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.

March: The Transition to Swell Season

March marks a sharp ramp-up as average swell height climbs to 1.4m and period lengthens to 13.3s. The SSW direction dominates like never before, accounting for a staggering 46.6% of all swells, with a strong presence of 1.5-2m waves (8.5%) and even a hint of 2-2.5m (0.5%). This is when the Southern Hemisphere starts firing. Ideal wind percentages drop to 45% as the trade winds begin to shift, with westerly and northwest winds becoming more common (WSW 12.3%, W 12.7%, WNW 14.7%). These cross-shore winds can create bumpy conditions, but the swell quality often outweighs the slight chop. Early morning northerlies still offer clean windows, and the increasing wave power makes for exciting, shoulder-high sets.