Zipolite - surf spot statistics

Best Surf Season (April - September)

The heart of the south swell window pulses strongest during these months as the Southern Hemisphere kicks into high gear. Powerful long-period groundswells from the deep Pacific roar toward this south-facing beach, with average wave heights consistently holding between 1.5m and 1.7m and periods often exceeding 13 seconds. The dominant swell angles from SSW and S align perfectly with Zipolite’s exposure, producing clean, peeling lines. Offshore winds from the north and northwest prevail frequently, especially from June through September when ideal wind percentages climb above 60%. This is when the spot really comes alive—expect firing, rippable surf with plenty of punch.

Fair Surf Season (October & March)

These shoulder months offer a mix of quality and quantity. October still sees robust south swell energy with average heights around 1.5m and long periods, while March begins to ramp up from the winter lull with 1.4m averages and strong SSW pulses. Wind patterns are more transitional, with ideal offshore flow around 45-60% of the time, but when conditions line up, the waves can be just as good as the peak season. Ocasionally, lingering summer or winter patterns produce windows of glassy perfection.

Low Surf Season (November - February)

During these months, the south swell machine takes a breather, and average wave heights drop to 1.2-1.3m. While still surfable, the energy is less consistent and periods shorten slightly to 11-12 seconds. The good news: offshore winds from the north and northwest are very reliable, with ideal wind percentages ranging from 53% in February to 65% in November. This means smaller but clean waves, perfect for groveling or longboarding. It’s not pumping, but it’s far from flat—when the right swell fills in, those long lines still wrap nicely into the bay.

January: Southern Pulse in the Winter Lull

January brings the heart of the low surf season. Average swell height sits at 1.2m with a period of 11.9s, offering mostly fun-sized waves in the 1-1.5m range. The swell direction is dominated by SSW (27.4% of all swells) and S (15.1%), which are directly onshore for this south-facing beach but actually favorable for wave shape—these are the sweet spots for Zipolite. ENE and E swells also contribute a combined 22%, but those wrap less effectively. The wind blows offshore from the north and northwest an outstanding 59% of the time, with calm conditions (0-10kph) from N, NW, and NNW making up the bulk. This leads to clean, glassy mornings, albeit on smaller waves. When a 12-second SSW groundswell coincides with a light northerly breeze, you’ll find smooth, rippable walls perfect for logging or groveling.