Conditions at Ria Formosa in January
January: The Deep-Winter Engine
January is one of the strongest months of the year for Ria Formosa, and the numbers back it up: average swell height 3.3ft (1.0m), average period 11.7s and ideal offshore wind conditions 33 percent of the time. The wave rose is topped by WNW and W energy, but the WSW (11.8 percent) and SW (5.5 percent) sectors are what really turn this southwest-facing coast on. Deep North Atlantic lows can produce powerful 10-14s groundswell, and when a cold front clears and northerly to northeasterly winds fill in, the beachies can line up with clean 3-5ft (0.9-1.5m) surf. Air temperatures average just 12.9°C with 1.84mm/day of rain and sea surface temperature at 15.8°C, so it is still proper winter: break out the thick suit and make the most of the best statistical window of the year.
Average Spot conditions at Ria Formosa in January
Swell history for January
Wind history for January
Swell quality
Analyze the groundswell consistency at Ria Formosa 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 Ria Formosa for your next trip in January.
Ground swell
Ground swell by size
Wind conditions
Evaluate the wind and swell alignment at Ria Formosa 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 Ria Formosa.