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.

September: Spring Stirrings - Swell Holds, Wind Relents a Little

September sees the beginning of the transition toward spring. Average swell height remains high at 1.9m, with a period of 12.9s. The SSW swell direction still leads at 73.3%, but the S contribution peaks at 18.6%, the highest of any month. Wave heights remain well-distributed in the 1.5-2.5m range, with 19.9% in the 2-2.5m category. The wind pattern shows a slight moderation: while S and SSW winds still dominate (over 76% combined), the strong 10-20kph winds from SSW drop to 18.3% (from 17.3% in August), and SW winds at that speed increase to 10%. Offshore wind frequency remains at a dismal 1%. The slight reduction in wind speed offers a marginal improvement, but clean conditions are still extremely rare. September is for the patient surfer who knows where to find the rare lee.