Sun Beach - surf spot statistics

Best Surf Season (October - March)

While Sun Beach never sees epic conditions, the winter months from October through March offer the most potential. The North Atlantic storm track shifts south, sending occasional pulses of NNW and NW swell towards Cuba. These swells, though usually short-period and small (averaging around 0.5m), can produce rideable waves in the 0.5-1m range, especially from the NNW direction which is directly in the spot's window. However, the trade winds dominate, blowing consistently from the east and northeast, creating onshore or cross-shore conditions that chop up the wave faces. Offshore winds from the south and southwest are extremely rare, making clean, glassy sessions a true gift. Overall, it's a 'best of a bad bunch' scenario.

Fair Surf Season (April - September)

The summer months mark the low point of the year at Sun Beach. The easterly trade winds strengthen, and the swell window shuts down as the Atlantic storm activity wanes. Swell heights drop to an average of 0.3-0.4m with periods under 4 seconds, resulting in mostly flat, choppy conditions. The rare glimpse of rideable surf comes from brief pulses of ENE windswell, but these are short-lived and blown out by the persistent onshore flow. This is definitely the time to explore other activities or travel to more exposed spots.

October: The Transition Begins

October sees a notable increase in this activity as the North Atlantic starts to stir. Average swell height climbs to 0.4m and period jumps to 4.5s, the best since March. Swell from the optimal NE direction reaches 34.1%, with 13.4% in the 0.5-1m range and 1.0% at 1-1.5m. ENE swell is still present (28.1%), but less dominant. NNW swell is 8.0%, with 1.6% in the 0.5-1m range. Wind patterns shift slightly: easterly trades still prevail (E+ENE 49.5%), but the speed moderate. Offshore southerly winds remain rare (combined 4.8%). The combination of longer period swell and occasional cold fronts brings more consistent, albeit small, surf. When a front stalls offshore, we can get a day of clean 0.5-1m waves from the NE – not big, but fun.