Itacoatiara • Surf Spot Statistics

Best Surf Season (May - August)

The annual cycle at Itacoatiara is driven by the South Atlantic winter storm track. From May through August, average swell heights climb to 4.5-5ft (1.4-1.5m), periods lengthen to 10.8-11.1s, and the swell direction rotates squarely into the S/SSW window. The SSW-facing sandbar receives these pulses with maximum efficiency, and with ideal wind scores of 60-63%, clean, powerful lines become the norm. Cold fronts spinning out of the Argentine Basin send consistent groundswell northward, while the pre-frontal northwest flow and post-frontal high pressure combine to keep the gusty onshore winds at bay. This is the money window for heaving 4-6ft (1.2-1.8m) surf at Itacoatiara.

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

The shoulder seasons are transitional but still offer plenty of opportunity. In March-April, the swell period builds from 10.4s to 10.6s and heights rise from 3.5-4ft (1.1-1.2m) toward 4.5ft (1.4m) as the first solid winter fronts arrive. In September-October, the ocean still holds 4-5ft (1.2-1.5m) of south energy, but the wind quality becomes unreliable: ideal wind scores fall to 47-49% as the South Atlantic high strengthens and E/ESE trades pile in. You will need to pick your days in these months, but the right windows can still deliver excellent, long-period surf.

Low Surf Season (November - February)

Summer brings the smallest and least powerful surf of the year. From November through February, average heights sit around 3.5-4ft (1.1-1.3m) and periods drop into the 9.5-9.8s range, so most days require a mid-length or a log at Itacoatiara. The swell direction is still dominated by SSE/SE/S, but the true SSW/SW groundswell window is rare, and the energy is often shorter-period trade swell. The silver lining is the wind regime: December through February still scores 55-64% ideal wind, so the wave quality is often clean, just lacking power. It may be low season for size, but you can still find fun, rippable summer waves.