Pilar seasonal overview
Best Surf Season (August - October)
When the southwest monsoon (Habagat) reaches its peak, offshore winds from the SW, WSW, W and WNW become a regular feature of the regional pressure gradient. That clean, offshore flow is exactly what this east-facing stretch of Pilar needs to make the most of the consistent NE and ENE Pacific swell. Wave heights are not massive - often 2-4ft (0.7-1.2m) - but the surface stays groomed and rippable. October is the standout, when the first long-period pulses of the new season bump the average up to 3-4ft (1.1m) at 10s.
Fair Surf Season (June - July and November)
June and July bring the southwest monsoon into gear, and offshore wind percentages jump from the low single digits to the 20s and 30s. The problem is lack of size: average swell heights sit around 2ft (0.7m) with periods of 8.5s or less, so plan on grovel boards and longboards. November is fair in a different way - the NE monsoon is rebuilding, and while the swell gets bigger (4ft / 1.3m) and longer (9.9s), the onshore wind quickly reduces the number of clean sessions.
Low Surf Season (December - May)
From December through May, the Northeast Monsoon (Amihan) dominates the region. It pumps a steady stream of NE and ENE swell toward Pilar - often 5ft (1.6m) or bigger - but it does so with persistent NE, ENE and E winds blowing directly onshore. Ideal offshore wind occurs only 1-5 percent of the time in the heart of this stretch, leaving the lineup lumpy, blown-out and hard to surf. The waves are there, but quality is scarce; only the occasional W/SW wind shift or typhoon-tail swell can make it worthwhile.