Conditions at Moledo do Minho in December
December: Peak Season Finale
December is the culmination of Moledo's big-wave year. The average swell stands at a powerful 8-9ft (2.5-2.6m), the period at 12.6s, and the beach is fully exposed to a relentless train of WNW/NW groundswell, with NW at 17.3%, WNW at 16.1%, W at 7.0% and NNW at 6.3%, plus a broader spread of SSW, SW and WSW local seas. The height distribution is loaded into the 5-8ft (1.5-2.5m) groundswell classes, with a healthy slice of over-8ft (2.5m+) sets, so you need to know how Moledo handles the size. On the best days, this is a pumping, barreling stretch of northwest Portugal.
The real gift is the wind. Ideal offshore conditions are at their yearly high of 56%, with the ENE/E/ESE/SE sector standing out strongly on the wind rose, the classic Iberian winter pattern of cold, dry east winds. Air temperatures hover near 9.9C, water drops to 13.6C, and precipitation at 5.2mm/day keeps the river pushing sand around. Thick wetsuits, early light, and a proper respect for the North Atlantic: this is the ultimate month for committed surfers.
Average Spot conditions at Moledo do Minho in December
Swell history for December
Wind history for December
Swell quality
Analyze the groundswell consistency at Moledo do Minho 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 Moledo do Minho for your next trip in December.
Ground swell
Ground swell by size
Wind conditions
Evaluate the wind and swell alignment at Moledo do Minho 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 Moledo do Minho.