Alvor - surf spot statistics

Alvor in Portugal offers surfable conditions year-round, but the best months for surfers seeking quality waves and favorable winds are typically from October to March. During this period, ground swell dominates, with percentages ranging from 62% in October and April to 88% in January, ensuring more consistent and powerful waves. The mean swell size is also larger, averaging 1.4m to 1.9m, with the biggest waves occurring in January, February, and December (1.9m). Wind conditions are less ideal, with bad winds (onshore or cross-shore) prevailing around 65-70% of the time, but there are still plenty of rideable days with good offshore winds (30-35%). The shoulder months of September and April can still provide decent surf, albeit with smaller swells (1.1m-1.5m) and slightly better wind conditions (38% good winds in September). From May to August, the surf quality drops significantly as wind swells take over, resulting in smaller, less consistent waves (1.0m-1.2m) despite marginally better wind conditions (33-36% good winds). July and August see the highest wind swell influence (81% and 74%) but remain the worst months for serious surfers due to weak swells. Overall, winter months (November-February) are prime for experienced surfers chasing solid ground swells, while intermediate surfers may find late autumn (October) and early spring (March-April) more forgiving.

In June, Alvor offers generally mellow but surfable conditions with an average swell height of 1.0m and a decent average period of 9.3s, indicating organized, well-spaced waves. The dominant swell directions are WNW and NW, which produce the most consistent waves, especially in the 0.5-2m range, with smaller contributions from WSW and W. Larger swells (1.5-2.5m) occur but are less frequent, making it suitable for intermediate surfers. Wind conditions are favorable 33% of the time, with lighter winds from the N to E quadrants providing cleaner waves, while stronger NW and NNW winds can create choppiness. Overall, expect mostly small to medium-sized waves with occasional bigger sets, best suited for relaxed sessions or progression-focused surfing rather than high-performance days.