 35% of the time the wind is ideal. You’ll find small, groveling waves best suited for longboards or fish, and you’ll want to dawn patrol when morning seabreezes are weakest.