Ibiraquera - surf spot statistics

Best Surf Season (May - August)

As winter settles over the South Atlantic, the Southern Ocean stirs to life, sending a consistent stream of mid-period swell towards the coast of Santa Catarina. May through August marks the sweet spot for Ibiraquera, with average wave periods pushing into the 9-10 second range and wave heights holding steady around 1.3-1.4m. More importantly, the percentage of offshore wind days peaks during these months, with June seeing a remarkable 61% of the time with ideal westerly breezes. While the dominant swell direction remains from the east and southeast, it's the combination of longer period groundswell and clean offshore winds that transforms this southeast-facing beach into a rippable playground. Expect punchy, lined-up waves in the fun to solid range, with occasional bigger days when a deep low pressure system tracks far south.

Fair Surf Season (April & September)

The transitional months of April and September offer a mixed bag of conditions at Ibiraquera. April sees a nice uptick in wave period (9.0s on average) and a 49% chance of offshore wind, making it a solid shoulder month with plenty of rideable days. Swell from the SSE and S becomes more prominent, adding some variety. September, on the other hand, brings the largest average swell heights of the year (1.5m) and a healthy period (9.2s), but the offshore wind percentage drops to 36%. This means you'll have to pick your windows carefully, as the increased swell energy often comes with onshore winds that chop up the surface. When the stars align with a westerly breeze, however, September can deliver powerful, long period waves that are well worth the wait.

Low Surf Season (October - March)

From spring through summer and into early autumn, Ibiraquera experiences its low season for surf. The predominant easterly and northeasterly winds become more persistent, blowing directly onshore and degrading wave quality. Average wave periods drop to 8.0-8.5s, resulting in more windswell and shorter period chop. Offshore wind percentages are at their lowest (October 32%, November 31%, December 33%), and the swell tends to come from the east and northeast, wrapping in with less power. While occasional pulses of longer period swell can arrive from distant storms in the southern ocean, they are often accompanied by unfavorable wind directions. Summer heat and lighter winds mean small, groveling conditions are the norm, best suited for longboards or funboards. Early morning sessions before the thermal breeze picks up can offer short windows of clean, small waves.

May: Winter's Prelude – Groundswell Arrives

May signals the start of the best surf season. Average wave period holds at 9.6s, and offshore wind conditions jump to 57% – a dramatic improvement. The swell mix shifts notably: while E, ESE, and SE are still present, the S and SSE quadrants combine for nearly 35% of the total swell, bringing long period groundswell generated by intense winter storms in the Southern Ocean. Average heights are still 1.3m, but the distribution shows a healthy spread, with 1.5-2.5m waves accounting for over 15% of observations. Winds are much more variable: NE trades drop to just 8.8%, while westerly and southwesterly winds (ideal for offshore) increase. Expect clean, lined-up surf most mornings, often glassy with light offshore breezes. The combination of power and shape makes for excellent surfing on a shortboard. May is when the magic starts.