San Juan de Lima
- Wave, Freeride
- Best for
- Intermediate
- Skill Level
- Medium waves
- Spot Type
- Quiet
- Crowd Level
This spot information is AI-assisted and has not been human verified. It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect. Verify safety, access, local rules, and current conditions with official or local sources before riding.
About
San Juan de Lima is a low-profile sandy beach on the Michoacán coast, geared primarily toward kitesurfers who want consistent springtime wind and a calm, uncrowded atmosphere. Water is described as clean, with small-to-medium wave conditions and a medium beach size, giving riders room to set up and enjoy freeride-to-wave sessions. Wind is dominated by a thermal sea breeze that typically strengthens after midday, building into the afternoon. For kitesurfing, the most reliable period is March through June, when the northwest thermal winds are described as steady and dependable. Typical wind strength is reported around 15–22 knots, which aligns with the common kite-size range provided for the spot. For surfing, the location is characterized as an exposed beach break with an average wave quality rating. Waves can peel and are generally rideable, with an all-tides window mentioned. On very large swells, the break behavior can turn into closeouts, so conditions may be less forgiving at the high end. Practically, plan to be self-sufficient: no kite rentals or gear repair/storage are reported on the beach, and there are no lifeguards. Hazards noted include a moderate shore break and strong sun—so bring appropriate safety gear, manage sun exposure, and be ready to handle your own setup and emergencies (general emergency number 911).
- Consistent afternoon thermal winds in spring
- Clean, sandy beach suited to kite setup
- Warm water year-round (mid-to-high 20s °C)
- Low-crowd, remote feel
- Consistent northwest thermal sea breeze in spring
- Sandy beach with ample space to set up a kite
- Warm water and generally clean water
- Shore break can be moderate
- No equipment rental or gear storage reported on the beach
- Surf quality is average and can close out on very large swells
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- NW
- Wind Range
- 15–22 kts
- Wind Type
- Thermal — Thermal sea breeze pattern (afternoon build).
- Reliability
- High during the spring thermal season.
- Gust Factor
- Steady — Described as steady.
- Best Months
- March, April, May, June
- Recommended Kite Sizes
- 9–12 m²
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Medium waves
- Beach
- Sand
- Beach Size
- Medium
- Waves
- Medium — Small-to-medium wave conditions are reported.
- Launch
- Medium — Wide sandy beach with ample space for kite setup.
- Launch Difficulty
- Moderate
Through the year
Generally very quiet; can see a few more visitors during Mexican holiday periods like Semana Santa.
July to October is the rainy season, which can bring unpredictable weather.
By sport
What to expect for each.
An excellent wave and freeride spot that benefits from consistent northwest thermal winds during the spring. Sandy bottom and open ocean conditions suit riders who enjoy kitesurfing while surf-style waves offer additional challenge.
- Kite Sizes
- 9–12 m²
Possible but challenging due to shore break and wave conditions; open-ocean swell can suit downwinders. Foil-friendly conditions are limited.
- Foil Friendly
- Limited
Beach break with rideable waves; often overshadowed by more famous nearby breaks.
- Wave Direction
- Both
- Optimal Swell
- SW, W
- Optimal Tide
- All tides
- Shelter
- Exposed
- Wind Effect
- Side-onshore NW wind can create chop but helps with boosting for kiters.
- Bigger Swell
- Can close out on very large swells.
- Wave Quality
- Average
- Wave Power
- Moderate
- Wave Shape
- Peeling
- Ride Length
- Medium
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for San Juan de Lima in the full forecast view.
San Juan de Lima wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 1–7 ktsGusts 14 kts
- Direction
- WSW258°
- Strongest day
- Thu, Oct 297 kts
- Windy days
- 0/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 1.6–3.3 m10s period
- Temperature
- 23–31 °C
Over the next 7 days, San Juan de Lima is forecast for daytime winds of 1–7 kts, peaking around 7 kts on Thursday, October 29 with gusts to 14 kts. The prevailing direction is WSW. Waves run 1.6–3.3 m with a period of about 10s. Based on the Wavind model, in the spot’s local time.
Other spots in the area
What to know before you launch
Safety, access, restrictions, rescue, and local rules can change. Treat these details as informational and confirm them locally before launching.
Hazards
- Moderate shore break
- Strong sun
Rescue & support
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- Limited — No dedicated kite-specific rescue reported; regional emergency services and local assistance may be available.
- Emergency Info
- General emergency number is 911.
Rules of the spot
Standard maritime right-of-way applies.
- Bring all your own gear; there are no kite rentals or kite schools reported on the beach.
- Afternoon thermal is very reliable from March to June.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Tecomán
- Nearest Town
- San Juan de Alima
- Parking
- Parking is usually available near the beach palapas and local hotels.
- Public Transport
- Accessed primarily via Highway 200; regional buses serve the coastal route.
- Access
- Accessible via Highway 200 between Manzanillo and Lázaro Cárdenas. Pass Tecomán and then turn right following signs to San Juan de Lima.
- Cost Level
- Budget
- Local Language
- Spanish
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Nearby town — Small local hotels and bungalows are available directly in San Juan de Alima.
- Food & Drink
- Numerous beachside palapas serve fresh seafood and drinks.
- Equipment Rental:
- None available; riders must bring their own equipment.
- Gear Storage
- No formal gear storage facilities reported.
- Gear Repair
- No specialized wind-sport repair shops reported in the immediate vicinity.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
Off the water
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at San Juan de Lima?
The best overall months at San Juan de Lima are March, April, May, June.
Which wind directions work at San Juan de Lima?
San Juan de Lima works with NW winds.
What equipment sizes are recommended at San Juan de Lima?
Recommended equipment sizes at San Juan de Lima: Kitesurfing: 9–12 m². The typical wind range is 15–22 kts.
What skill level is San Juan de Lima suitable for?
San Juan de Lima suits these riding levels: Kitesurfing: Intermediate · Wingfoiling: Advanced · Surfing: Intermediate.