Playa Mar Verde - surf spot statistics

Playa Mar Verde in Cuba is primarily a windswell-driven spot, with minimal ground swell influence throughout the year. The best months for surfers are generally June and July, when windswell frequency peaks at around 84-85%, swell size averages 0.7m, and favorable wind conditions occur roughly 35-40% of the time. Though these months still see a majority of onshore winds (bad conditions at 60-65%), they offer the most consistent surfable waves. The rest of the year is more inconsistent, with windswell frequencies dropping significantly from September to November (37-46%) and no-swell days becoming dominant (55-62% in October). Swell size rarely exceeds 0.6m, and unfavorable winds prevail, particularly in autumn (September-November), where bad wind conditions reach 74-83%. Winter months (December-February) see a slight uptick in windswell (61-65%) but remain hampered by poor wind conditions (69-71%). Spring and early summer (March-May) are transitional, with windswell hovering around 51-57% and bad winds persisting. For surfers, the narrow window from June to July provides the best balance of swell consistency and occasional clean conditions, though even then, winds are often less than ideal. Outside these months, the spot becomes highly unreliable for quality surfing due to lack of swell and persistent onshore winds.

April at Playa Mar Verde offers generally small but rideable conditions, with an average swell height of 0.5m and a decent period of 6.6s. The dominant swells come from the SE and ESE, contributing to over 60% of the waves, mostly in the 0.5-1.5m range—ideal for longboarding or beginners. However, larger surf is rare, with almost no waves exceeding 1.5m. Wind conditions are variable, with only 24% of days offering clean offshore or light cross-shore winds (typically ENE to E). The NE trade winds are strongest, often blowing 10-30kph, which can create chop, especially in the afternoons. For surfers, early mornings or days with lighter NE/E winds are the best bet, though expect mostly small, mellow waves. Keep an eye out for the occasional SSE swell pulse, which can bring slightly more size and power. Overall, it’s a relaxed spot in April, better suited for cruising than high-performance surfing.