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.

September: Hurricane Hopes

September is the peak of hurricane season, and with it comes the best chance for significant swell – though still a long shot. Average swell height rises to 0.3m, period 3.6s, but the numbers hide the potential for occasional larger pulses. ENE swell (40.0%) still dominates, but optimal NE swell increases to 24.5%, with 1.9% in the 0.5-1m range. NNW swell is a modest 4.8%. Wind remains easterly: E (25.0%) and ENE (20.6%) dominate, but speeds can be lighter. The key is a hurricane or tropical storm tracking through the Florida Straits or Gulf, which can generate NW or NNW swell. Onshore winds often accompany these systems, but if the storm passes just right, we might see clean 1-1.5m waves with light offshore breezes. It's a lottery, but September offers the highest potential for a genuine session.