Map
Cap Sim
Today's Surf Conditions at Cap Sim
Spot Conditions Map
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Today's Surf & Wind Forecast (Hourly)
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Spot Overview & Description
Cap Sim is the kind of place that rewards the intrepid—a true adventure for experienced surfers willing to put in the work. Getting there is half the battle: a bumpy, off-road drive followed by a long trek on foot sets the stage for a raw, remote lineup that feels worlds away from civilization. There are no facilities, so pack everything you need and expect a rugged, self-sufficient mission. Localism can be a factor, and reports of theft are not uncommon, so stay alert and respectful. The wave itself is a shape-shifter, breaking over a mix of uneven reef and sand to form a series of point-break sections. It’s best with a north-west swell, but also handles south-west and north directions. When the swell hits 2 feet (0.6 meters), things start to get good, and mid-tide is the magic window for the most consistent shape. East winds are your friend, grooming the faces into clean, ridable lines. This spot is tailored for intermediate surfers looking to push their skills; the shifting conditions keep you on your toes, with each section offering something different. Expect a mixed bag—some days deliver long, peeling walls; others are more disjointed, choppy, and challenging. The crowd here tends to be dedicated and territorial, so keep your head on a swivel. Go in with realistic expectations, respect the lineup, and you’ll be rewarded with a uniquely wild, character-filled surf experience that feels earned.
Best Surf Season & Climatology
Best Surf Season (November - February)
The heart of the North Atlantic winter delivers the most consistent and powerful swells to Cap Sim. With average heights hovering around 2.2-2.3m and periods frequently exceeding 12 seconds, these long-period pulses from NNW and NW pack serious punch. The key is timing: when high pressure sets up over Europe, the resulting northerly to northwesterly flow (NNO to O) keeps conditions offshore and the waves glassy. Combined with a 50%+ window of favorable wind, this is when Cap Sim shows its true potential.
Fair Surf Season (March - April & September - October)
As the jet stream begins its seasonal shift, the swell becomes less consistent and the wind patterns more fickle. March still sees decent 2.2m swells with 12s periods, but offshore wind reliability drops to 40%. April is a game of patience: solid 2.0m swells from the north are frequent, but the wind turns side-offshore more often. On the other side of summer, September and October mark the return of tropical storm activity and early North Atlantic lows, bringing 1.6-1.8m waves with improving period (10-11s) and a steady rise in offshore wind days (45-49%). These months offer quality sessions without the winter crowds.
Low Surf Season (May - August)
The summer pattern is dominated by the Azores High, which pushes the storm track north and leaves Cap Sim in a swell shadow. Average wave heights drop to 1.6-1.7m and periods shorten to 7-9s, resulting in weaker, more wind-swell oriented surf. The thermal gradient forces a strong northeasterly trade wind (NE to NNE) that is often too onshore for the west-southwest facing beach. Offshore wind windows shrink to just 23-30%, making clean conditions a rarity. While there are occasional pulses from summer storms, most days are small, choppy, and best suited for a longboard or a groveler.
Detailed Surf Information for Cap Sim
Detailed Surf Forecast
Access our detailed 8-day swell and wind forecast charts for Cap Sim with tidal graphs, period ranges, and daily forecast text summaries.
Swell & Wind Statistics
Explore historical swell consistency, wave heights, and offshore wind windows month-by-month, compiled from over 40 years of data.
Historical Surf Report
Browse the historical database archives to view past wave reports and understand spot climatology during specific years and months.
