Pulpos - surf spot statistics

Best Surf Season (January - March)

During the austral summer, the South Pacific storm track delivers consistent, long-period swell from the SSW and SW, with heights averaging in the fun to solid range (1.4-1.6m, periods 13-13.5s). The key factor that sets this season apart is a slightly higher frequency of offshore winds from the north through west as the continental low relaxes. While still rare, these windows offer clean, glassy faces on the best swells, making this the prime window for a truly good session at Pulpos.

Fair Surf Season (April - June)

As autumn transitions to winter, the swell energy ramps up, with heights building to 1.7-1.9m and periods remaining long (13.2-13.6s). However, the trade wind influence strengthens, and the onshore flow from the S-SSW becomes more persistent. The percentage of ideal wind drops to 1-3%, meaning clean waves are even harder to come by. The occasional mid-winter break in the wind can produce powerful, but challenging surf. This is a season for the dedicated.

Low Surf Season (July - December)

Peru's winter to spring brings the largest swells of the year, with average heights peaking at 1.9m and periods around 13s. The South Pacific extra-tropical cyclones are firing on all cylinders. Unfortunately, the trade winds are at their strongest and most consistent, blowing directly onshore from the S and SSW over 90% of the time. Ideal offshore wind conditions are virtually non-existent (<1%). The result is a constant supply of powerful, but usually wind-affected surf. Only the most patient surfer will find a clean pocket, usually during early morning land breeze windows or extreme southerly change clearouts. The low season is best reserved for those seeking size and willing to battle the elements.

April: Peak Autumn Swell and the Onshore Grind

April marks the transition into autumn, and the South Pacific delivers its finest swell of the early season. Average height jumps to 1.7m with a stellar period of 13.6s. The swell direction becomes hyper-focused from the SSW, commanding a whopping 91.8% of the energy. Over half of these waves are in the 1.5-2m range, providing 'pumping' to 'firing' conditions. However, the wind is a formidable adversary. The onshore flow from S, SSW, and SW dominates at over 78% of the time, with moderate speeds up to 20kph adding significant chop. The ideal offshore wind windows shrink to a mere 3%, making truly clean sessions a rare commodity. Those who manage to score a dawn patrol with a light easterly drainage wind will find themselves on some of the most powerful, long-period walls of the year.