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.

October: Best Wind Window of the Fall

October achieves a favorable ideal wind percentage of 37%, second only to May. The average swell is the smallest of the year at 0.7m with a period of 5.9s. Swell direction is again dominated by ESE (50.5%) and E (31.6%), with a notable increase in SE (12.1%) and even a few percent from S/SSW/SW (combined 1.6%): these southerly swells are still tiny but can produce weak waves. Wind becomes lighter across the board: the strong 20-30kph easterlies diminish. The increase in S/SSW/SW winds (combined 2.7% in wind) is still modest but enough to occasionally deliver clean offshore conditions. October is a good month for longboarders and fun-seeking surfers who don't mind small, clean waves.