Located in the Mexican state of Oaxaca and renowned as a hub for surfers, Puerto Escondido offers a diverse range of surf breaks and welcoming surf culture, making it an ideal destination for seasoned pros and those looking to catch their first wave.
If you’re planning your Puerto Escondido surfing adventure, this stunning destination offers year-round opportunities. However, the ideal time for your visit depends on the conditions you seek and your surf experience.
In this guide, we’ll break down the seasons (and even the best time of day for surfing) so you can determine the perfect moments to ride the waves that match your preferences and skill level.
Puerto Escondido’s Climate and Surf Conditions
Much like the whole of Mexico, the weather in Puerto Escondido stays pretty stable all year round, with temperatures hovering around 71 to 95 degrees Fahrenheit (22 to 35 degrees Celsius) and the hottest months being April to May. However, there are slightly higher temperatures and occasional rainfall during the summer months and cooler, drier conditions during the winter.
Typically, Puerto Escondido enjoys those cool offshore breezes in the mornings that surfers love. They blow from the land towards the ocean and create excellent surf conditions. But as the day rolls on, usually around 11 a.m., those offshore breezes switch gears and become onshore winds, blowing from the ocean towards the land, which can affect the surf quality.
It’s important to note that wind patterns can become unpredictable during hurricanes and tropical storms. At such times, the changing wind directions, combined with overnight squalls, often lead to a choppy ocean surface, making it less ideal for surfing.
The Best Time of Year for Puerto Escondido Surfing
Timing is everything when it comes to catching the waves, as it can make a huge difference in your surfing experience. Puerto Escondido experiences two main seasons: dry and wet. If you’re heading there with surfing as your main goal, here’s some valuable information about the seasons to help you plan your surf adventure.
Dry Season (November to April)
During the dry season (November to April) in Puerto Escondido, you’ve got the best conditions for a fantastic surf adventure. The weather is just right, and with minimal rainfall and fewer bugs, it’s the perfect time for beginners and families to enjoy the sun and ride smooth waves.
If you are new to surfing, the dry season is your time to shine ― it brings cleaner, though smaller waves, making it perfect for learning the ropes.
Wet Season (May to October)
If you’re a seasoned surfer, it’s usually best to visit Puerto Escondido during the rainy season from May to October. The swell is consistently substantial during this wet season, and although it might rain daily ― particularly in June and September, which are the wettest months ― southerly winds generate massive waves and shore breaks, especially at Playa Zicatela, making it the best time for experienced surfers to find the ultimate surf challenge.
Best Time of Day for Puerto Escondido Surfing
For optimal surf conditions, consider hitting the waves during the mornings or late afternoons, as these time slots typically offer offshore winds or calm conditions.
From May through November, surf enthusiasts are in for a treat as the Southwest swells consistently deliver quality waves. Plus, the surf breaks around Puerto Escondido truly shine when the swell direction is from the South/Southwest. So, plan your sessions accordingly, and get ready for some fantastic rides along this beautiful coastline.
Top 5 Surf Spots in Puerto Escondido
1. Playa Carrizalillo
Playa Carrizalillo is a chill surf spot perfect for beginners and open to everyone who wants to soak up its crystal-clear shallow waters. Although it may not be a top-tier break, this scenic cove boasts easygoing right and left waves that can be incredibly enjoyable, especially for novice and intermediate surfers.
2. Playa La Barra Colotepec
If you prefer less crowded surf spots, Playa La Barra Colotepec is the perfect choice. Located approximately 4 miles (6 kilometers) from Puerto Escondido, this secluded gem offers a serene surfing experience away from the crowds.
3. Playa Zicatela
Often hailed as Mexico’s best surf spot, Playa Zicatela is a surfer’s paradise. However, with a powerful undertow and gnarly waves, Zicatela is best left for the more experienced surfers.
Spanning about 2.1 miles (3.5 kilometers), this iconic shoreline offers some of the most challenging beach breaks, with waves reaching up to 20 feet (6 meters). Zicatela’s excellent waves result from distant southwest groundswells and occasional westward hurricane swells.
