Los Tubos - surf spot statistics

Best Surf Season (October - March)

The North Pacific begins to flex its muscles as autumn transitions into winter, and Los Tubos sees a noticeable uptick in both swell height and period. Average wave heights hover between 1.4m and 1.8m, with occasional pulses from the N and NNW that align with the beach's NW exposure. These months are powered by strong extratropical storms rolling off the Asian continent, sending long-period groundswells across the Pacific. While the dominant swell direction remains ENE (often a product of local trade winds), the arrival of a genuine NW swell combined with light offshore breezes from the S to WSW quadrant can produce firing, hollow waves. The wind statistics show a solid 70-86% favorable conditions, making this the prime window for quality surf.

Fair Surf Season (April - May & September)

During the shoulder months, the swell dials back slightly. April and May average around 1.3-1.5m, with wave periods often in the 6-second range, leading to a more windswell-dominated regime. The wind remains predominantly from the E to ESE, which provides a clean side-offshore texture but lacks the punch of a true NW groundswell. September marks the beginning of the transition, with a slight increase in NNE and N swell as the fall season kicks in. While not as consistent as the winter peak, these months still offer fun, rippable waves with plenty of sunny days and light winds.

Low Surf Season (June - August)

The summer months bring the smallest and weakest surf of the year. Average heights dip to 1.2-1.3m, and the swell is almost entirely composed of short-period, local windswell from the ENE. The beach faces NW, so this easterly swell has to wrap around to reach the break, resulting in smaller, weaker waves. The wind, however, is exceptionally clean – over 80% of the time it blows from the E to ESE, keeping the surface glassy. Unfortunately, without a long-period NW component, the surf remains marginal. This is the time for groveling on micro boards or seeking a south-facing alternative.

May: Groveling in Glass

Swell averages 1.3m with a period of 6.0s. The ENE direction dominates at a massive 55.4%, followed by NE (25.3%). Northern swell is negligible (N 1.6%, NNW 1.0%). The wind is ideal a stellar 83% of the time, with E (36.6%) and ESE (25.3%) producing near-glossy conditions. This is classic low-season surf – small, but incredibly clean. The waves are best for groveling with a wider board. When a tropical disturbance passes to the south, it can occasionally boost the swell, but generally, May is a month for enjoying the ocean's tranquility rather than chasing barrels.