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.

In January, Pichilemu offers solid surf conditions with an average swell height of 2.2m and a consistent period of 13.3s, producing powerful, well-formed waves. The swell is predominantly from the SW (33.13%) and WSW (14.90%), with a significant portion in the 1.5-2.5m range, making it ideal for intermediate to advanced surfers. However, wind conditions are less favorable, with only 23% of the time offering ideal offshore or light winds. The wind is frequently from the S-SSW direction, often blowing at 10-30kph, which can create choppy or cross-shore conditions. Notably, strong winds (20-50kph) from the S-SSW occur over 30% of the time, potentially disrupting wave quality. Overall, January delivers consistent, powerful waves, but wind interference can be a limiting factor—best sessions are likely during early mornings or when wind patterns align for cleaner conditions.