Desert Point seasonal overview
Desert Point's surf calendar is dictated by Indonesia's monsoon pendulum. When the northwest monsoon dominates, the trade winds are replaced by onshore W to NW flow and the reef struggles to hold shape. When the southeast trades take over, offshore ESE to SSE wind grooms a consistent stream of long-period SSW/SW groundswell and the left-hand barrels come alive.
Best Surf Season (April - May and September - November)
The sweet spot arrives during the dry-season transition. In April, May, September, October and November, ideal offshore wind ratios reach 58-75 percent, rain is limited and average swell heights remain in the 5-6ft (1.5-1.7m) range with periods of 13-14s plus. The combination of lined-up SSW/SW groundswell, tropical water temperatures around 29°C and light offshore trades makes these months the most consistent for world-class left-handers at the reef. When the right combination emerges, long-period swell, sunshine and light offshore winds create the kind of barrels Desert Point is famous for.
Fair Surf Season (June - August)
These are the peak swell months of the Southern Hemisphere winter. Average heights climb to 6-7ft (1.9-2.0m) and periods push 14.4s, so the reef is constantly fed with powerful, heavy groundswell. However, the SE trade wind is also at its strongest, blowing 20-30kph a large share of the time and keeping the ideal wind ratio down to 37-50 percent. The waves are raw and sometimes lumpy, but quality remains very high on mornings and lighter-wind days.
Low Surf Season (December - March)
The northwest monsoon brings rain, humid air and onshore W/WSW winds. Ideal wind ratios fall to 17-43 percent, and the persistent onshore flow chops up the predominantly SSW/SW groundswell. January and February are especially difficult, while March marks the beginning of the transition back toward the trades. If you have to chase it during this period, wait for a break in the monsoon and an ESE breeze - the waves can still be fun.