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.

September: Transition Month with Improving Wind

September marks a transition as the average swell drops to 0.7m and period edges up to 6.1s. Swell directions broaden slightly: ESE (48.1%) still leads, followed by E (34.3%), but there is an increase in SE (11.3%) and a notable uptick in ENE (2.4%) and even a trace of N? No, still zero north. Wave heights are even smaller, with 71% under 1m and only 6.4% in the 1-1.5m range. The wind regime begins to shift: ideal wind percentage rises to 32%. While E (31.8%) and ESE (26.7%) remain dominant, the frequency of lighter winds increases, and the south quadrant (S/SSW/SW) now accounts for about 2.9%. September offers increasing chances of clean, small waves, as the trade winds begin to relax.