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.

December in Pichilemu offers solid surf conditions with a dominant swell from the southwest, delivering consistent waves with an average height of 2.2m and a strong 13.0s period, indicating powerful, well-formed waves. The swell distribution shows that the best waves come from the SW direction, with 21.46% of waves in the 2-2.5m range and 14.44% in the 1.5-2m range, ensuring plenty of rideable energy. WSW swells also contribute decent size but with slightly less frequency. Wind conditions, however, are less reliable, with only 22% of the time being ideal for surfing (typically light offshore or sideshore winds). The dominant winds are onshore from the S to SSW, often blowing in the 20-40kph range, which can create choppy or blown-out conditions, particularly on bigger days. Surfers should target early mornings or days with lighter S/SW winds to maximize clean conditions. Overall, expect strong, powerful waves with occasional wind challenges, making December a good but inconsistent month for advanced surfers who can handle variable wind and sizable surf.