Conditions at Carcavelos in December
December: Big Swell Season Arrives
December delivers some of the biggest and most consistent surf of the year at Carcavelos. Average swell height is 2.4m (8ft) and period is 12.7 seconds, right in the powerful long-period category. The Waverose sees a more spread-out direction mix than summer: NW 22.7%, WNW 17.2%, NNW 8.5% and W 6.5%. The favorable WSW swell direction jumps to 3.0%, and SW adds 1.7% - meaningful for a beach that loves westerly-to-southwesterly groundswell. December also has more S/SE windswell in the table than the preceding months, which can occasionally line up with an easterly offshore wind for a fun, cross-shore bank session.
Wind direction is split fairly evenly around the compass. The offshore quadrant is well represented, with ENE 10.9%, NNE 7.9%, NE 7.2% and N 5.9%, while NNW remains common at 13.3%. Ideal wind is at 46%. The air is cold, averaging 13.8°C, and water is 15.5°C, so a thick wetsuit is non-negotiable. Precipitation runs high at 2.67 mm/day. When a strong Atlantic low lines up with a N/NE offshore breeze and a solid W/SW swell, December can offer some of the most memorable, heavy sessions Carcavelos sees all year.
Average Spot conditions at Carcavelos in December
Swell history for December
Wind history for December
Swell quality
Analyze the groundswell consistency at Carcavelos during December. Based on historical data, there is a % probability of groundswell occurring this month. The chart below provides a detailed breakdown of the average wave height distribution, offering deep insights into the swell quality and surf potential you can expect at Carcavelos for your next trip in December.
Ground swell
Ground swell by size
Wind conditions
Evaluate the wind and swell alignment at Carcavelos for December. Our analysis shows that favorable offshore or side-shore winds coincide with surfable swell approximately % of the time. The accompanying graph illustrates the average size distribution of waves during these optimal wind windows at Carcavelos.