Playa El Mojon - surf spot statistics

{ "spot_name": "Playa El Mojon", "seasonal_overview": "

Best Surf Season (October - March)

The heart of the surf season at Playa El Mojon beats strongest from October through March. During these months, the North Pacific storm track shifts southward, firing long-period swell trains from the south and southwest directly into this south-southeast facing beach. Average wave heights hover in the 1.4m to 1.6m range, combining with periods that often push into the 11-13 second zone – delivering powerful, punchy walls. More importantly, the percentage of ideal offshore wind (from the north quadrant) consistently tops 52-62%, with November and December peaking at 59% and 62% respectively. High-pressure systems anchored over the southwestern US and northern Mexico funnel clean northerly flow, grooming waves to perfection. This is the window for consistent, rippable surf with plenty of punch.

Fair Surf Season (April - May)

As spring transitions, the swell machine doesn't shut down. April and May see the highest average periods of the year (13.8-14.1s) and still solid heights around 1.5-1.6m. The dominant swell direction shifts almost exclusively to SSW, which lines up beautifully with the optimal window. However, the offshore wind reliability dips slightly to 52% as the pressure gradient weakens and early-season thermal effects kick in. When conditions align, you get glassy, long-period lines that wrap perfectly into the bay. It's a shoulder season that offers quality over quantity – expect fewer days but occasional epic pulses.

Low Surf Season (June - September)

Summer brings the warmest water and the biggest average swell heights (1.6-1.7m) with still impressive periods (13.2-13.8s). The southern hemisphere sends consistent SSW and S swell, but the wind picture turns problematic. Offshore wind reliability drops to a low of 43% in June and only recovers to 50% by September. The prevailing wind regime becomes dominated by easterly and northeast trades (often cross-shore to onshore), creating lumpy, choppy conditions on many days. While the swell potential is huge, the wind often spoils the party. Persistent thunderstorms and tropical waves can add instability. For the dedicated surfer, early morning windows or passing cold fronts can still yield fantastic waves, but consistency is lacking compared to winter months.

", "monthly_stats": { "january": "

January: Winter's North Swell Mix

January delivers an average swell height of 1.4m with a 11.0s period. The swell direction is a split personality: NE (22.2%) and ENE (13.2%) battle with the more favourable SSW (22.5%) and S (13.2%) quadrants. The NE swell is generated by strong cold fronts pushing across the Gulf of Mexico, but it arrives with shorter periods and a less favourable angle for this south-southeast facing beach – expect weaker, more sectiony waves. The better quality comes from the SSW (1-1.5m) pulses that wrap in with longer period and more power. Wind is ideal 54% of the time, with NNE (15.1%) and NE (20.5%) dominating – these are generally offshore to slightly sideshore for the spot, but can add texture if strong. Look for days when a high-pressure ridge sits over the Four Corners, funnelling clean NNW to NW winds through the night and early morning.

", "february": "

February: SSW Swell Takes Over

February sees the average swell height hold at 1.4m while the period climbs to 11.9s – a sign of increasing long-period energy from the southern hemisphere. The swell direction shifts: SSW (32.4%) becomes the dominant source, with a heavy concentration of 1-1.5m and 1.5-2m waves. S (14.3%) and SW (11.5%) add to the favourable mix. The NE component weakens to 11.3%. The wind remains solidly offshore 53% of the time, with a similar pattern to January – NE (15.6%) and WSW (12.1%) are the leading directions, but W (10.1%) and NNW (1.9%) contribute clean windows. The combination of increasing swell quality and reliable winds makes February a prime month for scoring lined-up, wall-like waves off the point under glassy skies.

", "march": "

March: Long Period and Steady Trade-Offs

March maintains a solid 1.5m average swell height with a jump in period to 12.9s, indicating well-travelled energy. The swell direction is overwhelmingly SSW (43.1%), with the majority falling in the 1-1.5m (31.6%) and 1.5-2m (8.2%) ranges – that’s prime, rippable size. SW (16.2%) and S (13.8%) round out the optimal arc. Wind reliability sits at 52% offshore. The wind field becomes a bit more variable: SW (15.4%) and WSW (16.5%) are common, which are onshore for this spot, degrading the surface. However, early morning NNE (6.9%) and NE (10.0%) flows can still offer clean conditions before the sea breeze kicks in. The long-period SSW pulses are the main draw – when they coincide with light northerly winds, the quality is world-class. Spring synoptic patterns often bring high pressure followed by fronts, so keep an eye on the pressure gradient.

", "april": "

April: Peak Periods and Clean SSW Lines

April records the highest average period of the early year at 13.8s with an average height of 1.5m. Swell direction is dominated by SSW (60.7%), with a large chunk in the 1-1.5m (36.6%) and 1.5-2m (21.4%) categories – this is the sweet spot for the beach. S (10.9%) and SW (15.3%) add extra angles. The wind is ideal 52% of the time. The dominant wind directions are SW (19.0%) and WSW (20.6%), which are unfortunately onshore, but they tend to blow strongest in the afternoon. The W (14.8%) and NW (3.0%) winds, though less frequent, provide the cleanest windows. The upshot: early mornings are often glassy as land breezes develop, and the swell is firing. April is a transitional month where you can find epic, long-period grinds if you get the timing right.

", "may": "

May: Maximum Period, Peak Summer Build

May sees the year's highest average wave period at 14.1s and a height of 1.6m. The swell direction is even more concentrated: SSW (70.0%) with a massive 33.9% of waves in the 1.5-2m range and 29.7% in 1-1.5m. This is pure, long-period groundswell from the South Pacific. S (15.0%) adds more south energy. Wind reliability holds at 52%. The wind pattern shifts towards more E (5.4%) and ESE (4.1%) as the summer pattern establishes, but the dominant winds are still WSW (18.9%) and W (15.2%). The NNE (2.9%) and NW (4.1%) are rare but golden. The long-period swell means waves will stand up suddenly and offer deep, hollow barrels on the better sandbars. Early season heat and thunderstorms can produce local wind shifts, so watch the satellite imagery for clearing skies.

