Ixtapa Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright folks, Rusty here. Let’s have a look at what’s cooking for Ixtapa over the next couple of weeks. It’s not going to be a non-stop party, but there are some real gems hidden in there if you’re patient.

We’re kicking off with a bit of a slow start. The first couple of days, this Sunday and Monday, the swell is there but it’s a bit messy with onshore and cross-shore winds, so the surf quality is suffering. The water temp is sitting right where it should be for this time of year – nothing unusual there, just your standard warm bath.

The real standout window starts to show itself on Monday morning, the 17th of August. We’ve got a 4ft SSW groundswell with a long 15-second period, and the wind is glassy from the ENE. That’s a recipe for some clean, fun waves. The energy is moderate (634), so it’s not going to be a beast, but it’ll be a lovely morning session. The break here is Ixtapa itself, and it’s exposed to the south swell, so it’ll be picking up that energy nicely.

Tuesday morning, the 18th, is another cracker. Similar size at 4ft from the SSW, with a 14-second period and glassy conditions from the NNW. The energy is still moderate (618). This is a perfect window for the beginner-friendly waves at Ixtapa – it’s fairly consistent and the crowds are only sometimes an issue.

Then, on Wednesday the 19th, we hit a real sweet spot. A 4ft SW swell with a 14-second period, and the wind is absolutely dead flat – no wind at all. Glassy conditions all morning. The energy is moderate (543). This is as good as it gets for a clean, cruisy session. The water is calm, the waves are there, and you’ll be sharing the lineup with a few happy locals.

We do have a bit of a lull through Thursday and Friday, the 20th and 21st, with smaller waves and some stormy weather around. The swell drops to 2ft – 3ft, and the wind picks up from the wrong directions. It’s not a write-off, but you’ll be scratching for a ride.

The following week, from the 23rd of August onwards, things start to get interesting again. The swell pulses back up, and we see some of the biggest energy of the whole forecast. Sunday the 23rd morning has a 2ft SW swell with a very long 18-second period. The wind is a clean cross-offshore from the NNW. The energy is moderate (767), but that long period will make the waves stand up nicely. A word of caution though: that long period can make beach breaks a bit walled, but for a point or reef setup, it’s gold.

The absolute standout, and the one you should circle on your calendar, is Saturday the 29th of August. Morning session, we’re looking at a 5ft SW swell with a 16-second period, and the wind is offshore from the NNE. The energy is strong (1045). This is prime time for experienced surfers. The waves will have some punch, the wind will be keeping them clean, and the direction is perfect for Ixtapa. This is the best of the whole 16-day run.

The 30th and 31st are still decent, with smaller but clean morning glass-offs, but the 29th is the real day to chase.

So, in a nutshell: the first few days are a write-off, but from Monday the 17th to Wednesday the 19th, you’ve got some lovely clean, small waves. Then a gap before the second week fires up, with the big highlight being the morning of Saturday the 29th. That’s your best bet.

Rusty.

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