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.

November in Pichilemu brings consistent surf conditions, with an average swell height of 2.2m and a solid 13.2s period, indicating powerful, well-formed waves. The swell is predominantly from the SW (45.1% of waves in the 1.5–2.5m range) and WSW (17.6% in similar heights), delivering clean, long-period groundswells ideal for intermediate to advanced surfers. Smaller contributions from W and WNW directions add variety but are less dominant. Wind conditions are the main limiting factor—only 20% of days offer ideal offshore/side-offshore winds (light E to SE), while stronger S to SSW winds (30–40% of days) frequently create onshore chop, particularly with speeds over 20kph (common in these directions). The best sessions occur when SW swell combines with lighter E/SE winds, offering glassy faces, but wind-switched days may require patience. Expect a mix of epic, well-organized waves and wind-affected sessions, requiring selectivity. Bigger days (2m+) are frequent, but the wind will dictate whether it’s surfable.