Ilo
Ilo is a southern Peruvian mining port with surprisingly good surf. The left point picks up consistent swell and sees few surfers due to its industrial setting.
Ilo surf forecast
Model forecast for swell, wind and tide.
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Spot Details
CustomizeCustomize this spotSwell Requirements
- Optimal direction
- SW (220°)
- Direction range
- 200° - 250°
- Size range
- 0.8m - 3m
- Ideal size
- 1.8m - 2.5m
- Height multiplier
- 0.97×
- Ideal period
- 14s+
Wind Requirements
- Optimal direction
- E (90°)
- Offshore range
- 50° - 130°
Tide Requirements
- Optimal tide
- mid
- Optimal range
- 0.4m - 1.5m
Water temp
15°C
Wetsuit
4/3mm fullsuit
Difficulty
5/10
Crowd level
2/10
Access: Mining port. Limited tourist infrastructure.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of wave is Ilo?
Ilo is a point break in Moquegua, Peru, that mostly breaks left.
What swell works best at Ilo?
Ilo picks up swell from the SSW round to the WSW, and it's best when it's coming straight out of the SW. It starts working at around 0.8m and handles up to about 3m, with the sweet spot around 1.8 to 2.5m. Period matters too: aim for 14s or longer, as anything under 10s tends to be weak. These are the numbers our scoring uses, so treat them as a guide rather than a promise.
What wind is offshore at Ilo?
An E wind is dead offshore at Ilo, and anything from the NE round to the SE keeps it clean. The morning is typically the best window, roughly 6am to 11am. Light winds from other directions can still be fine; strong offshores can make it hard to get into waves.
What tide is best at Ilo?
Ilo is at its best around mid tide, roughly 0.4m to 1.5m on the local chart.
When is the best time of year to surf Ilo?
The most reliable run of swell at Ilo comes Mar to Oct. There's a second window in Nov to Feb too. Year-round. Mining port town.
How cold is the water at Ilo?
The water at Ilo averages around 15°C, so you'll want a 4/3mm fullsuit. It shifts a few degrees through the year, so check the season before you pack.
Is Ilo good for beginners?
It's more of an intermediate wave, rated 5/10 for difficulty, so newer surfers are best off sticking to the smaller days. The lineup is usually quiet (crowd 2/10). Port pollution concerns. Rocky sections.
How do I get to Ilo?
The nearest airport on our list is TCQ, then it's roughly a 1.5-hour drive. Mining port. Limited tourist infrastructure.
What other surf spots are near Ilo?
Fun fact: it's the third most southerly break we track in Peru.
Best Season
Peak: Mar-Oct
Secondary: Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb
Year-round. Mining port town.
Getting There
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