Pico Alto

Best Surf Season (May - September)

The South Pacific storm track is in full swing during the austral autumn and winter, and Pico Alto sits directly in the firing line of long-period SSW and SW groundswell. Average swell heights reach their annual peak between 5.9ft and 6.2ft (1.8-1.9m) during these months, while periods hold in the 12.8-13.6 second range. The wave rose shows remarkable directional consistency: SSW and SW swells combine for 75 to 90 percent of all energy, which is exactly what this southwest-facing big-wave reef needs. Expect powerful 5-6.5ft (1.5-2m) sets to be the staple, with a healthy share of 6.5-8ft (2-2.5m) bombs and occasional larger bombs. The limiting factor is wind: S/SSW onshore flow dominates around 90 percent of the time, and ideal offshore winds from NNO through O are almost nonexistent. Patience is key; when a dawn offshore window aligns with a big South Pacific pulse, Pico Alto is genuinely world-class.