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.

June: Trade Winds Return, Swell Peaks in ESE

June sees the average swell height at 0.8m and period 6.0s, but the swell direction becomes extremely focused: ESE (75.4%) dominates, with E at 15%. This means the swell is coming from a highly oblique angle, creating even weaker breaks at the north-northeast facing beach. Wave heights are nearly all in the 0.5-1m range (70% of total). Wind ideal percentage drops to 35%, still decent, but the trade winds strengthen: E (42.9%) and ESE (38.8%) are the primary wind directions at 10-20kph, with a notable increase in 20-30kph winds. Offshore winds from the south remain extremely rare (combined <1%). Surfers will find mostly small, choppy, and weak conditions, with occasional clean early mornings before the trades kick in.