Arpoador - surf spot statistics

Arpoador, Brazil, offers relatively consistent surf year-round, but the best conditions typically occur from February to August. During these months, ground swell percentages rise significantly, peaking in May (59%) and remaining strong through June and July (59% and 51%, respectively). Ground swells tend to produce cleaner, more organized waves compared to wind swells, which dominate the rest of the year. The mean swell size also increases during this period, averaging 1.1m to 1.3m, providing a good balance of power and rideability. Wind conditions are most favorable from January to June, with the highest likelihood of good winds in February (55%) and a steady decline from July onward. September through November sees the worst wind conditions, with onshore winds becoming more frequent (59-63% bad winds). While summer months (December-January) have smaller swell sizes (0.9m-1.0m) and higher wind swell influence, they still offer surfable waves, particularly when the ground swell component is present. For the most reliable surf with cleaner conditions, mid-year months (May-July) stand out due to the strong ground swell presence and manageable wind probabilities. However, those seeking smaller waves can still find opportunities in the shoulder seasons, though with greater variability in wind quality.

April at Arpoador offers generally favorable conditions for surfers, with an average swell height of 1.2m and a solid period of 10.7s, indicating well-spaced, powerful waves. The swell direction is predominantly from the south, with the highest frequency in the S (12.1%), SSE (10.6%), and SE (6.6%) directions. Most waves fall in the 0.5–2.5m range, providing a good spread of rideable conditions—especially in the 1–1.5m (20.98% S) and 1.5–2m (9.66% S) categories, which are ideal for intermediate to advanced surfers. Larger sets (2–2.5m) occur but are less frequent (3.53% S). Wind conditions are decent, with 50% of days offering favorable winds for surfing. Light to moderate winds (0–20kph) dominate from the N, NE, and E directions, though stronger winds (ESE 10–30kph, 4.66–3.57%) can occasionally create chop. Expect clean to slightly textured conditions, with the best sessions likely during lighter wind periods, especially when swells from the S-SSE combine with offshore or light cross-shore winds. Overall, April delivers consistent, quality waves with manageable wind interference.