Capao da Canoa • Statistics for January

January: The Summer Trade-Wind Grind

January is classic Southern Hemisphere summer at Capao da Canoa. The South Atlantic High is strong and drives a steady NE/ENE trade wind -- 27 percent from the NE and another 18.8 percent from the ENE -- keeping conditions textured and often cross-shore. The average swell sits at just under 5ft (1.4m) with a period of 8.2s, putting most waves in the average, punchy range rather than proper groundswell territory.

Looking at the wave rose, E and ESE combine for nearly 46 percent of all swell, with SE and SSE adding another 24 percent. Most of that energy falls in the 3-5ft (1-1.5m) and 5-6.5ft (1.5-2m) bands, so there is always something to ride. Quality depends heavily on wind: offshore W/NW flow is only present around 8 percent of the time, and the data classifies the wind as ideal just 20 percent of the time. With water at 23.7°C and air temperatures averaging 22.5°C (ranging from 12.3°C to 33.1°C), plus 4.84 mm/day of rain, this is more about warm-water fun than winter gold.