La Bocana - surf spot statistics

Best Surf Season (November - February)

This is the golden window at La Bocana. The North Pacific high-pressure system strengthens, driving consistent offshore winds from the N, NNE, and NW quadrants. Combined with Southern Hemisphere groundswell arriving from the SSW and S directions, the result is clean, long-period swells (12-13s) wrapping into the bay. Ideal wind percentages hover at 70% in Nov-Dec and remain above 60% through Feb. Expect fun, rippable waves in the 1-1.5m range, with occasional bigger sets. The water is warm, the crowd is manageable, and the conditions are as reliable as it gets.

Fair Surf Season (March - April & July - October)

During spring and fall, the trade wind patterns become more variable. In March and April, the average swell height edges up to 1.2m and periods stretch to 14s, but ideal wind drops to near 57-59%, making for a mix of clean mornings and afternoon onshores. July offers a surprising return of good conditions, with 63% offshore winds and consistent 1.3m S-SSW swell. August through October sees a gradual transition: swell remains solid (1.3-1.4m, 13s), but ideal wind percentages dip to 52-59%. The best sessions come during strong high-pressure setups that lock in northerly flows.

Low Surf Season (May - June & September)

These months represent the trough of wind reliability. While the swell is at its annual peak (1.4m average with periods of 13-14s), ideal offshore winds only blow 52% of the time. The Intertropical Convergence Zone shifts north, increasing humidity and promoting onshore southerly flows that can chop up the surface. However, when a cold front pushes down from the north or a strong high settles in, La Bocana can still deliver powerful, long-period waves – it just requires more patience and careful forecast watching.

April: Southern Swell Peak

April is the month of the SSW swell. A staggering 85.6% of all waves come from the SSW direction, with 10.4% from S. The average height jumps to 1.2m and period reaches 14.1s – the highest of the year so far. Most of that SSW swell (68.5%) stands at 1-1.5m, with another 9.1% in the 1.5-2m range. This is solid, powerful surf. However, ideal offshore wind drops to 57% as the ITCZ begins influencing the region. Morning offshore breezes from the NNE and NW (combined ~22%) give way to afternoon onshores from the SW and W. The window for perfection is narrow, but when you hit it, you'll be rewarded with long, walled-up lines and smooth faces. April is for the dedicated dawn patrol.