Random Beach Break - surf spot statistics

Best Surf Season (October - March)

The northeast monsoon (Amihan) takes firm control over the Philippines from late autumn through early spring, funneling consistent ENE and NE swell toward this north-east facing beach. Average wave heights climb above 1.0m, peaking at 1.3m in January, with periods settling into the 9-10 second range. This is the prime window for size and power, but it comes with a catch: the prevailing nord-est winds blow directly onshore 70-88% of the time. However, when a cold front or low-pressure trough pushes through the South China Sea, winds veer to the SSW through W quadrant, delivering clean, offshore conditions. October stands out as the sweet spot – swell is building and offshore wind frequency hits an annual high of 45%.

Fair Surf Season (April - September)

As the Amihan weakens and retreats, the southwest monsoon (Habagat) becomes more influential. This pattern shifts the wind regime toward the south and west, dramatically increasing the percentage of offshore flow – from 24% in April to 37% in September. Unfortunately, the corresponding swell production drops off. Average heights range from 0.5m to 0.9m, and while periods remain respectable (8.6-9.9s), the waves rarely exceed 1.5m. The trade-off is consistent, glassy surf under mostly sunny skies. It’s a great time for groveling on small boards and longboards, with occasional pulses of longer-period energy from distant storms in the South Pacific or Indian Ocean.

Low Surf Season (June - August)

Mid-summer marks the absolute low of the swell calendar. Average wave heights bottom out at 0.5m, and the swell window is dominated by short-period east-northeast windswell with periods under 9 seconds. However, the Habagat is in full swing, producing offshore winds over 30% of the time. While the majority of days offer only knee-high, weak waves, there are fleeting moments of magic when a rare southerly or westerly groundswell slips through. Those days are few and far between, but for the patient surfer, clear-water, uncrowded sessions can be had.

December: Peak Size, Tricky Winds

December is the peak of the winter swell season. Average height is 1.2m (second only to January) with a period of 9.9s. Swell from ENE (52.4%) and NE (39.5%) rules, and there is a significant portion of 1-1.5m (21.9%) and 1.5-2m (6.5%) waves. However, the wind statistics are challenging: only 21% offshore. The dominant winds are ENE (15.5%), NE (13.2%), and E (12.7%) – all onshore. When a cold front passes, the WNW (2.6%), NW (4.5%), and NNW (7.7%) can provide temporary offshore relief. Those days are rare but produce overhead, clean peaks that are worth the wait. December is for the dedicated storm chaser.