Amado - surf spot statistics

Best Surf Season (October - March)

The North Atlantic is fully awake from October through March, delivering consistent, powerful swell to Amado's west-northwest facing beach. Average wave heights range from 1.8m in October to a peak of 2.4m in December, January, and February, with long-period groundswells averaging 11-13 seconds. The combination of deep low-pressure systems tracking across the Atlantic and a favorable NAO pattern funnels swell from the WSW through NW bands directly into the bay. Ideal offshore wind conditions (from ONO, O, OSO, SO) occur 22-29% of the time, often during post-frontal high-pressure setups with crisp, clear skies. This is prime time for pumping surf in the 1.5-2.5m range, with occasional XL days exceeding 2.5m for the charger crew.

Fair Surf Season (April - May & September)

As the winter storm track begins to retreat in spring, swells become less consistent but still offer quality sessions. April averages 1.9m with a period of 11.1s, while May drops to 1.6m and 9.8s. September sees a noticeable uptick as autumn gets underway, with averages of 1.5m and 10.4s. These months are characterized by a mix of fading winter groundswells and building summer windswells. Ideal wind windows narrow to 11-15% of the time, but when they align, the waves can be fun, rippable and clean. North to northwest windswell often dominates, but a solid W or WSW groundswell with light offshore winds can produce epic sessions.

Low Surf Season (June - August)

Summer is the quietest period at Amado. Average swell heights drop to just 1.4m and periods shorten to 8-9 seconds, indicative of weak, short-period windswell. The vast majority of the energy comes from the NW and NNW quadrants, often with onshore winds from the same directions, creating choppy, messy conditions. Ideal offshore wind conditions occur a mere 5-8% of the time, mostly during early morning land-breeze setups from the E/NE quadrant. While persistent small waves and light winds might appeal to beginners, experienced surfers will find the surf groveling at best. This is the season to explore other breaks or plan trips to the southern hemisphere.

January: Peak Winter Power

January is the heart of the North Atlantic winter. The average swell height sits at 2.4m with a 13.1s period, meaning long-period, powerful groundswells dominate. The swell direction distribution shows that NW (27.5%) and WNW (16.9%) are the primary sources, both directly hitting Amado's west-northwest exposure. Wave heights in the 1.5-2.5m range account for over 40% of observations, with significant XL energy exceeding 2.5m (3.1% total). Wind is ideal 28% of the time, often linked to high-pressure wedges that deliver offshore breezes from the ONO, O, OSO, SO directions. However, the prevalence of N and NNW winds (over 24% combined) can degrade conditions, especially when strong. For the surfer, this month offers frequent pumping to firing waves when the wind cooperates – a true winter gold mine.