Pico Alto • Statistics for January

January: Mid-Summer Groundswell

January is the heart of the Peruvian summer, and while the Southern Ocean is less active, Pico Alto still receives a steady diet of SSW groundswell. The average swell height comes in at 4.6ft (1.4m) with a long 13.0s period, meaning the energy arrives with real power and is able to wrap into the southwest-facing bowl. SSW swells account for 71 percent of the energy and SW adds another 27 percent, so the directional window is almost perfect. Expect a mix of 3-5ft (1-1.5m) waves and 5-6.5ft (1.5-2m) sets, with the occasional 6.5-8ft (2-2.5m) pulse when stronger storm tracks align.

Wind is the main challenge. South and south-southwest winds dominate, making up around 78 percent of the observations, and ideal offshore breezes from NNO through O occur only 1 percent of the time. Once the afternoon sea breeze kicks in, the surface gets ragged, so your best chances are early morning before the thermal wind strengthens. With air temperatures near 20.6°C and water at 19.0°C, a thin wetsuit or spring suit is all you need.