Country Guide

Surfing El Salvador in February

Rising Groundswells, Glassy Mornings & Flawless Pointbreak Carves

Last updated: September 2, 2026

February is a standout month for traveling surfers in El Salvador. As the Southern Hemisphere transitions toward early autumn, the first organized storm systems spin off the Roaring Forties, boosting groundswell consistency to an impressive 90%. Paired with lingering dry-season stability, minimal rainfall (0.1 mm/day), and a national average 60% favourable wind rate, February serves up silky, chest-high peelers across every major pointbreak.

With warm tropical waters and light northerly offshores greeting surfers at dawn, February is the quintessential month for high-repetition wave riding, progression, and sunny surf adventures.

February Surf Forecast & Climate Overview

Wave quality takes a notable step up in February with groundswell dominance reaching 90%, while weather conditions remain comfortably hot and dry.

• National Average Wave Height: 3.4ft (1.0m)
• Groundswell Consistency: 90%
• Favourable Wind Rate: 60%
• Average Air Temperature: 27°C (81°F)
• Air Temperature Range: Min 18°C (64°F) to Max 34°C (93°F)
• Precipitation: 0.1 mm/day
• Water Temperature: 27-29°C (81-84°F) - Boardshorts and bikinis all day.

Regional Surf Breakdown for February

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

• Average Wave Height: 3.4ft (1.0m) | Groundswell: 90% | Favourable Wind: 62%-63%
• The Lowdown: Sunzal (62% favourable wind) delivers classic right-hand lines with enough pulse to test performance shortboards as well as logs. Across the black-sand cobblestone delta, La Bocana (62% favourable wind) delivers hollow left wedges on incoming mid-tides. Palmarcito leads the wind charts at 63% favourable wind, turning on playful beachbreak peaks.

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

• Average Wave Height: 3.4ft (1.0m) | Groundswell: 90% | Favourable Wind: 61%-62%
• The Lowdown: El Zonte (62% favourable wind) is at its playful best, producing clean 3-4ft (0.9-1.2m) right-handers that peel along the boulder shelf. K59 (62% favourable wind) starts showing its trademark racetrack speed through the mid-tide window. Mizata (61% favourable wind) offers reliable swell magnet performance, maintaining uncrowded waves across The Point and The Slab.

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

• Average Wave Height: 3.4ft (1.0m) | Groundswell: 90% | Favourable Wind: 56%-60%
• The Lowdown: Punta Roca (60% favourable wind) begins to awaken with greater frequency as longer-period SSW energy filters in. Surfers can enjoy rippable, overhead sets on the better pulses without the heavy mid-summer crowds. San Blas (56% favourable wind) and Conchalío (59% favourable wind) offer hollow shorebreak barrels during the morning glass.

Best Surf Spots in El Salvador in February

1. Sunzal (El Tunco): Incredibly consistent 90% groundswell ensures clean, peeling right-hand lines every single day.
2. Palmarcito: Boasting a 63% favourable wind rate, Palmarcito provides uncrowded, crystal-clear morning sessions.
3. El Zonte: 62% favourable wind with picture-perfect right-hand point walls and vibrant village culture.
4. La Bocana (El Tunco): A punchy left-hander serving up steep ramps and barrels on mid-to-high tides.
5. K59: 62% favourable wind with fast, down-the-line rights breaking over cobblestone boulders.

Meteorologist & Forecaster Tips for February

[!TIP] Track the Early Southern Ocean Storm Pulses: February often sees the first true long-period (15-18 second) SSW groundswells of the calendar year. These pulses will focus energy efficiently onto outer boulder points like Punta Roca and Sunzal, offering wave sets well above the monthly 3.4ft (1.0m) average.

• Target the Early Morning Low-to-Mid Tide: Many boulder points fire best as the tide pushes in over the shallow rock shelves. Plan your paddle-out right around the morning low-tide turnaround for the longest, cleanest rides.