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.

March: The Sweet Spot of the Year

March stands out as the month with the highest probability of clean surf at Pulpos. The average swell height climbs to 1.6m with a long period of 13.5s. Swell direction is almost exclusively from the SSW (83.1%) and SW (16.1%), with a notable 7.9% of waves reaching 2-2.5m (firing range). The wind patterns show a subtle shift: while S, SSW, and SW winds still dominate at over 70%, the offshore component from north through west increases to about 8% of the time - the best of any month. This means approximately 8% of the time you'll find glassy conditions with the SSW swell wrapping in cleanly. The moderate onshore winds, when present, stay mostly light (0-10kph), so the surface is rarely completely blown out. March offers the best chance for a truly memorable session.