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.

September: The Turnaround Begins

September marks the start of the transition into storm season. Average swell height stays modest at 1.2m, but the period jumps to 8.1 seconds, indicating a shift towards more powerful swell. The direction mix becomes more varied: NNE (8.3%), NE (24.5%), and even a touch of N (2.0%) and NNW (1.2%) appear, offering better angles for La Selva. ENE remains the dominant swell direction at 42.4%, but the increased period means the waves have more push. Ideal wind reaches a healthy 44%, with southwesterly breezes becoming more common. Winds from the E (30.7%) and ENE (22.0%) are still present but lighter. This is a month of potential, where early season lows can align wind and swell for a memorable session. Keep an eye on the chart for developing North Pacific gales.