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.

June at Amado offers generally manageable surf conditions with an average swell height of 1.1m and a decent period of 9.4s, providing consistent, rideable waves. The most dominant swell directions come from the WNW and NW, which make up the majority of the waves, particularly in the 0.5-2.5m range, ensuring a good mix of smaller, playful waves and occasional larger sets. The WSW and W directions also contribute, though less frequently. Wind conditions are a mixed bag, with only 17% of days offering ideal offshore or light cross-shore winds, primarily from the NE to E sectors. The prevailing winds tend to be from the NW and NNW, which can create choppy or onshore conditions at times, particularly in the 10-30kph range. Surfers should watch for rare stronger wind gusts from the NNW, which can further deteriorate conditions. Overall, June provides a fair amount of surfable days, especially when the winds cooperate, but patience and flexibility will be key to scoring the best sessions.