La Selva - surf spot statistics

Best Surf Season (October - March)

The North Pacific winter pattern fuels our most consistent swell window, with average heights hovering around 1.5m to 1.6m and periods in the 8.5 to 9.1 second range. During these months, we see the highest percentage of swell from the N, NNE, and NNW quadrants, which are the lifeblood of this north-facing beach. While ENE still dominates the swell direction at times, the winter storms also deliver a solid mix of more favorable angles. Wind is the wildcard: offshore flow from the S, SSW, and SW is still rare, but when a frontal system or a low-pressure trough sets up a southwesterly pattern, it can turn an average day into a session to remember. October and March stand out with higher percentages of ideal wind (46% and 33% respectively), making them the pick of the season.

Fair Surf Season (April - June)

As spring takes hold, the average swell height drops to 1.2m - 1.4m and the period shortens to 7-8 seconds. The dominant swell direction shifts almost entirely to ENE and E, which are less optimal for La Selva's north exposure. Wave heights are often in the fun-sized 0.5-1.5m range, decent for groveling on a log or a fish. The good news is that the percentage of ideal wind climbs significantly, peaking at 51% in May. This means cleaner conditions more often, even if the swell lacks power. This is the season for small-wave enthusiasts to take advantage of glassy mornings and light offshore breezes from the south.

Low Surf Season (July - September)

Summer brings the lowest energy of the year, with average swell heights of 1.1-1.2m and periods often below 7 seconds. Swell direction is overwhelmingly from the E and ENE, offering little to no wave of quality for a north-facing beach. The wave heights are predominantly in the waist-to-chest high range, and the short periods leave the ocean feeling weak and unorganized. Wind is mixed: July has only 25% ideal wind, while September sees a nice bump to 44%, but the swell remains too small to really excite. Occasional pulses of longer-period NW energy can sneak in from summer typhoons or distant gales, but they are few and far between. If you're not picky, a longboard can still find fun on the rare clean, small day, but overall this is the time to travel or work on your foamie collection.

December: Peak Winter Size, Worst Wind Odds

December delivers the biggest average swell height of the year at 1.6m with a period of 9.1 seconds. The swell direction is quite favorable: NNE (17.3%), NE (34.8%), and N (2.7%) each contribute, with ENE still dominant at 36.2% but less so than earlier. Wave heights frequently reach 1.5-2.5m, providing firing conditions when the direction hits. The wind is the worst of the year for surf quality: ideal offshore flow occurs only 20% of the time. Winds are strongly from the E (25.0%) and ENE (37.2%), often at 10-20kph, creating bumpy, onshore conditions for the majority of days. The raw energy is there, but you need patience and a good forecast to score a rare clean day with southerly winds. When it comes together, December can produce the biggest, most powerful waves of the year, but expect plenty of blown-out sessions in between.