Mabuntok • Statistics for March

March: Monsoon Transition Begins

March marks the beginning of the Amihan's slow retreat. Average swell height drops to 3ft (1.0m) and the period eases to 9.2s. ENE is now a massive 78.9 percent of the swell, while NE falls to 16.6 percent. The directional mix remains inside Mabuntok's optimal window, but the energy is noticeably less powerful than in December or January. Wind-wise, ENE remains the most common direction at 29.8 percent, followed by E at 20.9 percent and NE at 19.6 percent. Ideal offshore wind from the south and southwest is still scarce, registering only 8 percent ideal time. The result is a mix of rideable NE/ENE swell and persistent onshore/cross-shore chop. A few cleaner days appear later in the month as the monsoon weakens, offering 2-3ft (0.6-0.9m) surf on the better sandbanks. With air temperatures around 26.8°C, water temperature at 27.8°C and rainfall down to 8.5 mm/day, the atmosphere is drier and more settled.