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.

November at Teahupoo delivers consistent, powerful surf with a solid average swell height of 1.7m and a strong 12.4s period, ensuring well-formed, heavy waves ideal for experienced surfers. The dominant swell directions are from the SSW and SW, contributing to the majority of rideable waves, with a high percentage in the 1.5-2.5m range—perfect for barreling conditions. About 41% of the time, winds are favorable, typically light to moderate (0-20kph) and often from the ENE to ESE, offering offshore or sideshore effects that groom the waves. However, stronger winds from the E or SE can occasionally disrupt conditions. Expect a mix of mid-sized and larger days, with the SW quadrant producing the most consistent, high-quality waves. For advanced surfers, November is prime time, offering powerful, hollow waves with clean conditions nearly half the time. Wind and swell alignment is key—watch for those ENE/ESE flow days for the best sessions.