Arpoador • Surf Spot Statistics

Best Surf Season (May - August)

Arpoador is a south-facing gem on Rio's coastline, and the surf motor really kicks in during the Southern Hemisphere winter. From May through August, the belt of mid-latitude cyclones in the South Atlantic shifts northward and aims an almost endless supply of S, SSE and SSW groundswell at the beach. Average swell heights sit in the 4-5ft (1.2-1.5m) range, periods climb to 10.5-11.1s, and ideal offshore/cross-offshore wind conditions run 54-60 percent of the time. This is the money period for powerful, grinding waves at Arpoador.

Fair Surf Season (March - April and September - October)

The shoulder seasons are no write-off. March and April catch the first serious autumn swells, with longer periods and increasing S/SSW energy, while September and October still get hefty S/SE swell, though wind consistency suffers. You will need to pick your days carefully-if the N/NNE offshore wind lines up with a good S or SSW pulse, Arpoador can serve up excellent sessions between messy trade-wind days.

Low Surf Season (November - February)

Brazilian summer brings a definite drop in size and period. Average heights fall to 3-4ft (1.1-1.2m) and periods hover in the 9.5-9.8s range, mostly from ESE/SE/S. The South Atlantic High takes over and the storm track retreats toward Antarctica, so long-period groundswell is less frequent. That said, the trade-wind flow is often from the offshore/cross-offshore quadrant, so Arpoador is rarely completely flat. Look for small but clean, rippable days, especially under N/NE winds and low tide.