Swell Intel

San Juan Surf Forecast, Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico

Right now
Very Poor
overall conditions
Flat
flat to ankle high
Cross-shore·ESE 14–18 mph
Swell0.3ft @ 9s NNE
TideLow, falling · low 2:34 PM

Conditions stay similar this week — check the hourly forecast at San Juan for the cleanest windows.

San Juan 5-Day Forecast Summary

Here's how the next 5 days are shaping up at San Juan, Puerto Rico. Each day is rated based on breaking wave height, swell period, and wind — updated hourly from the latest NOAA GFS run.

Tue, Jun 30: 11ft, 8s period, rated Very Poor. Not the most exciting day — 1ft and very poor conditions with barely a breath of wind. Expect the wind to bump up to around 14mph by PM.

Wed, Jul 1: 01ft, 5s period, rated Very Poor. Slim pickings today — Flat and very poor with 7mph SE winds. Expect the wind to bump up to around 14mph by PM.

Thu, Jul 2: 01ft, 5s period, rated Very Poor. Slim pickings today — 0-1ft and very poor with gentle SE breeze. Expect the wind to bump up to around 14mph by PM.

Fri, Jul 3: 01ft, 5s period, rated Very Poor. Slim pickings today — Flat and very poor with light winds out of the SE. Afternoon breeze fills in to 16mph.

Sat, Jul 4: 01ft, 5s period, rated Very Poor. Pretty quiet out there — 0-1ft and mostly very poor with light ESE winds. Expect the wind to bump up to around 14mph by PM.

Daily Forecast

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San Juan Surf Spot Guide

Break
Reef
Bottom
Reef
Level
Intermediate
Crowd
Moderate
Best Swell
N
Best Wind
SE
Season
Winter

Located along the northern coast of Puerto Rico near the historic capital city, San Juan offers reef-driven waves that light up during the North Atlantic swell season from November through March. The NNW-facing exposure at these coordinates positions the break perfectly to receive groundswells generated by winter storms tracking across the North Atlantic, producing punchy, fast-breaking waves with good shape. This spot blends an urban surf culture with surprisingly quality surf, making it a convenient session for both locals and traveling surfers exploring Puerto Rico's vibrant north shore.

Shallow reefUrchinsStrong currentsBoat trafficUrban runoffLocalism

Wave heights shown are breaking wave heights — the actual rideable wave size at this spot.

San Juan Surf Forecast FAQ

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What is the current surf forecast for San Juan?

The current wave height at San Juan is Flat with a 8.05s swell period. Wind is ESE at 14mph and conditions are rated Very Poor. The forecast updates hourly so you can plan your session around the cleanest windows.

What is the breaking wave height at San Juan?

The current breaking wave height at San Juan is Flat, produced by a 0.3ft NNE primary swell at 9s, a 2.8ft ENE wind swell swell at 8s. Breaking wave height is the actual rideable wave size at the shore — calculated from offshore swell data using this spot's coastal bathymetry — not the raw buoy reading.

When is the best time to surf San Juan?

Based on the current 5-day forecast, the best window to surf San Juan is Saturday from 6 AM to 9 AM with 1ft waves, a 4.55s swell period, and conditions rated Very Poor. Check the hourly forecast for updates as conditions can shift.

What swell and wind direction work best at San Juan?

San Juan works best with a N swell and SE winds. Offshore winds groom the face of the wave, while onshore winds turn it sloppy. Cross-offshore conditions usually produce the cleanest shape.

What tide is best at San Juan?

Tide plays a big role at San Juan. Mid tide works for most beach breaks, while reef and point breaks often prefer higher or lower stages. Use the tide chart above to line up your session with the swell peak.

What kind of wave is San Juan and who is it for?

San Juan is a reef with a reef bottom, suited to intermediate surfers. Located along the northern coast of Puerto Rico near the historic capital city, San Juan offers reef-driven waves that light up during the North Atlantic swell season from November through March. The NNW-facing exposure at these coordinates positions the break perfectly to receive groundswells generated by winter storms tracking across the North Atlantic, producing punchy, fast-breaking waves with good shape. This spot blends an urban surf culture with surprisingly quality surf, making it a convenient session for both locals and traveling surfers exploring Puerto Rico's vibrant north shore.

When is the best season to surf San Juan?

The prime season at San Juan is winter, when swell direction, wind patterns, and water temps line up most consistently. Outside the peak season you can still score, but you'll need to watch the forecast closely for the right windows.

Are there any hazards to know about at San Juan?

Common hazards at San Juan include shallow reef, urchins, strong currents, boat traffic, urban runoff, localism. Always check conditions before paddling out, respect local etiquette, and never surf alone if you're unfamiliar with the break.

How accurate is the San Juan surf forecast?

Our San Juan forecast uses NOAA GFS and other weather models combined with spot-specific bathymetry to calculate breaking wave heights. Short-range (1-3 day) forecasts are most reliable. Extended forecasts show general trends. Visit /public/accuracy for per-spot and regional performance metrics.