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 May, Aterro experiences a manageable swell with an average height of 1.0m and a solid period of 10.3s, indicating well-spaced and somewhat powerful waves. The dominant swell directions are W and WNW, contributing to most waves in the 0.5–1.5m range, with occasional larger sets exceeding 2m. Wind conditions are generally favorable, with ideal surfing winds occurring 22% of the time. The most common winds are light to moderate (0–20kph) from the NW, WNW, and WSW, but stronger winds (20–40kph) occasionally come from the N or NW, which could create choppy conditions. Overall, May offers decent surf with clean conditions when the winds cooperate, best suited for intermediate to advanced surfers who can handle varying swell sizes and occasional onshore wind disruptions.