October marks the shift from peak dry season into the shoulder months. For surfers, this means two things:
- Fewer crowds in the lineups compared to July–September.
- Still plenty of quality swells rolling in from the Indian Ocean.
It’s a month where you might trade a little consistency for a lot more breathing room in the water. If you’re after the Mentawai magic without the peak-season intensity, October is your window.
Weather in October
- Air Temperature: 27–31°C (81–88°F) by day, 24–25°C (75–77°F) at night.
- Water Temperature: 28–29°C (82–84°F)
- Rainfall: 200–300 mm, usually short afternoon downpours rather than all-day storms.
- Sunshine: 6–8 hours per day, mornings are typically clearer.
- Humidity: 80–90%, it’s getting stickier as the wet season approaches, but ocean breezes soften the edge.
Surf Conditions in October
October is shoulder season, but don’t be fooled, it still delivers and is considered the best time to surf in Mentawai for everyday surfers.
- Wave Size: 3–6 ft average. Early October can push 8–10 ft, especially on SW pulses.
- Swell Direction: Mostly SW, tapering toward mixed W/SW later in the month.
- Consistency: Expect 4–6 good surf days per week. You’ll get both late-season lefts and early-season fun-size rights.
October is a tale of two halves:
- Early October: bigger swells, lefts like Kandui and E-Bay are very popular HTs is still pumping.
- Late October: smaller, playful conditions, winds shifting to favor rights like Lance’s Right and The Point.
Mentawai Wind Patterns in October
October is more variable than the dry season, but mornings still deliver:
- Mornings: Light E/SE offshores at 5–10 knots, glassy conditions at most reefs.
- Afternoons: S/SE trades up to 15–20 knots, sometimes stronger. This can chop up exposed breaks but leaves options in sheltered zones.
- Overall: October’s variability rewards flexible planning and local knowledge.
What to Expect at Hollow Trees (HT’s) in October
Hollow Trees, or Lance’s Right, continues to pump in October, just with more variety.
- Early month: Pumping barrels when bigger swells still hit.
- Late month: Fun-sized 3–4 ft days as we peak season swells transition into shoulder season proper.
For many surfers, October is actually more enjoyable at HT’s: the crowd thins, the vibe mellows, and you still get those world-class walls right in your front yard.
Other Nearby Waves in October
Staying near HT’s means variety:
- Lance’s Left: Great option if winds swing onshore at HT’s.
- Bintangs: Offer short barrels and playful walls.
- Beach Break & Mini HT’s: Fun options for longboarders, beginners, or kids.
- The Point & Monkeys: Rights that start to light up as winds transition.
This mix makes October a great month for mixed-ability groups or couples/families where not everyone is chasing triple-overhead barrels.
Travel Tips for October
- Pack for variety: Boardshorts + rash guard for surf, light rain gear for boat rides.
- Be flexible: Weather shifts fast, but that’s part of the adventure.
- Book smarter: With fewer crowds, you’ll often find better deals, but premium stays like Villa Onu still book out fast.
- Bring reef-safe sunscreen: October’s sun + humidity will wear you down if you’re not careful.
Why October at Villa Onu Works
When conditions are a little more variable, location is everything. Villa Onu sits directly in front of HT’s — so whether it’s a glassy morning barrel session or a fun-size afternoon paddle, you’re always in the right place without chasing conditions across the islands.
Add in the chef-prepared meals, concierge transfers, and activities for non-surfers, and you’ve got the ideal setup for a trip where everyone wins, not just the surfer in the family.
Conclusion: October = Quality Over Quantity
October may not be as “epic every single day” as August, but that’s exactly the appeal. Less competition, a broader mix of waves, and still plenty of Mentawai magic to go around.
👉 If you want the Mentawai without the madness, October is your month.
