Yumuri - surf spot statistics

Yumuri, Cuba, is a surf spot predominantly influenced by wind swells, with ground swells playing a minor role throughout the year. The best months for surfing are generally those with a higher likelihood of clean conditions and manageable swell size. September stands out as the most promising month, with 17% ground swell contribution—the highest of the year—and 23% good wind conditions, which is also the peak for favorable winds. While the mean swell size remains modest at 0.8m, the reduced wind swell dominance (68%) and an increase in ground swell make it a more reliable time for surfers. Late summer and early autumn (July to September) offer a slight improvement in wind conditions, though wind swells still dominate. The winter months (November to February) bring slightly larger swells (1.1m), but unfortunately, they coincide with the worst wind conditions, with bad winds occurring 85-89% of the time. Spring and early summer (April to June) see smaller swells and persistent wind swell influence, making them less ideal. Overall, September is the best month for surfing at Yumuri, offering a rare balance of decent swell composition and the least unfavorable winds, though even then, conditions remain challenging due to the spot's strong reliance on wind swells and often onshore winds. Surfers should be prepared for small to medium-sized waves and frequently less-than-ideal wind setups year-round.

November at Yumuri offers generally mellow surf conditions, with an average swell height of 1.1m and a decent 7.8s period, providing some power despite the modest size. The most consistent swells come from the ENE (45% of waves between 0.5-2.5m) and NE (19% in the same range), with occasional larger sets up to 2.5m when these directions align. Wind conditions are tricky, with only 11% ideal offshore days—most frequently from the NW or W, though these directions are rare. The dominant ENE/NE winds (20-30kph range 18-25% of the time) often create onshore chop, while strong NE/ENE swells coinciding with these winds can make it unruly. Experienced surfers can find clean, shoulder-high waves during the 4% of days when ENE swells hit 1.5-2m with lighter winds. Overall, it’s a month of patience—expect mostly small, wind-affected surf with occasional quality sessions when the wind swings favorably. Keep an eye on late-season tropical systems that may boost swell energy.