Pacifico - surf spot statistics

Best Surf Season (September - October)

The transition from the Southwest monsoon to the inter-monsoon period ushers in a window of prime conditions at Pacifico. During these months, the trade wind inversion weakens, allowing frequent spells of offshore WSW to NW flow to align with building groundswell. Average wave heights hover in the fun, rippable 1-1.5m range with long-period energy (10s+) that wraps beautifully into the east-facing beach. It is the sweet spot where solid swell meets clean, glassy conditions, delivering some of the best waves of the year. Keep an eye on tropical disturbances in the West Pacific that can inject XL pulses, but the overall pattern rewards those who chase the autumn windows.

Fair Surf Season (May - August)

As the Southwest monsoon establishes, Pacifico experiences a distinct shift to lighter, more consistent offshore winds from the west. The percentage of ideal surf conditions climbs above 30% in late summer, offering frequent morning glass-offs. However, the swell regime is predominantly short-period, small-scale energy from local sea breezes and monsoon pulses, averaging 0.7-0.8m in height with periods of 8-9 seconds. While hardly pumping, these months provide reliable, fun-sized waves for loggers and grovelers, especially on higher tides when the inside banks hold shape. The wind tends to clock more SW and W, keeping the lineup relatively uncrowded and gentle.

Low Surf Season (November - April)

The Northeast monsoon dominates this period, bringing persistent onshore ENE to ESE flow that hampers wave quality. Even though the fetch across the North Pacific generates powerful long-period swell (1.3-1.7m at 9.5-10s), the constant wind chop and messy conditions make it a battle for any rideable face. The percentage of ideal wind hovers below 5% from December through March, with only rare breaks in the pattern when a cold front or low-pressure system retreats, allowing a brief window of offshore or light-variable conditions. Unless you are willing to gamble on those fleeting moments, the winter months are best left to the hardcore local crew or those chasing swell at more exposed spots on the island.

January: Northeast Monsoon Grind

The heart of the Northeast monsoon locks Pacifico into a persistent onshore regime. Swell is abundant, averaging 1.7m at 9.5s, with the vast majority arriving from the NE (57%) and ENE (30%). These are powerful, long-period waves, but direction is a killer – NE swell hits the beach nearly head-on, and combined with the dominant ENE (32%) and NE (26%) winds, the surface is almost always chopped and bumpy. Only 2% of the time does the wind swing into the offshore quadrant (WSW through NW), offering a brief reprieve. On those rare days when a high-pressure cell weakens or a frontal boundary passes, the resulting clean, glassy conditions can produce epic, heavy waves over 2m. But patience is a virtue; most days are a grind for the committed.