Playa de San Juan - surf spot statistics

Playa de San Juan in Spain offers surfable conditions year-round, but the best months for quality waves are typically from November through March. During this period, ground swell dominates (75-85%), delivering the most consistent and powerful waves, with mean swell sizes around 1.9-2.0 meters. However, wind conditions are often less favorable, with bad winds (onshore or cross-shore) occurring over 80% of the time in peak winter months (December-February). Spring (April-May) and autumn (October) provide a balance of decent ground swell (62-65%) and slightly better wind conditions, though still challenging. Summer (June-September) sees mostly wind swell, smaller waves (1.4-1.7m), and marginally better winds, but overall conditions are weaker and less reliable for advanced surfers. For the best experience, target late autumn or early winter (November or March), when ground swell remains strong and wind conditions improve slightly compared to mid-winter. Keep in mind that the spot requires patience due to frequent onshore winds, but when conditions align, it offers powerful, clean waves ideal for experienced surfers.

In May, Playa de San Juan typically offers surfable conditions with an average swell height of 1.7m and a solid period of 9.6s, indicating well-formed and powerful waves. The dominant swell directions are from the north (N, NNE, NNW) and northwest (NW), with the most consistent waves arriving in the 1-2.5m range. NNW swells in particular produce the highest percentage of rideable waves, with 19.28% in the 1-1.5m range and 17.31% in the 1.5-2m range, making them the most reliable for quality surf. Wind conditions are favorable for surfing about 30% of the time, with the majority of unfavorable winds coming from the east-northeast (ENE) and northeast (NE) at moderate speeds (10-30kph), which can create chop or cross-shore disruptions. Cleaner conditions are more likely with lighter offshore or sideshore winds from the west or northwest. Overall, May delivers decent surf with occasional strong swells, though wind interference can be a factor, requiring selective timing for optimal sessions.