Amado - surf spot statistics

Amado, Portugal, is a consistent surf spot with year-round swell, but the best conditions typically occur during the winter months. From November through March, the swell is dominated by powerful ground swells, averaging between 1.8m and 2.1m, with January and December offering the largest waves. These months also have the highest percentage of ground swell (74-90%), ensuring clean, well-organized waves. However, wind conditions are less favorable during this period, with only 20-25% of days providing good offshore or light winds—meaning surfers will frequently contend with onshore or strong crosswinds. Spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October) bring transitional conditions, with ground swells decreasing but still present (40-64%). Swell size drops to 1.3-1.6m, and wind conditions improve slightly, though they remain mostly unfavorable (17-26% good wind days). The summer months (June-August) see the weakest conditions, dominated by wind swells (70-81%) and smaller waves (1.1m). Winds are still predominantly poor, making it a less reliable season for quality surf. For advanced surfers seeking the biggest and cleanest waves, winter is prime time despite the challenging winds. Surfers preferring milder conditions with slightly better wind odds should target September, October, or April, when the swell is still decent but not as overwhelming. Summer is best suited for beginners or those willing to compromise on wave quality for warmer water and smaller surf.

December in Amado offers solid surf conditions with an average swell height of 2.1m and a consistent period of 12.4s, producing powerful, well-organized waves. The best swell directions come from the WNW and NW, dominating with heights often in the 1.5-2.5m range, making up a significant portion of the swell distribution. These directions provide clean, defined waves, though larger sets (over 2.5m) are less frequent. Winds are the main variable, with only 24% of days offering ideal offshore or light cross-shore conditions. The predominant winds come from the N, NNE, and NE, often blowing 10-30kph, which can create choppy or bumpy surfaces. However, when winds shift to the E or SE, they occasionally lighten up, improving conditions. Stronger winds (20-50kph) from northerly and easterly directions are common, impacting wave quality. For experienced surfers, December delivers powerful, well-sized surf, especially during clean wind windows, but expect inconsistent conditions due to wind interference.