Acapulco • Statistics for September

September: Peak Hurricane Swell and Raw Power

September is the apex of Eastern Pacific hurricane season and the month with the highest average swell height at 4-5ft (1.4m). The average period is still a powerful 13.2s, and the swell distribution includes a larger SW component -- 13.2% -- alongside SSW (72.6%) and S (12.9%), a sign that organized tropical cyclones are sending mixed-direction energy toward the coast. The height distribution stands out: roughly a quarter of all waves reach 1.5-2m (5-6ft), and nearly 5% tip into the 2-2.5m (6-8ft) range. That is a significant amount of pumping surf for a bay that usually averages smaller.

The problem remains wind. Ideal offshore conditions only blow 38% of the time, and the wind rose shows a mix of E/ESE (22.8% combined) and W/WNW (32.7% combined), which means mornings and wind shifts are everything. Precipitation peaks at 9.65mm/day, with frequent tropical showers and thunderstorms. Air temperatures are warm but slightly more stable at 25.2°C, and the ocean is still a sweltering 30.2°C. September offers the greatest potential for XXL, charging surf, but also the most chaotic conditions; patience is required.