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.

October: The Turnaround Month

October sees a sharp jump in both size and period. Average swell height climbs to 1.5m and period to 11.6s, reflecting the reawakening of the North Atlantic storm track. The swell direction is heavily weighted to NNW (52.0%), with N (16.3%) and NNE (15.0%) also contributing. This is highly favorable for Los Patos, delivering regular good to pumping surf. Wind conditions improve significantly: ideal offshore wind occurs 27% of the time, with the dominant winds shifting slightly – NE (23.3%) and ENE (19.4%) are still present, but S-sector winds (S, SSW, SW, WSW) appear more often. The dynamic weather of October means low-pressure systems often bring pre-frontal S winds followed by post-frontal NW winds. The trick is to catch the building swell before the wind turns onshore. Overall, October is arguably the start of the premium season.