Teahupoo - surf spot statistics

Teahupoo is one of the most iconic and powerful reef breaks in the world, known for its heavy, barreling waves. The best months for surfing here are typically from May to September, when the swell is most consistent and the wave heights peak. During these months, the mean swell size ranges from 2.0m to 2.2m, with ground swell dominating at 80-87% of the time, ensuring clean, powerful waves. However, wind conditions are less favorable, with good winds occurring only 32-39% of the time, particularly from June to September when onshore winds (bad conditions) are most prevalent at 61-68%. The earlier part of this window, May and June, offers slightly better wind percentages compared to July-September. Outside the peak season, from October to April, the swell size decreases gradually (1.6m-1.9m), but wind conditions improve, with good wind days rising to 38-48% in March and April. March and April stand out as good transition months with solid ground swell (87-88%) and relatively better wind chances (47-48%). The winter months (December-February) see smaller swells (1.6m-1.7m) and moderate wind conditions (44-45% good winds), making them less ideal for advanced surfers seeking Teahupoo’s full power. Overall, serious big-wave surfers will prioritize May-September for the largest swells, while those looking for slightly more manageable conditions with fewer wind issues might prefer March-April or October-November.

June at Teahupoo delivers powerful, well-organized swells, averaging 2.2m with a strong 13.1s period, making it prime time for advanced surfers. The dominant swell direction is from the SSW (35.4% of waves between 1.5-2.5m+), producing heavy, barreling waves with occasional XXL days (1.09% over 2.5m). Wind conditions are favorable 35% of the time, with light offshore ESE to SE breezes (0-20kph) occurring roughly 15-20% of days, though moderate E-ENE trade winds (20-30kph) can create chop. Mid-period SSE-SE swells (6-8% of waves) offer slightly softer but still hollow alternatives. Expect consistency—over 85% of swells exceed 1.5m, with 22.5% in the critical 2-2.5m range. The spot handles size best from southern angles, avoiding windswell contamination. Dawn patrol is key when winds are lightest. For experts, June is a high-stakes month: conditions range from perfect tubes to dangerously maxing out.