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.

In March, Arpoador offers fairly consistent surf conditions with an average swell height of 1.1m and a solid period of 10.4s, indicating well-spaced, clean waves. The majority of swell comes from southerly directions (S, SSE, SE), providing the best quality—especially in the 1-2m range, which accounts for a significant portion of the swell distribution. Small to mid-sized waves (0.5-1.5m) dominate, making it suitable for intermediate surfers, while larger sets (1.5-2.5m) are still frequent enough for more advanced riders. Wind conditions are favorable 51% of the time, with light to moderate speeds (10-20kph) from NE to SE directions, which typically offer clean or slightly textured faces. Stronger winds (20-30kph) occasionally come from ESE but are less frequent. Overall, March delivers reliable waves with good shape and decent wind conditions for most sessions, though early mornings often provide the cleanest surf before breezes pick up.