Conditions at Moledo do Minho in January
January: Deep-Winter Atlantic Punch
January delivers the full North Atlantic heavyweight program. The average swell checks in at a solid 8-9ft (2.5-2.7m), with an average period of 12.9s, placing it squarely in the powerful long-period category. Swell data shows the waves arrive almost exclusively from the optimal W, WNW and NW quadrant, with WNW at 19.1% and NW at 14.3% leading the way, and a healthy chunk of energy in the 5-8ft (1.5-2.5m) and 8ft-plus (2.5m+) ranges. Deep low pressure west of Ireland and Biscay is the engine; when the storm tracks align, Moledo turns heavy and jacking.
Wind is the key dynamic. Offshore east/southeast flow, covering the ONO, O, OSO and SO directions, occurs often enough to keep the surf rideable, with ideal winds showing up 54% of the month. Onshore NW/N surfaces during the passing lows, but the continental high usually rebounds with cold, dry east wind. With air temperatures around 9.1C, water at 13.2C and average rain near 4.7mm/day, this is hardcore 5/4mm hooded wetsuit territory. Bring your biggest board and deepest respect.
Average Spot conditions at Moledo do Minho in January
Swell history for January
Wind history for January
Swell quality
Analyze the groundswell consistency at Moledo do Minho during January. 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 January.
Ground swell
Ground swell by size
Wind conditions
Evaluate the wind and swell alignment at Moledo do Minho for January. 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.