Los Locos - surf spot statistics

Best Surf Season (October - March)

The North Atlantic roars to life during these months, delivering consistent, powerful WNW to NW groundswells that wrap perfectly into Los Locos' west-north-west exposure. Average wave heights hover between 1.8m and 2.1m, with long periods averaging 11.9 to 12.9 seconds, offering pumping, heavy conditions when the wind aligns. Offshore flow from the south quadrant (SSW, SW, WSW) is most frequent, blowing clean and groomed lines onto the reef. Strong extratropical cyclones dominate the storm track, sometimes producing XXL swells over 2.5m, but the trade-off is occasional onshore W to NW winds that can shut the place down. When high pressure sets up over the Bay of Biscay, you get that magic combo: long-period swell, sunny skies, and light offshore breezes.

Fair Surf Season (April & September)

Transition months bring a notable drop in average swell energy. April sees heights around 1.5m and periods dipping to 10.8s, while September rebounds slightly to 1.3m and 10.4s. The wind is ideal 43-48% of the time, often from the east through south, but the swell window is still dominated by NW direction. Waves become fun and rippable in the 1-1.5m range, with occasional solid days reaching 2m. The storm track is less active, so you rely on more distant low-pressure systems or early-season hurricanes in September. Consistent but not consistently firing.

Low Surf Season (May - August)

Summer months are a struggle for swell at Los Locos. Average heights sit at 1.0-1.2m, with periods averaging 8.9-10.0s – often small, groveling conditions. The dominant swell remains NW, but at reduced energy: most waves fall in the 0.5-1m range. Thermal low-pressure systems over the Iberian Peninsula drive afternoon sea breezes from the W and NW, which are directly onshore and ruin the wave quality. Offshore wind opportunities still exist, especially in the mornings from the E to SE quadrants (ideal wind around 40-44% of the time), but the lack of swell size and period makes for marginal sessions. It's a time for longboard fun or exploring other coastlines – only the occasional distant Southern Hemisphere swell can juice things up, but those are rare.

October: The Comeback

October sees a sharp rise: average height 1.6m, period 11.3s – pumping potential returns. NW swell hits 50.3%, with WNW at 17.1% and NNW at 14.2%. Waves in the 1.5-2.5m range combine for 29% of total, offering heavy, firing conditions. Ideal wind is at its yearly high of 52%, with south quadrant winds (S, SSW, SW) accounting for 17.7% and easterlies another 25.3%. This means plenty of offshore and cross-offshore flow. W and WNW onshore winds drop to 20.8% – still a factor, but less dominant. The storm track fires up, bringing consistent, powerful groundswells. October is prime time: long-period, clean, and often sunny.