Campelo - surf spot statistics

Best Surf Season (October - March)

The North Atlantic powers up in autumn, delivering consistent, long-period swell from the NW to WNW quadrant throughout these months. Average wave heights range from 2.6m in March to a peak of 3.0m in January, with periods averaging 12-13s – that's powerful, lined-up groundswell. The wind is favorable 30-35% of the time, often from the SW to S quadrants, creating clean offshore conditions at Campelo's NW-facing beach. Cold fronts and low-pressure systems track across the Atlantic, providing a non-stop conveyor belt of quality surf. This is the prime window for serious size and shape.

Fair Surf Season (April and September)

Transition months see a decline in average swell energy as the jet stream shifts north. In April, the average swell drops to 2.1m at 10.9s, while September sees 1.7m at 10.4s. These months still offer fun, rippable waves with a good chance of offshore winds (27-31% ideal). Swell directions remain predominately NW-WNW, but with less consistency. April can still see solid pulses from late-season storms, while September marks the beginning of the autumn ramp-up. Expect a mix of clean, punchy days and smaller, weaker periods.

Low Surf Season (May - August)

Summer settles in with the smallest average swell of the year. Heights dip to 1.3m in July and periods shorten to 8.8-10.0s, resulting in less powerful, often crumbly waves. The wind is ideal only 18-26% of the time, with the persistent NE trade winds blowing across the coast – these are onshore or cross-shore, messing up the wave quality. Though the NW swell window remains active, the energy is lower and the window for clean conditions narrows. Surfable days exist but require careful timing of the southerly breezes.

August: Slight Uptick

August sees a minor rebound: average swell height 1.4m, period 9.1s. Swell direction remains NW-heavy (31.4%), with WNW (21.4%) and NNW (18.9%) also significant. Most waves are in the 0.5-2m range – small, fun-sized to good, rippable when conditions align. Ideal wind improves slightly to 21%. NE winds (19.1%) are still dominant, but stronger S to SW flows (SW 6.9%, SSW 5.9%) become more frequent than in July. Late August can hint at autumn's return as the first distant hurricanes send pulses of longer-period swell into the Atlantic. Patience and a sharp eye on the buoy data pay off.