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.

January: Peak Summer Swell and a Glimmer of Clean Conditions

January sees the austral summer in full swing at Pulpos. The average swell height sits at a solid 1.4m with a very respectable long period of 13.0s. The swell direction is heavily dominated by the SSW (71.3%) and SW (27.5%), with most wave heights falling into the 1-1.5m and 1.5-2m categories - that's 'fun' to 'pumping' territory. A tiny 0.5% comes from straight S. The wind, however, tells a different story. An overwhelming 93.4% of all wind comes from the S (22.2%), SSW (37.6%), and SW (26.0%), all of which are directly onshore for this SW-facing beach. These winds are generally light (0-10kph) but persistent, creating a bumpy, choppy surface. The offshore directions (N through W) account for only a negligible 2.3% of the time, resulting in a mere 2% of ideal surf windows. Still, when the land breeze kicks in, the long-period SSW fetch produces clean, peeling lines that make the wait worthwhile.