Altura - surf spot statistics

Altura, Portugal, offers the most consistent surf conditions during the winter months, particularly from November to February. During this period, the swell activity is at its peak, with ground swell percentages improving significantly—up to 21% in January and 20% in December—while wind swell contributes an additional 35-42%. The average swell size hovers around 0.7m, occasionally reaching up to 0.8m in December, providing the most rideable waves of the year. However, wind conditions remain challenging, with bad onshore winds (87-89%) dominating, making clean sessions a rarity. Spring (March-April) sees a decline in ground swell but still maintains decent wind swell activity (41-48%), though wind conditions remain unfavorable. Summer (May-September) is the least consistent, with minimal ground swell (0-4%), weak wind swell (25-45%), and very high percentages of flat days (61-74%). The swell size drops to 0.4-0.6m, and wind conditions worsen further (90-94% bad winds). Autumn (October-November) marks a gradual return of swell energy, with ground swell increasing to 6-9% and wind swell around 37-43%, but wind quality remains poor. For experienced surfers, the best windows are likely in late autumn and early winter when swell consistency improves despite the persistent onshore winds. If you prioritize quality over frequency, December stands out with the largest average swell size and slightly better wind odds (13% clean conditions). Summer is only suitable for beginners due to small, weak waves, while winter offers the most powerful—albeit inconsistent—surf.

January at this surf spot in Altura, Portugal, offers relatively small but consistent conditions for surfers. The average swell height is 0.7m with a decent period of 9.5s, indicating workable but not particularly powerful waves. The dominant swell directions come from the west (W, WSW), contributing the largest share of waves, particularly in the 0.5-1.5m range. While smaller swells (0-0.5m) are frequent, there’s still a reasonable chance of 1-2m waves, especially from WSW and SW directions. Larger waves over 2m are rare but possible from SW and WSW, though they make up a very small percentage. Wind conditions are less favorable, with only 13% of the time offering ideal offshore or light wind conditions for surfing. The prevailing winds come from the NNE to ENE, often blowing at 10-30kph, which can create onshore or cross-shore chop, reducing wave quality. Stronger winds (20-40kph) are not uncommon, particularly from northern and eastern directions, further limiting good surf sessions. Overall, January provides rideable waves for intermediate surfers, especially when swells from WSW or SW align with lighter winds. However, expect smaller, less powerful conditions and frequent wind interference, making it a hit-or-miss month for scoring clean, well-shaped waves.