", "june": "

June: Big Swell, Tricky Winds

June delivers a solid 1.6m average swell height with a 13.8s period. The swell is almost entirely from SSW (61.1%) and S (24.7%), with significant size – 32.1% of SSW swell is in the 1.5-2m range. This is powerful, consistent surf potential. However, the offshore wind percentage drops to 43%, the lowest of the year. The wind regime becomes dominated by E (12.2%), ENE (8.9%), and WSW (14.3%) – the easterlies are cross-shore to offshore only for a narrow window, while WSW is direct onshore. The W (10.5%) and NW (3.3%) winds are less common. The result: many days of lumpy, wind-affected surf. But when a morning land breeze or a passing high-pressure system sends a NNW or NW flow, the conditions become truly world-class. It's a month of patience and early starts.

", "july": "

July: Southern Swell Peaks, Wind Consistency Improves

July holds the average height at 1.6m with a period of 13.6s. The swell mix sees S (42.2%) edging out SSW (43.3%) as the dominant source. A notable increase in SSE (7.7%) and SE (2.4%) suggests more southerly swell angles. The height distribution shows a good spread: 1-1.5m and 1.5-2m both heavily populated. Wind improves to 50% ideal. The wind pattern features more E (11.3%) and ENE (8.9%) but also W (11.5%) and WNW (10.3%) – the latter two are offshore quadrants. The N (2.8%) and NNW (3.2%) are also present. The trade winds still dominate, but the increased frequency of westerly components offers more rideable windows. July can produce consistent waist-to-head-high surf with the occasional bigger pulse from south of the equator. Watch the forecast for strengthening south swell and expect morning offshore flows.

", "august": "

August: Consistency Despite Lower Wind Odds

August maintains an average height of 1.6m and a period of 13.4s. The swell remains predominantly from SSW (48.7%) and S (39.0%), with a significant portion in the 1.5-2m range. The offshore wind percentage drops again to 47%. The wind directions shift: E (12.9%), ENE (9.3%), and WSW (9.9%) are common, with W (12.2%) and WNW (9.2%) providing the best windows. The NE (4.1%) and NNE (2.9%) are also present but mild. The pattern is similar to July: morning offshore flows often develop as the land heats, but afternoon onshore winds (especially WSW) can blow out the session. The swell is there, consistently pumping through the 1.5-2m range with long period. August offers the best chance of scoring clean, powerful waves if you are willing to check the early hours.

", "september": "

September: Transition Month with Tropical Potential

September sees the average swell height peak at 1.7m with a period of 13.2s. The swell direction is still dominated by SSW (53.7%) and S (24.0%), but SW (10.7%) gains ground, indicating a shift towards more westerly swell. The height distribution shows a solid amount of 1.5-2m and 2-2.5m waves. Wind reliability is 45%, still low. The wind pattern features E (12.7%), ENE (9.2%), and WSW (13.8%) as top contributors. The W (12.0%) and WNW (7.9%) winds are present but not dominant. Tropical cyclones in the East Pacific can send angled swell from the S/SSW and also disrupt the wind pattern with outflow. September is a month of extremes: sometimes you get hurricane swell with perfect light winds, more often you get lumpy trade-wind conditions. Keep an eye on tropical disturbances for potential epic sessions.

", "october": "

October: The Turn of the Tide

October marks a significant shift. Average height remains 1.6m with a period of 13.0s, but the swell direction becomes more diversified: SSW (47.4%) and S (20.9%) still lead, but ENE (5.2%) and E (4.2%) swell starts to appear, signalling the return of northern hemisphere swell sources. Importantly, the wind reliability jumps to 57% – the highest since the spring. The wind pattern shifts: NE (11.4%) and ENE (9.3%) become more prominent, while W (11.3%) and WNW (7.7%) still offer clean options. The N (3.3%) and NNW (2.8%) are small but pure offshore. The transition from summer to winter patterns brings more consistent high pressure, leading to more frequent offshore flow. October is a fantastic month: the water is still warm, the swell is still strong from the south, and the wind starts cooperating.

", "november": "

November: Prime Time – Highest Wind Reliability

November is the peak of the surf season at Playa El Mojon. Average height is 1.5m with a period of 12.1s. The swell direction is a beautiful mix: SSW (30.3%) and S (22.0%) still contribute, but NE (9.5%) and ENE (11.8%) swell also appear, though these are less favourable. The real gem is the wind: ideal 62% of the time, the highest of any month. The wind field is dominated by NE (20.4%) and NNE (13.2%) – both offshore to sideshore for this exposition. The W (8.4%) and WNW (5.9%) winds are also present but less frequent. This means many days with clean, groomed waves. The swell from the S and SSW provides long period energy, while the NE wind keeps the surface glassy. November offers the best chance of scoring perfect, shoulder-to-head-high waves with predictable conditions.

", "december": "

December: Winter Arrives with Quality South Swell

December wraps up the year with an average height of 1.4m and a period of 11.2s. The swell direction shows a strong SSW (24.3%) component, along with S (16.8%) and NE (18.2%) and ENE (14.7%). The NE swell is generated by strong cold fronts but often arrives with shorter periods and less consistency. The SSW and S swells are the quality factor, bringing long-period waves that wrap into the bay. Wind reliability is high at 59%. The wind pattern features NE (21.1%) and NNE (14.9%) as the leading directions, offering clean offshore flow. The

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