Los Patos - surf spot statistics

Best Surf Season (October - March)

The North Atlantic roars to life during these months, fueled by a climatological increase in strong extratropical cyclones tracking across the Atlantic. Average swell heights consistently push into the 1.7-1.9m range with long periods (11-13s) – the sweet spot for powerful, punchy waves at Los Patos. The dominant swell direction is NNW, which is right in the optimal window, delivering a high percentage of clean, big-wave days. However, the challenge is the wind: this season also sees a strong prevalence of NE to E winds, which are not offshore. Ideal offshore flow from the S sector is limited to around 26-29% of the time, so timing is crucial. When a high pressure system sets up over the Iberian Peninsula or a low passes far enough north, the stars align for pumping glassy conditions under sunny skies. This is the prime time to score epic, long-period groundswell.

Fair Surf Season (April & September)

The transition months of April and September offer a mixed bag. Swell energy is still present, with averages around 1.3-1.6m and periods ranging from 10-11s, providing solid, rippable waves. The swell direction remains predominantly NNW, which is ideal. However, the ideal wind window tightens significantly in April (only 16% offshore) as continental heating begins to drive stronger NE trade winds. In September, the wind situation improves slightly (25% offshore) as summer heat wanes and early autumn storms begin to stir the Atlantic. These months are best for the patient surfer willing to pick days when a weak low pressure system swings through, delivering a brief window of S winds and clean conditions.

Low Surf Season (May - August)

Summertime at Los Patos is generally small and challenging. The North Atlantic storm track retreats north, leading to a drop in average swell heights to a meager 1.2-1.4m and periods shortening to 8-10s. Swell direction shifts dominantly to NNE – a direction that is not ideal for the spot, producing more wind-affected and less focused waves. What's worse, the wind pattern becomes dominated by strong NE to ENE trade winds (often exceeding 20kph), which are side/onshore for the NNW-facing beach, causing choppy and messy conditions. Ideal offshore winds from the S sector are rare, even in July and August when the percentage is higher (26-34%). However, those rare days with a sea breeze or a passing thermal low can deliver fun-sized, groveling waves for loggers and twin-fins. But for serious surf seeking, summer is best spent on other activities.

April: Transitional Swell, Trade Wind Trouble

April marks a notable shift: average swell height drops to 1.6m and period shortens to 11.0s, signaling the end of peak winter. The dominant swell direction remains NNW (43.6%), with NNE (19.8%) and N (15.0%) also significant. This means the wave directional quality is still good, but the size is more moderate – often in the fun to good range (1-1.5m). The wind, however, becomes a major obstacle: ideal offshore wind plummets to just 16%. The trade wind machine is in full effect, with NE (23.8%), NNE (16.0%), and ENE (15.2%) dominating. These produce persistent side-onshore chop that degrades wave shape, especially on smaller swells. Surfable days are limited to those when a weak low spins up S winds, but they are rare. Look for early morning glass-offs before the trades fill in.