La Puntilla • Statistics for September

September: The Fall Rebound Begins

September is the first month that hints at the return of quality surf. The average swell height is still modest at around 4ft (1.2m), but the period climbs back to 8.8s, a meaningful step up from July and August. ENE dominates at 49%, with E at 21% and NE at 20%, giving the swell rose a more north-easterly tilt. The primary wave heights concentrate in the 3-5ft (1-1.5m) class, but there is a noticeable increase in 5-6.5ft (1.5-2m) waves from ENE and NE, and the first few 6.5-8ft (2-2.5m) pulses appear. Wind quality is still a battle: ESE (37%) and E (27%) remain the dominant flows, but the wind is ideal for surfing 11% of the time as the fall transition begins and more light SSW/SW/WSW/W breezes sneak in. September's real upside is the Atlantic hurricane season, which can aim long-period groundswell at the island. Water temps peak at 28.9°C, air averages 27.9°C, and rainfall is high at 2.57 mm/day.