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.

December at Playa Mar Verde offers generally small but rideable conditions for surfers, with an average swell height of 0.6m and a decent 7.0s period, suggesting softer waves better suited for beginners or longboarders. The dominant swell directions are SE and ESE, accounting for most waves in the 0.5-1.5m range—ideal for mellow sessions. However, larger swells (1.5m+) are rare, occurring only 0.3% of the time, limiting high-performance surfing. Wind is a mixed bag: while 31% of the time it’s clean (offshore or light), ENE and NE winds (often 10-30kph) can create chop, especially with 19-23% frequency. For consistent rides, watch for SE/SSE swells paired with lighter winds, typically early mornings. Not a powerhouse month, but solid for relaxed surfing when conditions align.