Aterro - surf spot statistics

Aterro in Portugal offers consistent surf conditions throughout the year, but the best months for surfers typically fall between October and March. During this period, ground swell dominates, with percentages ranging from 62% in October to 89% in January, ensuring powerful and well-formed waves. The mean swell size is also most favorable, averaging between 1.3m and 1.7m, providing ideal wave heights for intermediate to advanced surfers. Wind conditions improve slightly in these months, with good wind days peaking at 43% in January and December, though offshore winds remain somewhat inconsistent. From April to September, conditions deteriorate as wind swells take over, reducing wave quality, and bad wind conditions dominate, often exceeding 70%. Swell size drops below 1.0m in summer, making it less reliable for serious surfers. While Aterro is surfable year-round, the winter and early spring months deliver the most consistent, high-quality waves with better wind alignment, making them the prime time for surfing at this spot.

In July, Aterro offers relatively small but consistent surf, with an average swell height of 0.9m and a decent period of 9.1s, indicating clean, well-spaced waves. The majority of the swell comes from WNW (32.9% of waves are 0.5-1m) and W (8.29% in the same range), with larger swells (1.5m+) more likely from NW and WNW, though these are less frequent (6.59% and 4.99% respectively). Wind conditions are only ideal 15% of the time, with lighter breezes from N to NNW being common but prone to stronger gusts, especially from WNW (7.11% in 10-20kph). Expect mostly knee-to-chest-high waves with the occasional bigger sets, but wind can be hit-or-miss—early mornings or late evenings may offer cleaner conditions. Best suited for longboarders or those happy with smaller, mellow waves, though patience is needed for the rare glassy days.