Nestles - surf spot statistics

Best Surf Season (December - March)

The heart of the dry season brings consistent offshore winds from the north and northeast, creating clean, glassy conditions at Nestles. With average swell heights around 0.7-0.8m and long periods ranging from 11.8 to 13.3 seconds, the waves are punchy and well-organized. The dominant SSW and SW swell directions are perfectly aligned with the south-southwest-facing beach, delivering rideable waves that are often fun-sized to solid. This is prime time to score, with ideal wind percentages peaking at 47% in February.

Fair Surf Season (April & November)

The transition months see a shift in the wind regime. April still benefits from some lingering northerly flow (31% ideal wind), while November marks the return of slightly improved conditions after the wet season. Swell heights inch up slightly in April to 0.8m with very long periods (13.8s), but onshore winds become more frequent. November brings more consistent swell from SSW and SW, but wind quality remains marginal. These months offer occasional windows of good surf if you pick the right days.

Low Surf Season (May - October)

The wet season dominates from May through October, characterized by persistent onshore winds from the south and southwest that ruin wave quality. Ideal wind percentages plummet to as low as 9% in October. While swell heights increase to 1.0m on average and periods remain long (12-14s), the constant onshore flow chops up the waves, making conditions largely poor for surfing. The Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) sits overhead, bringing unstable air and frequent rain. Surfable moments are rare and typically require a strong high-pressure system to the north to briefly push offshore winds.

January: Dry Season Stability and Clean Lines

January ushers in the peak of the dry season, with offshore winds from the north and northeast blowing 42% of the time. Swell is almost exclusively from the SSW (84.1%) and SW (15.9%), with the vast majority of waves falling in the 0.5-1m range (78.2% of all SSW swell) – small but fun-sized, perfect for groveling on a longboard or fish. The average wave period of 12.2 seconds indicates a powerful, long-period groundswell that holds up well on the deeper parts of the reef. Light winds dominate the offshore quadrants, so early mornings are often glassy. This is one of the most reliable months for clean, rideable surf at Nestles.