Spot Kontiki - surf spot statistics

Best Surf Season (February - April)

As the austral summer transitions into autumn, the South Pacific high-pressure system begins to weaken, allowing for more frequent bursts of offshore winds from the NW quadrant. March stands out as the most promising month, with ideal wind conditions occurring 18% of the time – the highest of the year. During this window, long-period SSW to SW swell dominates, with wave heights averaging 1.6-1.7m and periods around 13-14s, delivering powerful, punchy waves that break cleanly along the beach. The combination of consistent swell and occasional offshore gaps makes this the premium period for scoring clean, rippable waves at Spot Kontiki.

Fair Surf Season (January, May)

January and May offer a mixed bag. January sees a slightly lower ideal wind percentage (6%) but still benefits from a solid swell regime – average height 1.4m and period 13s – with a high proportion of SSW swell. May brings a larger average swell (1.8m) and still decent period, but onshore winds from the S and SSW pick up, limiting quality sessions to those brief moments when the wind shifts to the NW. These months are worth watching: when the stars align, you can find some fun, shoulder-high waves with enough push to get into the wave early.

Low Surf Season (June - December)

The second half of the year is a challenging stretch for Spot Kontiki. From June through December, the South Pacific Anticyclone strengthens, locking in persistent onshore flow from the S through SW quarter. Ideal wind occurrence plummets to 3-5%, and even though swell remains plentiful – heights often in the 1.6-1.9m range with long periods – the constant onshore wind texture chops up the faces and robs the waves of their form. The best chances within this low season come in late September and early October, when the first spring transitions can briefly unsettle the trade winds, offering short-lived windows of cleaner conditions. But for the most part, expect bumpy, wind-affected surf that requires a determined approach and low expectations.

November: Transition Month, Rare Gems

November continues the slow shift toward summer. Average swell height decreases to 1.6m with a period of 13.0s. Swell remains overwhelmingly from the SSW (91.5%), with a solid chunk in the 1.5-2m (45.5%) and 2-2.5m (11.8%) classes – still significant. Ideal offshore wind hits a low of 3% of the time, tied with October and December. The wind pattern is dominated by SSW (40.6%) and SW (19.7%), with increasing moderate speeds from SW (14.0% at 10-20 kph). The overall picture is challenging: onshore winds prevail. However, the onset of the summer ENSO pattern can occasionally bring clear skies and light offshore breezes from the NE. These rare days deliver exceptional surf – long-period, powerful swell with glassy faces. November rewards those who wait.