Country Guide

Surfing El Salvador in December

Peak Offshore Wind Reliability, Endless Sunshine & Silky Point Waves

Last updated: September 2, 2026

December represents the peak of offshore wind perfection in El Salvador. As high-pressure systems establish firm control over Central America, the country records its highest national average favourable wind rate of the entire year at 69%. With rainfall dropping to a negligible 0.3 mm/day and sunshine dominating every forecast, December is a tropical paradise for surfers escaping winter in the Northern Hemisphere.

While open-ocean swell sizes settle into a playful 3.2ft (1.0m), groundswell consistency remains remarkably steady at 83%. This delivers day after day of clean, groomed, waist-to-head-high pointbreak peeling lines over smooth volcanic cobblestones.

December Surf Forecast & Climate Overview

December offers pristine morning glass-offs, warm 27-29°C ocean temperatures, and silky wave faces that groom right-hand points into mechanical skateparks.

• National Average Wave Height: 3.2ft (1.0m)
• Groundswell Consistency: 83%
• Favourable Wind Rate: 69% - Highest wind reliability of the year
• Average Air Temperature: 26°C (79°F)
• Air Temperature Range: Min 17°C (63°F) to Max 34°C (93°F)
• Precipitation: 0.3 mm/day
• Water Temperature: 27-29°C (81-84°F) - Boardshorts and bikinis all day.

Regional Surf Breakdown for December

1. El Tunco & Costa del Bálsamo (Sunzal, La Bocana, Palmarcito)

• Average Wave Height: 3.2ft (1.0m) | Groundswell: 83% | Favourable Wind: 70%
• The Lowdown: Sunzal, La Bocana, and Palmarcito all record a flawless 70% favourable wind rate. Sunzal produces endlessly peeling, glassy right-hand rollers that run for hundreds of meters. La Bocana delivers punchy, ramp-filled lefts, while Palmarcito offers clean, wedging beachbreak peaks.

2. Western Points (El Zonte, K59, Mizata)

• Average Wave Height: 3.2ft (1.0m) | Groundswell: 83% | Favourable Wind: 69%-70%
• The Lowdown: El Zonte and K59 reach peak offshore perfection with a 70% favourable wind rate, producing groomed, mechanical right-hand walls over cobblestones. Mizata (69% favourable wind) provides uncrowded consistency across its multiple peaks, soaking in all available SSW energy.

3. La Libertad Central (Punta Roca, San Blas, Conchalío, Cocal)

• Average Wave Height: 3.2ft (1.0m) | Groundswell: 83% | Favourable Wind: 66%-68%
• The Lowdown: Punta Roca (68% favourable wind) is at its most playful and accessible in December. The lack of heavy winter sweep lets surfers comfortably sit in the pocket and carve down the cobblestone point on chest-high sets. San Blas (66% favourable wind) and Conchalío (67% favourable wind) deliver glassy morning shorebreak barrels.

Best Surf Spots in El Salvador in December

1. Sunzal (El Tunco): 70% favourable offshore wind rate creates endless, silky right-hand walls ideal for all craft.
2. El Zonte: 70% favourable wind rate with mechanical cobblestone peelers in a relaxed, sun-drenched town.
3. K59: 70% favourable wind rate offering fast, playful right-hand walls with low crowds.
4. La Bocana (El Tunco): 70% favourable wind rate with punchy, high-performance lefts.
5. Mizata (West Coast): 69% favourable wind with multi-peak uncrowded setups over dark volcanic sand and rock.

Meteorologist & Forecaster Tips for December

[!TIP] Pack Alternative Craft: With average wave heights at 3.2ft (1.0m) and 69% offshore wind reliability, twin fins, fishes, and longboards will give you maximum glide and speed across El Salvador's legendary right-hand point shoulders.

• Enjoy Marathon Morning Sessions: Steady Papagayo-influenced offshore breezes often hold clean conditions well into the early afternoon, giving you up to 5 hours of glassy surf per session.