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.

October: Returning to Form

October signals a shift back toward winter patterns. Swell averages 1.3m with a period of 13.0s. The dominant swell direction remains SSW at 78.5%, with SW increasing to 15.0%. Wave heights are predominantly in the 1-1.5m range (59.9%), with 13.9% in the 1.5-2m range. Ideal offshore wind recovers to 59% as the North Pacific high begins to strengthen. Offshore NNE and N flows increase (8.6% and 6.0%), while NW also plays a role (8.5%). Onshore winds from S, SSW, and SW are still low (total ~10.8%). The wind quality improves noticeably compared to September, with more consistent offshore mornings. The combination of building winter swell and improved wind reliability makes October a strong month to plan a trip. Expect fun, clean waves with a growing chance of overhead sets.