Beliche - surf spot statistics

Best Surf Season (October - March)

The North Atlantic roars to life during these months, with average swell heights consistently above 2m and wave periods pushing past 12 seconds. The frequency of ideal offshore winds (N, NNE, NE, ENE) hovers between 25-33%, offering clean conditions when they align. While the dominant NW swell direction isn't optimal for Beliche's SSW-facing orientation, the occasional SW to S groundswell wraps into the bay with power and precision. When these systems couple with a north wind, the bay transforms into a world-class wave. Keep an eye on the NAO index—positive phases often funnel more southerly swell into the Portuguese south coast, turning good into great.

Fair Surf Season (April & September)

These transitional months offer a mixed bag. April still sees average swell heights near 1.9m and periods around 11s, but the percentage of ideal wind drops to 23%, and the swell energy shifts toward shorter-period NW windswell. September is the start of the autumn ramp-up: heights average 1.5m with periods climbing back to 10.4s, and ideal wind frequency jumps to 33%. The combo of building swell and improving wind stats makes September a sleeper month, especially for fun-sized morning sessions before the sea breeze kicks in.

Low Surf Season (May - August)

The summer lull sets in from May through August. Average swell heights bottom out at 1.4m and periods drop into the 8-10s range—mostly short-period windswell from the prevailing NW winds. The percentage of clean offshore wind days falls to 18-23%, and the dominant swell directions (NW, NNW) produce weak, choppy conditions that rarely favor the bay. However, don't write it off entirely: occasional small pulses from the SSW or SW can deliver fun, groveling waves on a longboard or fish, especially during early morning thermal winds. It's a great time for beginner lessons or logging, but not for chasing power.

September: The Autumn Awakening

September marks a clear turning point. The average swell height rises to 1.5m and the period jumps to 10.4s, indicating the return of more organized swell. While the NW (47.1%) and NNW (25.5%) still lead the pack, there's a notable increase in WNW (14.3%) and WSW (1.8%) swell—both of which can work for Beliche with the right angle. Best of all, ideal wind conditions shoot up to 33%, tied for the highest of the year. The N (18.6%) and NNW (32.6%) winds deliver clean, offshore flow on many mornings. Wind speeds are moderate, rarely exceeding 30 kph. The combination of improving swell period and reliable offshore wind makes September a prime month for fun, clean waves at Beliche. Expect chest-to-head-high days when a SSW pulse arrives—those are the sessions you'll remember.