Playa Santa Catalina - surf spot statistics

Best Surf Season (December - April)

The heart of the dry season brings consistent offshore winds from the north and northeast, creating clean, glassy conditions on the SSW-facing beach. Swell heights average 0.7-0.8m but with long periods (12-14s) delivering punchy, rideable waves. This is prime time to score fun, rippable surf with minimal wind interference, though the size is modest. The trade winds set up a reliable morning wind pattern, and the Pacific storm track sends long-period SSW swell that wraps in nicely.

Fair Surf Season (May & November)

Transition months between the dry and wet seasons see a shift in wind patterns. Offshore winds become less frequent, dropping to around 36% ideal conditions. Swell heights increase to 0.9-1.0m with periods still in the 12-14s range, offering more power. However, the wind often swings onshore in the afternoon, limiting the clean windows to early mornings. These months can deliver great waves if you time the weather right, especially during tropical swell events.

Low Surf Season (June - October)

The rainy season dominates with strong onshore winds from the southwest and west, blowing directly into the beach. Ideal offshore wind percentages plummet to 19-30%, making clean conditions rare. Swell heights average 1.0m with periods around 13s, so there is energy, but the quality suffers from chop and bump. Occasional windows of morning clarity occur, but overall, this is the least reliable period for quality surf. Storms in the Intertropical Convergence Zone generate swell, but the accompanying winds usually ruin the surf.

October: The Worst Wind of the Year

Ideal wind plummets to 19% – the lowest. Swell is from SSW (82.1%) and SW (17.9%), with average height 1.0m and period 12.9s. The 1-1.5m range for SSW is 31.1%, but the SW swell often brings more size (8% in 1-1.5m). Onshore winds dominate: WSW (30.5%), W (23.3%), and SW (14.9%) are relentless. The few offshore windows from the north are extremely short-lived. Surfing is mostly a battle against the wind.