Todos Santos seasonal overview
Best Surf Season (October - March)
The North Pacific storm track ramps up from October through March, delivering consistent, powerful, long-period groundswells from the NW and WNW that wrap perfectly into the west-facing beach. Average heights sit in the 1.5-1.8m range with periods often exceeding 13 seconds, creating solid, rippable to pumping waves. Offshore winds from the SW through WNW quadrant occur most frequently during this window, especially in December and January when ideal conditions top 30% of the time. These months are the prime time to score Todos Santos at its best: big, glassy surf under bluebird skies.
Fair Surf Season (April & September)
April and September mark the transition between the winter storm track and the summer doldrums. Swell energy remains decent, averaging 1.3-1.7m with long periods, but onshore wind from the NW and NNW becomes more dominant. Only 6% ideal wind in April and 4% in September mean you'll need to time your sessions carefully. Still, when a cold front passes or a tropical system sneaks in, the combo of clean offshore breezes and long-period W groundswell can produce surprisingly good days.
Low Surf Season (May - August)
From May through August, the North Pacific storm activity shuts down, and the dominant swell shifts to a weaker, more southerly component from the SW and WSW. Average wave heights dwindle to 1.2-1.5m, and while periods remain in the 12-13s range, the swell often lacks the power of winter. More problematic is the wind: the prevailing NW and NW flow becomes almost relentless, with ideal offshore conditions dropping to 0-2% of the time. The result is a long stretch of small, choppy, often blown-out surf. This is the time to travel or take up a different sport; only the rare tropical pulse or late-season hurricane can break the monotony.
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Conditions at Todos Santos in May
May: Summer Doldrums Begin
May marks the start of the low season for Todos Santos. The average swell height drops to 1.5m and the period dips slightly to 12.6s. The swell direction becomes more mixed: W still leads with 45%, but WSW increases to 26% and SW to 11% – a sign that the North Pacific storm track is fading. The majority of waves now fall in the 1-1.5m range, offering fun but less powerful surf. Wind is the killer here: ideal conditions occur only 2% of the time. The NW wind howls at 35% of the time, often 10-20 kph, with 11% over 20 kph. Expect mostly blown-out, choppy conditions. Only the occasional tropical swell or late-season cold front can save the month.
Average Spot conditions at Todos Santos in May
Swell history for May
Wind history for May
Swell quality
Analyze the groundswell consistency at Todos Santos during May. Based on historical data, there is a % probability of groundswell occurring this month. The chart below provides a detailed breakdown of the average wave height distribution, offering deep insights into the swell quality and surf potential you can expect at Todos Santos for your next trip in May.
Ground swell
Ground swell by size
Wind conditions
Evaluate the wind and swell alignment at Todos Santos for May. Our analysis shows that favorable offshore or side-shore winds coincide with surfable swell approximately % of the time. The accompanying graph illustrates the average size distribution of waves during these optimal wind windows at Todos Santos.
