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 May, Pichilemu offers solid surf conditions with an average swell height of 2.3m and a favorable period of 13.5s, indicating powerful, well-spaced waves ideal for experienced surfers. The dominant swell directions are SW and WSW, contributing over 40% of waves in the 1.5-2.5m range, with 15-17% of swells exceeding 2.5m—delivering consistent overhead to double-overhead surf. Wind conditions are variable, with only 27% of days providing ideal offshore winds (typically easterly). However, southerly winds (S-SSW) are more frequent, often blowing at 20-30kph (15-20% occurrence), which can create choppy conditions. For the best sessions, target mornings when winds are lighter, as afternoon breezes tend to strengthen. Overall, May delivers powerful, clean swells but requires selectivity due to occasional onshore winds.