Rincao seasonal overview
Best Surf Season (April - August)
Rincao's south-east facing beach is all about the South Atlantic storm machine, and it truly wakes up in autumn and winter. From April through August, average swells sit between 4-5ft (1.2-1.5m), with periods regularly reaching 9-10 seconds and a much higher chance of offshore W/WNW/NW winds. May and June are the crown jewels: ideal surf wind occurs 46 percent of the time, while the average period climbs to 10 seconds. Cold fronts sweeping off the South American continent generate clean, long-period groundswell from the E/ESE/SE/SSE window, and the cooler air keeps the sea breeze weaker.
Fair Surf Season (March, September - October)
The shoulder months offer a trade-off. March is still a touch inconsistent, but the period builds toward 9.1 seconds and ideal winds are good 36 percent of the time. September and October see the largest average wave heights of the year - up into the 5-6ft (1.5-1.8m) range - yet the wind windows become less reliable, dropping to 21-25 percent ideal. These months can produce grinding days when a front lines up, but you need to pick the windows.
Low Surf Season (November - February)
During the late spring and summer months, the South Atlantic subtropical high parks closer to the coast and the storm track shifts south. Average wave heights ease to 4-4.5ft (1.2-1.4m), periods drop to 8.4-8.8 seconds, and trade winds pile in from the NE/ENE with more onshore E/ESE/SE flow. Rincao still receives consistent swell, but it becomes a grovelling, punchy beach break rather than the hollow, lined-up beast of winter. Look for early hours and W/NW wind reversals to make the most of it.