Alibaba - surf spot statistics

Best Surf Season (November - February)

The North Atlantic cyclone machine hits full stride from late autumn through winter, feeding the Cape Verde archipelago with consistent, long-period groundswell. While the predominant swell direction at Alibaba is from the north-northeast—less than ideal for this southwest-facing beach—it is during these months that the swell energy is at its peak (average periods of 11-12 seconds, heights 2.0-2.3m). More importantly, the occasional pulse from the NW quadrant (especially in December and January) can wrap around the island's western points, delivering clean, powerful waves when the stars align. Offshore wind frequencies hover between 11% and 21%, but when the NE trade wind lightens or shifts to a pure east component, conditions become truly glassy. This is the window for the rare but memorable session.

Fair Surf Season (March, September, October)

Transitional months see the North Atlantic storm track begin to shift, reducing average swell heights to 1.8-2.2m and periods to 10-11 seconds. The wind regime remains dominated by the NE trades, with ideal offshore conditions occurring 12-38% of the time. However, the swell direction stays stubbornly north-northeast, so the same wrap-dependent surf prevails. March offers slightly better wind consistency, while October sees a noticeable jump in swell period as the autumn storms reload. These months provide the best compromise between decent swell size and workable wind for the patient surfer.

Low Surf Season (April - August)

From spring into early summer, the North Atlantic high-pressure system calcifies, suppressing storm activity and reducing swell heights to 1.4-2.0m with periods dropping below 9 seconds. Even though the NE trade winds blow strong and consistent—especially in July and August when ideal offshore wind tops 48%—the swell is simply too small and short-period to wrap effectively around the island's terrain. The result is a long stretch of flat to tiny, powerless waves that rarely break with any form. Occasional pulses of NW windswell in June offer brief, knee-high relief, but overall this is the time to explore other spots on the island or save the airfare.

January: Peak Power, Rare Windows

January delivers the biggest swell of the year at Alibaba, averaging 2.3m at a long 11.6s period. The dominant swell source is the NNE (26.5%) and N (10.1%), with a notable 1.8% from the NW quadrant—your best bet for rideable waves. The NW component can wrap around the northern headland and hit the beach with surprising shape if the period exceeds 12s. Wind statistics show the NE trade howling at 20-40 kph (59.5% from NE), which means offshore conditions from the east-northeast are frequent but gusty. Only 11% of the time is wind truly ideal (light and from NNO-ONO). Surfable days are rare, but when a NW swell coincides with a morning east wind, you can score 1-2m clean, grinding peaks. Bring a step-up board and be ready to pull the trigger fast.