Map
Bico - surf spot statistics
Bico seasonal overview
Best Surf Season (October - March)
The North Atlantic winter machine is in full swing during these months, delivering consistent, powerful swell from the W-NW quadrant. Average wave heights range from 1.7m to 2.0m with long periods (12-13s), meaning pumping, firing conditions at Bico`s NW-facing beach. Offshore wind frequencies are at their highest, with 29-42% of the time blowing from the E through SSW quadrants, often associated with high pressure over continental Europe. Storms track across the North Atlantic, generating XL groundswells that wrap into Bico with epic, heavy power. This is prime time for experienced surfers to chase barrels and big waves.
Fair Surf Season (April - May)
As spring arrives, the North Atlantic storm track shifts northward, reducing the frequency and intensity of swell. Average wave heights drop to 1.2-1.5m with periods around 10-11s, offering fun, good, rippable conditions when the swell aligns. Offshore wind percentages decrease to 15-19%, but lighter wind regimes are common. The swell direction remains dominated by NW and WNW, but wind patterns become more variable with increased northerly and northwesterly breezes, which are onshore and detrimental at Bico. April and May can still deliver excellent sessions, especially with a negative NAO phase steering lows further south.
Low Surf Season (June - September)
Summer in the North Atlantic is generally quiet for surf. Swell heights average 1.0-1.1m with short periods (8.7-10.5s), resulting in small, groveling waves for the most part. The dominant swell direction becomes NW, but the energy is low. Offshore wind percentages drop to a meager 4-15%, with persistent northerly and northwesterly winds (sea breeze and trade wind influence) that wreak havoc on wave quality. The summer months are characterized by choppy, messy conditions. Only occasional late-season tropical storm swells or early autumn cold fronts can bring punchy waves, but consistent quality is rare. This is the time for longboarders and beginners, or a season to travel.
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Conditions at Bico in March
March: Transition and Power
March sees a slight easing as spring approaches, with average swell 1.7m and period 12.4s. The swell spectrum is still dominated by WNW (31.9%) and NW (31.3%), with plenty of 1-2.5m waves. Offshore wind frequency drops to 29%, but when it blows from the SW-SSE quadrant, the waves are fun, good and clean. Increasing northerly winds (15.8% from N, 14.9% from NNW) are a sign of the seasonal transition, often bringing onshore flow. March offers the last reliable chance for heavy winter surf before the summer lull.
Average Spot conditions at Bico in March
Swell history for March
Wind history for March
Swell quality
Analyze the groundswell consistency at Bico during March. Based on historical data, there is a % probability of groundswell occurring this month. The chart below provides a detailed breakdown of the average wave height distribution, offering deep insights into the swell quality and surf potential you can expect at Bico for your next trip in March.
Ground swell
Ground swell by size
Wind conditions
Evaluate the wind and swell alignment at Bico for March. Our analysis shows that favorable offshore or side-shore winds coincide with surfable swell approximately % of the time. The accompanying graph illustrates the average size distribution of waves during these optimal wind windows at Bico.