Map
Reef
Today's Surf Conditions at Reef
Spot Conditions Map
Hover over the hourly chart columns to update the wind & swell direction overlays on the map.
Today's Surf & Wind Forecast (Hourly)
Loading forecast text...
Spot Overview & Description
Reef is a notoriously fickle right-hand reef break that unloads over a shallow, uneven shelf scattered with sea urchins. Its wave is short but explosive, jacking up out of deep water and pitching onto the jagged rock slab with raw power. When everything lines up—the right swell angle, the right tide, and a forgiving wind—it delivers Ericeira’s most hollow, critical barrel. This spot is strictly for experienced surfers who can handle its abrupt takeoffs, razor-sharp bottom, and fleeting, high-performance windows.
Best Surf Season & Climatology
Best Surf Season (October - March)
The North Atlantic winter machine is in full swing from October through March, delivering consistent, powerful swell to this west-facing reef. Average wave heights range from 2.0 to 2.6m with periods often exceeding 12 seconds, providing the long-period, pumping surf this spot is known for. While wind conditions are not always perfect, the percentage of ideal offshore flow from the WNW, W, WSW, and SW quadrants climbs above 20%, with December peaking at 25%. When a strong low-pressure system spins up in the North Atlantic and we get a clean breeze from these directions, the reef absolutely fires.
Fair Surf Season (April, May, September)
Transition months bring a mix of leftover winter energy and the first hints of summer. Swell heights average between 1.6 and 2.0m, with periods dropping to the 10-11 second range. The wind becomes less reliable, with ideal conditions occurring only 10-14% of the time. Still, occasional groundswell from late-season storms can light up the spot, especially in September when the Atlantic starts to stir again.
Low Surf Season (June - August)
Summer settles in with a marked drop in swell energy. Average heights hover around 1.4-1.5m, periods in the 8-9 second range, and ideal wind conditions drop to a meager 3-6% of the time. Dominant north/northwest winds keep the spot often choppy and onshore. However, if you catch a rare WNW or W breeze during a small northwest swell, the waves can clean up for some rippable summer fun.
Detailed Surf Information for Reef
Detailed Surf Forecast
Access our detailed 8-day swell and wind forecast charts for Reef with tidal graphs, period ranges, and daily forecast text summaries.
Swell & Wind Statistics
Explore historical swell consistency, wave heights, and offshore wind windows month-by-month, compiled from over 40 years of data.
Historical Surf Report
Browse the historical database archives to view past wave reports and understand spot climatology during specific years and months.
