Conditions at Cova da Alfarroba in April
April: Solid NW Swell Under a North Wind Influx
April is the transition month where the ocean begins to lose its winter bite. Average swell drops to 7ft (2.1m) and the period settles to 11.2 seconds - still a solid, rideable long-period swell, but with noticeably less horsepower than January. The swell direction remains excellent: NW (25%), NNW (20%) and WNW (20%) combine for a huge slice of the wave rose. The problem is wind. The sea breeze becomes active and the northerly gradient strengthens; NNW wind blows 29% of the time and NW contributes another 10%, leaving ideal south/southwest offshore flow at just 20%. Expect more afternoon onshores, though mornings and southerly wind days can deliver clean, rippable 5-7ft surf. Air temperature averages 14.5°C, water 15.3°C, and spring rain is moderate at 2.08mm/day.
Average Spot conditions at Cova da Alfarroba in April
Swell history for April
Wind history for April
Swell quality
Analyze the groundswell consistency at Cova da Alfarroba during April. 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 Cova da Alfarroba for your next trip in April.
Ground swell
Ground swell by size
Wind conditions
Evaluate the wind and swell alignment at Cova da Alfarroba for April. 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 Cova da Alfarroba.