La Setenta - surf spot statistics

La Setenta in Cuba is primarily a windswell-driven spot, with ground swells being practically nonexistent throughout the year. The best months for surfers are from October to December, when windswell frequency peaks at 47-62%, and the mean swell size ranges between 0.6-0.7m. November stands out as the most consistent month, with the highest windswell probability (62%) and decent swell size (0.7m). December also offers favorable conditions, with 58% windswell occurrence and the best wind conditions of the year (19% good winds). January and February follow closely with moderate windswell activity (50-56%), though wind conditions remain poor (84-85% bad winds). From March onward, surfable conditions decline significantly, with windswell dropping below 50% and swell size diminishing. The summer months (June-September) are particularly flat, with minimal windswell (11-16%) and extremely unfavorable winds (93-96% bad winds). For surfers seeking rideable waves, the window from late autumn to early winter (October-December) is the optimal period, despite generally onshore winds. Spring and summer are best avoided due to lack of swell and poor wind alignment. Patience and a flexible schedule are key, as even in peak months, good wind days remain below 20%.

November at La Setenta offers generally small but rideable surf, with an average swell height of 0.7m and a mediocre 5.7s period, favoring shorter, weaker waves. The swell distribution shows the most consistent energy from the NE (13.2% of waves 0-0.5m, 18.18% 0.5-1m), NNE (6.61% 0.5-1m), and NNW (7.17% 0.5-1m, 3.82% 1-1.5m), with occasional larger sets up to 2.5m when NW or NNW swells combine with favorable tides. However, the ENE direction (7.35% 0-0.5m) dominates the windswell, often creating bumpy conditions. Wind is a significant limiting factor—only 17% of days provide ideal offshore winds (typically light NNE to ENE breezes under 20kph). The prevailing ENE trades (10.9% at 10-20kph, 9.61% at 20-30kph) frequently blow cross/onshore, grooming weak NE windswell but ruining groundswell potential. For experienced surfers, the best windows occur during NNW/NW swell events with winds swinging N to NE under 15kph, offering clean, shoulder-high peaks. Pack a groveler and prioritize early sessions before winds strengthen. Expect mostly small, sectiony waves with rare clean days when all elements align.