Ixtapa Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright, let’s break down what’s cooking for the next couple of weeks here in Mexico. It starts a bit slow, but there are definitely some days worth paddling out.

For the first few days, we’re looking at waist-high swell, but the wind is making a mess of it. Sunday morning the 16th has a 4ft swell from the southwest at 15 seconds, but that cross-shore wind and chop mean you’re better off waiting. The water is a warm 88°, running a touch warmer than normal for this time of year.

The first real window is Monday morning, August 17th at Ixtapa (Mexico). The swell drops a little to 4ft, but the wind shifts cross-offshore from the NNW at a light 6 mph. That cleans things up real nice, and the 14-second period gives it some decent push. The combined energy is at a moderate 635, so it’s not a monster, but it’s a fun, rideable morning for a beginner.

Tuesday morning the 18th is the early standout. Glassy conditions, a 4ft swell from the SSW, and a period of 14 seconds. The wave energy clocks in at a moderate 620, and it’s going to be clean and consistent. This is your best bet for a proper session early on. Ixtapa is exposed to the south, so this south-southwest swell hits it just right.

Wednesday the 19th is another glassy morning with a similar 4ft southwest swell. A little smaller, but still clean and fun. The energy drops a bit to 555, but with zero wind and clean lines, you can’t complain.

Now, after a few days of smaller waist-high surf, the real interest builds towards the end of the month. Saturday morning, August 29th is the one to circle. We’re looking at a 5ft southwest swell with a 16-second period. That’s a long-period groundswell, and the energy jumps up to a strong 1077. The wind is glassy out of the east, so the waves will be clean, powerful, and well-shaped. This is one for the experienced crew, as the size and energy are a step up. Beginners might want to sit this one out, but for everyone else, this is the real deal.

The crowds at Ixtapa are listed as sometimes, so you’ll likely have some company, but it’s not a zoo.

The run-up to that Saturday sees a few more clean mornings--Sunday the 23rd and Monday the 24th both have glassy conditions and 2ft swells, but with very long 17-18 second periods. That energy (767 and 607) will give you some surprising push for the size, though it’s going to be a bit fat and straight-breaking at a beach break. Better for a point or reef, but for the mellow vibe, it’ll still be fun.

The last day in the window, Monday the 31st, has a clean morning with a 3ft swell and offshore winds from the NNE. A good way to finish off the run.

So, to sum it up: the first few days are average, but Tuesday the 18th is a great early session. The absolute standout, though, is Saturday morning, August 29th at Ixtapa--5ft southwest groundswell (16s period), glassy wind, and strong energy (1077). That’s the one to aim for.

- Rusty

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