Ixtapa Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright, Rusty here again, but this time in feet and fahrenheit for you.

Right off the bat, there’s a bit of a wait for the really good stuff. The first few days have some surf, but we’re not firing on all cylinders until we get into the second week. The water here is sitting at a toasty 88°, which is a touch warmer than normal for this time of year, so you won’t need more than a spring suit if you even wear one.

Sunday the 6th kicks off with a 5ft SSW swell running at a 15-second period. That’s some serious groundswell energy – the combined energy is a hefty 1131 (moderate to strong). It’s got some punch, making it more of an expert session. The morning has a light NNW cross-off breeze, keeping things reasonably clean, but by the afternoon the wind swings onshore and the quality drops off. Monday the 7th morning looks better – the swell drops a touch to 4ft but the wind goes glassy. That’s a real treat, but the energy is still high at 897.

For the best solo session in this whole run, I’m pointing you at Tuesday morning, September 15th. We get a 5ft swell from the SSW with a 18-second period. The combined energy jumps up to 1210, so there’s plenty of push. The wind is glassy – dead still – so the surf will be clean as a whistle. This is excellent surf for experienced paddlers. The break itself at Ixtapa is a beginner-friendly spot that’s fairly consistent, and it’s exposed to the S swell, which matches the direction we’re getting. Crowds can pop up sometimes, so get in early.

Sticking with the morning windows, September 16th is another strong candidate. Again, 5ft from the SSW, 16-second period, glassy wind, and a combined energy of 1044. Another top-tier morning for the more competent crew. September 21st Monday morning is also worth a mention – 4ft SSW swell, 17-second period, glassy conditions and a combined energy of 1148. That’s a seriously clean, powerful lineup.

A quick note: by the time we get to mid-month, the periods are getting long (17 to 20 seconds). This means the waves will have great shape and plenty of energy, but at a beach break like this, it can sometimes make them a bit straight and hard to predict. It’ll be best if you can find a rip or a defined bank.

For the final week, September 18th Friday morning brings a smaller 2ft SW swell but with a very long 20-second period and light offshore winds. The energy is still decent at 733. It’ll be clean and walled-up, good for a longer board or a fish. The 19th and 20th keep that pattern going with glassy mornings and building swell again towards the 21st.

So, to wrap it up: the first week is hit and miss, mostly small or onshore afternoons. The real standout is the Tuesday the 15th and Wednesday the 16th mornings. Get on it early if you can handle a bit of power. After that, the mornings hold clean but the swell tapers off a touch. It’s not a bad run overall.

Rusty.

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