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.

May: Peak Wind Quality, Minimal Swell

May achieves the highest ideal wind percentage of the year at 40%, making it the most consistent month for clean, glassy conditions. The average swell remains 0.8m and period 6.0s, with swell directions so heavily dominated by ESE (64.2%) and E (20.1%) that other directions are negligible. Over 70% of wave heights fall in the 0.5-1m range. Winds are lighter overall, with a notable reduction in 20-30kph gusts. The increase in S/SSW/SW winds is still modest (combined 1.6%) but the overall lighter wind regime means more grooming of the small easterly swell. May offers the best chance for fun, clean ankle-to-knee high waves, but don't expect any power or size.