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.

May: Big Winter Swells Arrive, But the Wind Bites

May sees a significant increase in average swell height to 1.8m, with periods remaining long at 13.6s. The swell is dominated by the SSW (84.4%), with 19.9% of waves in the 2-2.5m range and a splash of overhead sets over 2.5m (0.3%). This is serious power. The wind, unfortunately, becomes more aggressive. The combined S (34.1%), SSW (34.1%), and SW (14.9%) winds account for over 83% of observations, and now a significant portion blow at 10-20kph (13% from SSW, 6.5% from SW). This creates challenging, bumpy surf even at moderate heights. Ideal offshore wind drops to just 2%. May is for the die-hards who don't mind trading perfect form for raw size and power.