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.

November at this spot offers relatively small but rideable conditions, with an average swell height of 0.7m and a decent period of 7.9s, suggesting some consistency in wave energy. The swell is predominantly from the W, WSW, and SW, contributing to a mix of smaller waves (mostly under 1.5m, with occasional larger sets up to 2.5m). These directions typically provide better-shaped waves for surfing at this location. However, the frequency of clean conditions is limited, with only 11% of days having ideal wind (likely light offshore or cross-offshore from the east quadrant). Winds are most frequently from the N to NW range, which can create onshore or cross-shore chop, particularly at higher speeds (10-30kph). Surfers should watch for windows when W/SW swells align with lighter E/NE winds for the best sessions, though larger days will be rare. Overall, November is workable for intermediate surfers but may lack consistency for advanced riders seeking powerful waves.