Playa Norte
Playa Norte is San Bartolo's main beach break, offering consistent waves in a popular Lima beach resort setting. Good for intermediate surfers looking for uncomplicated waves.
Playa Norte surf forecast
Model forecast for swell, wind and tide.
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Spot Details
CustomizeCustomize this spotSwell Requirements
- Optimal direction
- SSW (195°)
- Direction range
- 175° - 220°
- Size range
- 0.6m - 2m
- Ideal size
- 1.2m - 1.7m
- Height multiplier
- 0.97×
- Ideal period
- 14s+
Wind Requirements
- Optimal direction
- E (90°)
- Offshore range
- 50° - 130°
Tide Requirements
- Optimal tide
- all
- Optimal range
- 0.3m - 1.5m
Water temp
17°C
Wetsuit
3/2mm fullsuit
Difficulty
3/10
Crowd level
6/10
Access: Main beach at San Bartolo.
Frequently Asked Questions
What tide is best at Playa Norte?
The Playa Norte profile favors the recorded tide range, ideally between 0.3m and 1.5m on the local tide chart. Compare this preference with the forecast tide and local conditions before choosing a session.
What wind direction is offshore at Playa Norte?
The Playa Norte profile uses wind from E (90°) as its preferred direction, with an offshore range of 50° to 130°. Wind speed matters too: light winds outside that range can still produce surfable conditions, while strong offshore winds can make takeoffs difficult.
What swell size and direction work best at Playa Norte?
The Playa Norte scoring profile favors swell from SSW (175° to 220°), a swell-height range of 0.6m to 2m, and a reference period of 14s. These are model inputs, not guaranteed breaking-wave heights or a promise that the surf will suit every ability.
When is the best time of year to surf Playa Norte?
The main season at Playa Norte is Mar-Oct. A secondary window runs Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb. Year-round. Summer beach resort crowd.
How do I get to Playa Norte?
The spot profile lists LIM as a nearby airport. The estimated road transfer is 50 minutes. Main beach at San Bartolo.
What kind of wave is Playa Norte?
Playa Norte is a beach break, a peak with lefts and rights. Difficulty is rated 3/10.
Best Season
Peak: Mar-Oct
Secondary: Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb
Year-round. Summer beach resort crowd.
Getting There
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