Pichilemu - surf spot statistics

Pichilemu, Chile, is a world-class surf destination known for its consistent ground swells and powerful waves, making it a favorite among experienced surfers. The spot benefits from reliable swell activity year-round, with ground swells dominating the mix (85–96% of the time) and virtually no days without swell. The mean swell size remains steady around 2.2–2.3 meters, providing solid surf conditions throughout the year. Wind conditions, however, are less favorable, with good winds occurring only 20–27% of the time, meaning offshore or light winds are relatively rare. The worst wind conditions peak in November and December (80% and 78% bad winds, respectively), while slightly better wind windows appear from March to May (27% good winds). The best months to surf Pichilemu are typically March through May when ground swell consistency is highest (94–96%), swell size is slightly larger (peaking at 2.3m in May), and wind conditions are marginally better compared to other months. While summer months (December–February) still deliver strong ground swells, the higher frequency of onshore winds makes sessions less ideal. Winter months (June–August) maintain solid swell but see a slight dip in ground swell dominance and persistently challenging winds. For surfers prioritizing wave quality over wind conditions, Pichilemu is surfable year-round, but the autumn months (March–May) offer the most balanced combination of swell consistency, size, and relatively better wind chances.

August in Pichilemu offers consistent surf conditions with an average swell height of 2.3m and a strong swell period of 13.4s, indicating powerful, well-organized waves. The swell direction is predominantly from the SW and WSW, with the largest proportion of waves (15.07%) falling in the 2-2.5m range, making it ideal for experienced surfers. Smaller but still surfable waves (1-2m) are also frequent, providing variety for different skill levels. Wind conditions are favorable for surfing only 23% of the time, with onshore winds from the S and SSW being the most common and strongest, often exceeding 20kph, which can create choppy conditions. Offshore or light winds (0-10kph) occur occasionally from the N and NE, offering cleaner waves. Overall, August delivers solid, powerful surf, but wind quality is inconsistent—best sessions will be timed around lighter wind windows or protected spots.