Cocal seasonal overview
Best Surf Season (May - September)
From May through September, the southern hemisphere winter storm track is at its most active, and Cocal, facing south-southwest, receives a nearly non-stop supply of long-period SSW and S groundswell. Average wave heights sit in the 1.3-1.4m (4-4.5ft) range and periods hover around 13-14s. This is the green season, when the ITCZ shifts north and rain is frequent, but early-morning offshore N/NE winds still show up 45-63% of the time. If you time the lulls and dawn patrol windows, this is the reliable, full-bore surf season.
Fair Surf Season (October - November and March - April)
The shoulder seasons are a trade-off between size and cleanliness. In March and April, the dry season starts to feel the first stirrings of South Pacific groundswell, with longer periods and increasing size, while ideal winds still reach 47-53%. In October and November, the wet season begins to break down and offshore winds become more regular again, producing powerful SSW/SW swell with cleaner faces. These four months reward flexible surfers willing to chase windows.
Low Surf Season (December - February)
December through February is the low season in wave height, though never flat. The Northern Hemisphere winter high pressure over the Caribbean delivers the most consistent offshore wind of the year, with ideal wind 59-67% of the time, but swell averages only 1.0m (3ft) with periods around 12-13s. Cocal still gets rideable, well-groomed waves from S and SSW, but you will be on a fish or performance shortboard rather than charging XL. For a spot with such consistent exposure, this is the closest thing to a flat spell on the calendar.