La Rinconada • Surf Spot Statistics

Best Surf Season (March - April)

The annual progression at La Rinconada is shaped by the South Pacific storm track. Autumn is the undoubted sweet spot: March and April combine the year's longest average swell periods at 13.1 seconds with the highest percentage of offshore wind - 55% and 56% respectively. Average swell height sits at a solid 6.5ft (2.0m), and the S/SSW/SW/WSW wind regime is at its most reliable. This is when the strongest long-period groundswells meet the cleanest surface conditions, offering the best combination of power and quality at this northwest-facing beach.

Fair Surf Season (May - August)

As the austral winter deepens, the Pacific storm engine turns up the volume. Average swell heights climb to 7.2ft (2.2m) and periods remain in the 12.6-12.9s range, so there is rarely a lack of size. However, the trade-off is a messier atmosphere: ideal surf wind drops to between 46% and 52%, cold fronts bring the highest rainfall of the year, and onshore N/NW winds become more common. When the conditions align, La Rinconada offers heavy, long-period, sometimes XXL waves, but you need patience and a good weather window.

Low Surf Season (September - February)

This is not a flat season by any means - average swell height stays around 6-6.5ft (1.9-2.0m) with periods near 12.4-12.9s. But spring and summer are relatively less consistent because the South Pacific High strengthens and storm energy is aimed further south. A much larger share of the swell arrives from SW/WSW, giving this northwest-facing spot more angled and refracted waves rather than clean, direct west or northwest pulses. Offshore thermal winds still blow 47-51% of the time, and warmer air and water make it pleasant, but surfers will be chasing the occasional W/WNW windows for the best quality. September through February is the period of quieter, more summer-like surf.