Cabo Ledo - surf spot statistics

Best Surf Season (May - August)

The southern winter unleashes the most consistent and powerful south swells upon the Angolan coast. From May through August, average wave heights hold steady at a solid 1.3m and periods climb to 12.8–13.0s, delivering a punchy, long-period groundswell that wraps around the headlands into Cabo Ledo's NW-facing bay. The dominant wind flow from the SSE through WSW quadrant is strongly offshore, grooming the faces into clean, rippable lines nearly 70% of the time. These are the months to plan your trip for maximum swell consistency and glassy conditions.

Fair Surf Season (April, September - October)

During the shoulder months of April and September–October, the swell engine eases slightly: heights dip to 1.2m and periods settle around 12.2–12.6s. However, April stands out with an exceptional 77% of ideal offshore winds, often delivering silky, groomed waves despite slightly smaller energy. September and October see a rise in south-southwest windswell mixing with longer-period groundswell, keeping the surf lively. While the peak winter punch is absent, these months offer pleasant, often uncrowded waves with favourable conditions for a long session.

Low Surf Season (November - March)

The late spring through early autumn months – November to March – represent the low season for Cabo Ledo. Average wave heights drop to 1.0–1.1m and period eases to 11.9–12.0s, producing smaller, less powerful swells. The swell direction remains stubbornly in the SSW–SW quadrant, and without any north-west groundswell reaching this stretch of coast, the waves can be inconsistent and soft. Offshore winds still blow a respectable 65–69% of the time, keeping conditions clean when there is energy, but you'll be groveling on a longboard more often than not. If you do visit, keep expectations modest and enjoy the warm water and empty lineups.

March: Building Autumn Energy

As autumn begins, swell height ticks up to 1.1m and period extends to 12.3s, signalling the transition toward the winter season. Swell continues from the SSW (55.6%) and SW (44.4%), with the 1–1.5m range becoming more prominent (32.5% and 25.1% respectively). Ideal wind blows 68% of the time, mainly from S, SSW, and SW. The stronger offshore flow (10–20kph) keeps the faces smooth. While still nothing from the north-west, the longer period now delivers a more powerful, lined-up wave. A good month for progressive surfing on a standard shortboard – not epic, but solidly fun.