Amoreira - surf spot statistics

Amoreira in Portugal offers surfable conditions year-round, but the best months for quality waves and favorable wind conditions are typically from October through March. During this period, ground swell dominates (64-90%), providing powerful, clean waves with mean swell sizes ranging from 1.5m to 2.0m, peaking in January and December. Wind conditions are far from perfect, but late autumn and winter still have the highest percentages of good winds (22-25%) compared to the rest of the year. The worst months for surfing are June, July, and August, when wind swell becomes predominant (70-81%), wave size drops to 1.0-1.1m, and bad wind conditions prevail (83-84%). Spring (April-May) and early autumn (September) serve as transition periods, with declining ground swell influence but manageable wave heights. If you’re looking for consistency and size, target the winter months, but be prepared for challenging winds—October and November offer a slightly better balance of swell and wind conditions compared to deep winter. Summer is best avoided unless you’re after small, less predictable waves.

May at Amoreira offers decent surf conditions with an average swell height of 1.3m and a solid period of 10.1s, providing consistent, well-formed waves. The primary swell directions are NW and WNW, which make up the bulk of the surfable waves, particularly in the 1-2.5m range, indicating reliable mid-size swells. WSW and SW swells also contribute, though with slightly less consistency. Wind conditions are somewhat mixed, with only 17% of days offering ideal offshore or light winds—most commonly from the E to NE sectors. However, stronger onshore winds (NW, NNW, and W) occur frequently, which can degrade wave quality. Overall, May delivers surfable waves regularly, but wind conditions will be the limiting factor, requiring careful timing for the best sessions. Experienced surfers will find opportunities, especially when winds align favorably.