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.

May: Southwest Monsoon Arrives, Small but Clean

May ushers in the Southwest monsoon, shifting the wind balance towards more frequent offshore flow. Average swell height dips to 0.8m (9.1s period), with an overwhelming 66.7% of the swell coming from the ENE at small heights (0.5-1m). The standout is the wind: the percentage of ideal offshore conditions reaches 12%, a significant improvement. While easterly winds still dominate (ESE 23%, E 19.5%), the increase in WSW (4.4%) and W (2.8%) flow signals the transition. On the best days, light westerly winds groom the small, weak swell into clean, fun-sized peelers ideal for longboards and hybrids. The surf is not powerful, but the windows of clean conditions are more frequent and last longer than in winter.