The best time to surf here is in the morning, from sunrise to around 10 a.m. when the waves are livelier, and crowds are thinner.
4. La Punta
Located at the southern end of Zicatela Beach, La Punta is a fantastic surf spot known for its reliable left-hand point break. This spot can offer exceptional waves when the sand conditions are just right. La Punta is particularly popular among beginner and intermediate surfers who prefer a milder alternative to the powerful waves at Zicatela, especially during larger swells.
5. Punta Conejo
Situated in the Salina Cruz region, Punta Conejo is renowned for its exceptional right-hand point break. It delivers rippable waves when conditions are small and transforms into an epic barrel during larger swells with favorable sand conditions. Although the presence of several nearby surf camps attracts crowds, the wave’s outstanding quality makes it worthwhile.
Best Puerto Escondido Surf Camps
If you’re new to surfing or have intermediate-level surfing skills and prefer expert guidance over going solo, Puerto Escondido boasts several surf schools that offer lessons. Many of these surf lessons are budget-friendly and include board rental and any necessary transportation adjustments based on the day’s weather conditions.
Here are a few of the top surf camps in Puerto Escondido:
Oasis Surf & Spanish School
Interested in combining the thrill of surfing with Spanish lessons from certified instructors? You might want to check out the Oasis Surf & Spanish School for an unforgettable surfing experience.
In addition to fantastic surf sessions and Spanish lessons, the one-week surfing package offers daily yoga and fitness classes. Oasis also handles the surf logistics, shuttling you to the best waves in Puerto Escondido.
Barbarenas Surf and Yoga Retreat
If yoga is your thing, you’re in for a treat at Barbarenas Yoga & Surf Retreat. Tucked away in the peaceful La Punta area of Puerto Escondido, this surf camp is anything but ordinary. In addition to surf lessons and yoga classes, it offers accommodations, breakfast, and lunch.
With an 8-day surf package, you’ll enjoy 4 surf lessons, several daily yoga sessions, and a private meditation class. Plus, there are massage options for post-surf relaxation.
Oasis Surf and Language School
If you’re on a budget but itching for a surf adventure in Puerto Escondido, Oasis Surf and Language School has your back. Located near Playa Carrizalillo and the city center, this surf camp offers private rooms with fully equipped kitchens.
With an 8-day package, you get 5 surf lessons (only 2 students per instructor), coaching sessions, and fitness classes for surfers of all skill levels. Oasis handles transportation to various surf locations, allowing you to explore various surf spots and waves in Puerto Escondido.
B Surfers
Nestled in the heart of Puerto Escondido is B Surfers, your go-to surf school for all levels of surf enthusiasts, from total novices to upper-intermediate riders looking to improve their surfing skills.
This surf camp offers a 5-day surf package with 5 semi-private lessons, theory classes, 7 nights of accommodation, and transport to surf spots. The organizer is fluent in English, Russian, and Spanish, and group sizes range from 1 to 5 participants, making B Surfers the ideal camp for anyone looking to enjoy a personalized, immersive surf experience in the stunning waves of Puerto Escondido.
Experiencia Surf Camp
Experiencia Surf Camp is set in the heart of La Punta, one of Puerto Escondido’s most sought-after surf hubs. This immersive two-week surf program offers 10 surf lessons, each lasting two hours and guaranteed to level up your surfing skills.
The instructors know the many secret surf spots around Puerto Escondido, so they’ll make sure you ride the waves that match your skill level. Plus, you get to enjoy six yoga lessons, and if you’re feeling adventurous, you can opt for Spanish lessons or give scuba diving a shot.
Final Thoughts
If you’re visiting the beautiful coastal city of Puerto Escondido in Oaxaca, Mexico, with surfing as your primary goal, and if you’re new to surfing, taking Puerto Escondido surfing lessons is undoubtedly the best way to make the most of your visit.
And if you’re a more experienced surfer, check out Playa Zicatela for some challenging waves and thrilling experiences, especially (but at your own risk) when things get really pumping during the summer months (around May to mid-October).
