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.

February: Building Swell and a Slightly Better Wind Window

February brings a noticeable uptick in average swell height to 1.5m, with periods holding steady at 13.1s. The dominant swell direction shifts further toward the SSW, accounting for 77.3% of the total energy, with SW adding another 21.6%. Over 70% of the waves fall in the 1-2m range, offering consistent 'pumping' conditions. The wind regime remains stubbornly onshore, with S, SSW, and SW winds combining for over 74% of observations. However, this month sees a slight increase in offshore flow from the north and west, pushing the ideal wind frequency to 5% - the second highest of the year. The stronger offshore gusts (10-20kph) from the SSW? No, offshore are light. But the key is that the window for clean waves is slightly longer, particularly in the early mornings when the land breeze can fight against the prevailing flow. It's a month of potential, but patience is still required.