Peak Surf Season/en - Revision history

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	* Far fewer crowds; more mellow atmosphere		* Far fewer crowds; more mellow atmosphere

	Good for beginners learning to surf. [[Surfing Lessons]] schools are open year-round.		Good for beginners learning to surf. [[Surfing Lessons (Ruta del Spondylus)\|Surfing Lessons]] schools are open year-round.

	{{EW dyk\|emoji=🐢\|…just off Ayangue, El Pelado islet is a marine reserve where divers meet turtles, rays and reef fish?\|page=Scuba Diving (Ruta del Spondylus)\|cta=Dive El Pelado →}}		{{EW dyk\|emoji=🐢\|…just off Ayangue, El Pelado islet is a marine reserve where divers meet turtles, rays and reef fish?\|page=Scuba Diving (Ruta del Spondylus)\|cta=Dive El Pelado →}}
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	== See Also ==		== See Also ==
	* [[Surfing]]		* [[Surfing (Ruta del Spondylus)\|Surfing]]
	* [[Surfing Lessons]]		* [[Surfing Lessons (Ruta del Spondylus)\|Surfing Lessons]]
	* [[Montañita Main Break]]		* [[Montañita Main Break]]
	* [[Montañita Point]]		* [[Montañita Point]]

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	{{EW hero\|portal=ruta\|kicker=~~[[:Category:Surfing~~\|Surfing]]\|emoji={{EW teaser/data\|Peak Surf Season\|e}}\|title=Peak Surf Season\|hook={{EW teaser/data\|Peak Surf Season}}\|min=1}}		{{EW hero\|portal=ruta\|kicker={{EW cat\|Surfing}}\|emoji={{EW teaser/data\|Peak Surf Season\|e}}\|title=Peak Surf Season\|hook={{EW teaser/data\|Peak Surf Season}}\|min=1}}
	<languages/>		<languages/>
	{{Infobox		{{Infobox

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{{EW hero|portal=ruta|kicker=[[:Category:Surfing|Surfing]]|emoji={{EW teaser/data|Peak Surf Season|e}}|title=Peak Surf Season|hook={{EW teaser/data|Peak Surf Season}}|min=1}}
<languages/>
{{Infobox
| title = 🏄 Peak Surf Season
| label1 = Best Surf Months
| data1 = December–April
| label2 = Swell Direction
| data2 = S to SW ground swell
| label3 = Average Wave Height
| data3 = 1–2.5m (occasionally larger)
| label4 = Water Temperature
| data4 = 22–26°C (Dec–Apr)
| label5 = Crowds
| data5 = Highest December–January and Holy Week
}}

Understanding when to visit the Santa Elena Peninsula for surfing is key to planning the best trip. The Peninsula has two distinct seasons with very different surf conditions.

== The Wet/Surf Season (December–April) ==

This is '''peak surf season'''. The Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) moves south of the equator and generates consistent S to SW swells across the South Pacific. These swells wrap into the Peninsula, producing the best and most consistent waves at [[Montañita Main Break]], [[Montañita Point]], and other breaks.

Characteristics:
* Consistent ground swell (3–15 second period)
* Wave heights averaging 1–2.5m (occasionally 3m+)
* Warm water temperatures (22–26°C)
* Hot, humid weather with intermittent tropical rains
* Peak sunshine between weather systems
* Heavy crowds December–January and during Holy Week

'''Best months:''' January–March are generally considered the most consistent for swell quality.

== The Dry/Garúa Season (May–November) ==

The dry season brings the Humboldt Current influence north. Waves become smaller and generated more by local wind than distant swell.

Characteristics:
* Smaller, choppier conditions (wind swell)
* Waves typically 0.5–1.5m
* Cooler water temperatures (18–22°C)
* Overcast skies, persistent mist (Garúa)
* Strong southerly winds — better for [[Kite Flying]] and wind sports than surfing
* Far fewer crowds; more mellow atmosphere

Good for beginners learning to surf. [[Surfing Lessons]] schools are open year-round.

{{EW dyk|emoji=🐢|…just off Ayangue, El Pelado islet is a marine reserve where divers meet turtles, rays and reef fish?|page=Scuba Diving (Ruta del Spondylus)|cta=Dive El Pelado →}}

== Surf Competitions ==

Montañita hosts regional and national surf competitions typically during the wet season swell peak, with some events in January and February. Check local notice boards and social media for schedules.

== Water Temperature ==

{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Month !! Avg Water Temp !! Season
|-
| December–April || 23–26°C || Warm / Surf Season
|-
| May–July || 19–22°C || Transition
|-
| August–November || 17–20°C || Cool / Garúa Season
|}

== See Also ==
* [[Surfing]]
* [[Surfing Lessons]]
* [[Montañita Main Break]]
* [[Montañita Point]]
* [[Montañita]]
* [[Temporada de Ballenas]]

{{EW explore|Montañita Point|Montañita|Temporada de Ballenas|Playa de La FAE - La Loberia (Salinas)|Kite Flying|La Chocolatera}}
{{EW next|Montañita Main Break}}

[[Category:Surfing]]
[[Category:La Peninsula]]
[[Category:Ruta del Spondylus]]