Alvor - surf spot statistics

Best Surf Season (October - March)

The North Atlantic flexes its muscles during these months, with deep low-pressure systems tracking across the mid-latitudes and sending consistent, long-period swell toward the Algarve coast. Alvor's SSW orientation becomes a magnet for SW to S groundswells, often arriving with 10-14s periods and heights in the 1-2m range. The offshore wind window from the N to NNW quadrant blows clean and frequent, thanks to a well-established Azores High and cold fronts sliding south. This combo delivers some of the best, most reliable surf of the year. Expect pumping sessions from October through March, with January and December often topping the charts for both size and consistency.

Fair Surf Season (April & September)

Transition months mark a shift in the Atlantic storm track. Swell energy dips modestly, averaging 1.1m in April and 0.8m in September, but periods remain respectable in the 10-11s range. The wind regime becomes more fickle—ideal offshore days from the north occur roughly a third of the time, while warmer land temperatures can trigger afternoon sea breezes. However, when a late-season or early-autumn storm aligns with a northerly wind, Alvor can still offer fun, ripable waves with fewer crowds than the peak season.

Low Surf Season (May - August)

Summer settles in with the Azores High dominating, flattening the swell window significantly. Average heights drop below 1m, periods shorten to 8-9s, and the swell often comes from the NW — a direction that struggles to wrap effectively into Alvor's SSW-facing beach. The wind pattern holds a silver lining: thermal-driven offshore flow from the north-northwest kicks in on many afternoons, but the wave size rarely exceeds 'groveler' territory. For the dedicated surfer, it's a time to chase small-wave gear and early morning glass-offs before the sea breeze builds.

May: Small Swell, Summer Approach

May is the beginning of the low season, with average swell height dropping to 0.9m and period shortening to 9.6s. The dominant swell direction is NW (35%), which is far from ideal for Alvor. However, a growing share of W (14%) and WNW (28%) does bring some small, rideable pulses. Wind ideal percentage sits at 31%, with NNW (19%) and NW (18%) making up the majority of offshore flow. This month is best suited for longboarders or those on foils. Focus on early mornings when the thermal gradient is weakest — the north wind often holds until midday, then turns onshore SW in the afternoon. An occasional south swell from distant cyclones can provide a welcome spike of fun-sized waves.