Conditions at Esposende in December
December: Peak Season Consolidation
December completes the winter lock-in. Average swell height is 2.6m (8.5ft), the period is a powerful 12.3s, and the Atlantic is delivering consistent, heavy groundswell from the W/NW spectrum. The swell rose is led by NW (17.3%), WNW (16.1%), W (7.0%), NNW (6.3%) and WSW (3.5%), giving Esposende a slightly more westerly mix than mid-winter months but one that still hits the beach with full force.
This is the cleanest month of the year statistically, with ideal winds at 53%. The wind rose shows strong easterly influence: E (13.6%), ESE (8.6%), ENE (7.1%) and SE (6.5%), alongside S (8.0%) and SSE (8.2%) flows. These are classic land-breeze patterns that hold the surf smooth between passing cold fronts. Water temp is 13.6°C, air averages 10.6°C and rainfall is high at 4.67 mm/day. December is for committed surfers chasing cold, powerful, occasionally pumping beachbreak waves. A 4/3 hooded wetsuit, thick booties and plenty of courage are required.
Average Spot conditions at Esposende in December
Swell history for December
Wind history for December
Swell quality
Analyze the groundswell consistency at Esposende 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 Esposende for your next trip in December.
Ground swell
Ground swell by size
Wind conditions
Evaluate the wind and swell alignment at Esposende 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 Esposende.