Barra de la Cruz • Surf Spot Statistics

Best Surf Season (November - February)

Winter is prime time at Barra de la Cruz. As high pressure builds over the North Pacific and the first cold fronts of the season push through, the prevailing wind turns favorable. Offshore flow from N, NNE, NW and NNW becomes the dominant signal, grooming the S/SSW groundswell that wraps into this south-southeast-facing stretch of the Oaxacan coast. Average swells are around 4.5-5ft (1.4-1.5m) with periods of 11-12s, giving the point and beach breaks plenty of power. The dry season keeps rain away, water temperatures sit in the warm 26-28°C range, and mornings are often absolutely glassy.

Fair Surf Season (March - May & September - October)

During the shoulder months, the Southern Hemisphere storm track becomes more active, sending longer-period SSW and S groundswell pulses toward Mexico. Average wave heights nudge up to 5-5.5ft (1.5-1.7m), and periods push into the 13-14s range, giving real power. The trade-off is wind: the clean N/NNE offshore flow weakens, and SW/WSW sea breezes become more frequent. April and May can be especially tricky, while September and October mark the transition back to the dry season. October sees ideal winds return to 57%, so there are still plenty of excellent, lined-up days if you time the morning windows.

Low Surf Season (June - August)

Low season here is about lower consistency of clean conditions rather than low wave size. June through August brings the core of the wet season, with average precipitation of 5-7mm/day and water temps peaking around 30°C. The south swell machine remains active, and S/SSW swells are almost constant, but the ITCZ and tropical disturbances pump moisture and unstable winds into the region. Ideal offshore flow drops to 41-50%, and onshore SW/WSW winds can chop up otherwise solid, rippable surf. It can still get very good, especially at dawn, but this is the most hit-or-miss stretch of the year.