Mikado - surf spot statistics

Best Surf Season (May - October)

The Southwest Monsoon breathes life into Mikado from May through October, delivering the most consistent combination of solid swell and offshore winds. During these months, powerful long-period swell from the SW, WSW, and W directions marches into the eastern flank of the atoll, wrapping nicely into the east-southeast-facing bay. Average wave heights hover between 1.3m and 1.5m, with periods frequently exceeding 11 seconds – providing plenty of punch for rippable walls. The trade winds shift to a westerly component, blowing offshore from the land and grooming the faces to perfection. This is Mikado at its finest: glassy conditions, lined-up sets, and a reliable pulse of energy from the deep Indian Ocean storms.

Fair Surf Season (March, April, November)

During the transitional months of March, April, and November, the surf at Mikado is a mixed bag – quality can be hit-or-miss. March and April see a building trend in wave period (11-12s) as the shift from NE to SW monsoon begins, but the average swell height remains moderate at 1.0m. The wind becomes increasingly favorable, especially in April when offshore breezes from the west dominate 64% of the time. However, the swell direction is still rotating – March has a lot of S to SSW swell, which can wrap but is often smaller. November still sees solid SW swell with decent period (9.7s) and favorable wind 50% of the time, but the consistency drops as the monsoon retreats. These months are worth a trip if timed right, but you'll need to watch the forecast.

Low Surf Season (December - February)

The Northeast Monsoon takes hold from December through February, suppressing surf quality at Mikado. The dominant swell shifts to the east-northeast and east quadrants, arriving head-on to the ESE-facing coast. This creates close-out sections and a general lack of shape. Average wave heights drop to 1.0-1.1m, with periods averaging just 8-9 seconds – weak and short-interval. Compounding the issue, the wind is strongly from the northeast and east (onshore) over 70% of the time, ripping the surface and making the most of already mediocre waves. Only 17-35% of the hours provide ideal offshore flow. This is the window for flat spells and bank repairs; not the time to book a session at Mikado.

December: The NE Monsoon Returns – Onshore Winds Dominate

December sees a complete reversal as the Northeast Monsoon firmly settles in. Swell directions shift back to the east: E (9.1%), ESE (10.3%), SE (10.2%), and SSE (9.6%), along with a decent amount of S and SW swell (combined about 38%). But the average wave height is only 1.1m and the period plummets to 8.9 seconds. The wind turns into the enemy: NE (16.5%), ENE (14.8%), and NNE (9.3%) dominate, blowing directly onshore and ruining the wave quality. Ideal offshore wind from the west occurs just 35% of the time. The combination of short-period, east-sourced swell and persistent onshore winds means Mikado is mostly flat or blown-out. A rare west swell might sneak in, but it's the exception. December is the start of the low season – save your vacation days for later.