Virac Harbour - surf spot statistics

Virac Harbour in the Philippines is primarily wind swell-dominated, with ground swells playing a minor role throughout the year. The best conditions for surfers are typically found from September to November, when ground swell contributions peak (30-31%), and wind conditions improve significantly (25-26% good wind days). During these months, the mean swell size ranges from 0.9m in September to 1.9m in November, offering more consistent and cleaner waves compared to other periods. The worst conditions occur from January to February and December, where bad wind conditions dominate (92-94%) despite decent swell sizes (2.0-2.3m), making it challenging for surfers due to onshore winds. May to August sees smaller swells (0.8-1.3m) and still poor wind conditions, though July and August show slight improvements with 14-15% good wind days. March and April offer a transitional phase with moderate ground swell influence (15-18%) but remain hampered by high rates of bad winds (91-93%). Overall, autumn (September-November) stands out as the prime window for surfable waves with better wind alignment, while winter months bring larger but messier conditions. Summer months (May-August) are generally less favorable due to inconsistent swells and persistent onshore winds.

May at Virac Harbour offers surfable conditions with an average swell height of 1.0m and a solid 9.1s period, providing decent energy for intermediate to advanced surfers. The dominant swell directions are ENE and E, contributing the highest percentage of waves in the 0.5–1.5m range, which are ideal for this break. Smaller but still rideable swells occasionally come from NE and ESE. Wind conditions are mostly light to moderate, with the majority blowing at 10–30kph from E to ESE—unfortunately, this means onshore winds are common, making only 5% of days truly ideal for surfing when winds align offshore or cross-offshore. Expect mostly waist- to chest-high waves, with occasional head-high sets, especially when ENE swells push into the 1.5–2m range. The consistency is decent, but wind quality is the limiting factor, so dawn patrol sessions or waiting for rare wind shifts will yield the best rides.