Patos - surf spot statistics

Patos, Spain, is a spot that thrives on consistent ground swells, which dominate for most of the year but vary significantly in size and frequency. The best months for surfing here are clearly October through March, when ground swells are most prominent, averaging between 64% and 92% of the time. During these months, the mean swell size ranges from 1.8m to 2.5m, offering solid, rideable waves, particularly from December to February when the swell peaks. Wind conditions, however, are less favorable, with only about 30% of days seeing good offshore or sideshore winds—December and October offer the best wind probabilities at 33%. From April onward, ground swells diminish rapidly, giving way to wind swells, which become dominant from May to August. Summer months (June-August) see the smallest waves (1.1m-1.2m) and the worst wind conditions, with bad winds occurring 78-80% of the time. September marks the transition back to better swell conditions, though winds remain tricky. For surfers seeking quality waves, the winter months are ideal despite the challenging winds, while summer is generally poor due to weak swells and onshore winds. If you prioritize wave size and consistency, aim for December-February, but be prepared to battle frequent onshore winds. October and November also offer a good compromise with decent swells and slightly improved wind odds.

December in Patos, Spain, delivers consistent surf with an average swell height of 2.4m and a solid 12.6s period, offering powerful, well-formed waves. The swell direction is predominantly from the W, WNW, and NW, with the largest waves (over 1.5m) frequently coming from these angles, particularly WNW, which sees considerable contributions to the 1.5-2.5m range—ideal for advanced surfers. Smaller but still surfable waves (0.5-1.5m) often arrive from SW and WSW. Wind conditions are variable, with 33% of days providing ideal offshore or light winds. However, the wind can be an issue, as stronger onshore winds (10-30kph) frequently blow from N, NNE, and S, potentially disrupting wave quality. For the best sessions, watch for W/NW swells paired with lighter winds, especially from the NE quadrant, which tends to clean up the faces. While not every day will be perfect, December’s mix of solid swell energy and occasional favorable winds makes Patos a reliable winter destination for experienced surfers.