San Juan - surf spot statistics

Best Surf Season (May & September - October)

During these months, the percentage of offshore or light wind conditions peaks, offering the cleanest surfaces despite the small easterly swell. The average wave height hovers around 0.7-0.8m with periods of 5.9-6.1s, making for fun, groveling conditions on log-style equipment. Although the swell direction remains unfavorably from the east, the lighter winds allow for a decent rideable wave, especially at mid-tide.

Fair Surf Season (November - April)

Winter and early spring bring slightly larger average swell heights (0.8-0.9m) thanks to distant North Atlantic storms, but the dominant easterly wind regime often kicks up onshore chop. Only about 20-25% of the time do we get favorable winds, making it a gamble. The infrequent cold front passage can deliver a brief window of north-northwest swell and southerly offshore winds, but those days are rare and require careful timing.

Low Surf Season (June - August)

Summer sees the strongest easterly trade winds, blowing directly onshore and creating bumpy, messy conditions. Swell remains small (0.8-0.9m) and dominated by short-period easterly energy. With ideal wind percentages dropping to 18-22% in July and August, this is the slowest period for quality surf. June offers a slight uptick in favorable wind, but overall it's a time for small waves and wind protection strategies.

December: Winter Peak with Onshore Frustration

December matches the year's maximum average swell at 0.8m and period 6.2s. Swell distribution: E (53.9%) and ESE (30.1%) remain dominant, but ENE (11%) and NE (2%) increase, offering a slightly better angle. Wave heights: 72% in 0.5-1m, with a notable 15.5% in the 1-1.5m range from east – this is the highest percentage of 1-1.5m swell all year. Wind, however, is unforgiving: ideal wind percentage is only 19%. Strong onshore flow from the east quadrant (E 34.7%, ENE 25.1%, ESE 16.1%) dominates, often at 10-20kph with a solid chunk of 20-30kph. December offers the most size but the worst wind quality. When a rare cold front passes, bringing northwest swell and south wind, it can be epic, but those days are few.