Almagreira - surf spot statistics

Best Surf Season (October - March)

The North Atlantic delivers its full fury during this window, with average swell heights consistently above 2.5m and periods often exceeding 12s. Powerful extratropical cyclones track across the basin, firing long-period NW to NNW groundswells straight into Almagreira's NNW-facing beach. The winter months also see the highest percentage of ideal offshore winds—peaking at 31% in December—as high pressure over the Iberian Peninsula often sets up a southerly flow. This is the prime time for pumping barrels and firing walls, especially when a strong Azores High aligns with a deep low northwest of Scotland. The NAO tends to be positive, enhancing the storm track and bringing consistent swell. Expect heavy sets in the 2-2.5m range and occasional XL days when the period pushes past 15s.

Fair Surf Season (April & September)

Transition months offer a mixed bag. April sees average swell drop to 2.1m with periods around 11s, but the dominant NW swell direction still contributes over 25% of the waves. However, northerly winds become more frequent, limiting clean conditions to just 16% of the time. September marks the start of the autumn ramp-up, with swell heights rebounding to 1.7m and periods increasing to 10.5s. While ideal wind percentages remain low (14%), the first big lows of the season can produce solid groundswells with sunny skies if a southerly breeze sets in. These months are rippable but inconsistent—watch for the right synoptic setup.

Low Surf Season (May - August)

Summer brings a dramatic lull. Average swell heights drop to 1.5-1.8m and periods fall into the average 8-9s range, offering mostly fun-sized to and groveling waves. The main culprit is the Azores High, which blocks Atlantic storm activity and drives persistent northerly winds. In June and July, northerly winds blow over 40% of the time, creating onshore, choppy conditions that destroy wave quality. Ideal offshore winds plummet to 4-9%. Swell is dominated by short-period NNW windswell from local sea breezes. While there are occasional punchy windows when a rare southerly wind aligns, summer is generally a time to travel or take up another sport. The few rideable days come from small NW pulses that sneak through the high pressure.

June: Small and Onshore – Patience Required

June brings the lowest average swell height of the year at 1.6m with a 9.2s period. The swell direction is overwhelmingly from the north quadrant: NNW (38.9%), NW (30.5%), and WNW (17.5%). These are predominantly short-period windswells, often choppy and messy due to the persistent northerly wind. N winds now blow an astonishing 36% of the time, many in the 20-30kph range. Ideal offshore winds drop to just 9%. Waves in the 0.5-1.5m range dominate, offering only groveling conditions on a good day. The rare southerly wind window (SSW, SW, WSW) accounts for only 10.6% of wind observations, but when it aligns with a weak NW swell, the beach can produce clean, fun-sized peaks. Summer surf at Almagreira is a challenge—check the buoys early and don't expect much.