Canide Norte - surf spot statistics

Best Surf Season (October - March)

The North Atlantic firing squad is in full effect. During these months, average swell heights consistently top 1.4m with long periods above 11s, primarily from the W-NW quadrants. The Portuguese coastline becomes a magnet for powerful groundswells generated by intense extratropical cyclones tracking across the Atlantic. Importantly, a high percentage of offshore wind events (up to 48% in December) from the SW-WNW directions create pristine, glassy conditions at Canide Norte. When the jet stream aligns and a strong Azores High extends east, the result is clean, pulsing WNW groundswell wrapping perfectly into the bay. This is prime time for consistent, quality surf.

Fair Surf Season (April, May, September)

As the seasons transition, the frequency and intensity of Atlantic storms decrease. Swell heights average between 1.1m and 1.3m, with periods in the 10-11s range—still rideable but lacking the power of winter. Winds become more variable, with a higher prevalence of northerly and northwesterly components that are often onshore or cross-shore. However, occasional injections of longer period swell from distant storms can still produce fun surf, especially in September when the first autumn lows begin to form. Patience is key during these months.

Low Surf Season (June - August)

Summer settles in and the surf goes into a lull. Average swell heights drop to around 0.9m with periods under 10s, predominantly short-period NW and WNW windswell. The dominant wind pattern is from the north-northwest (NNW), which blows directly onshore at Canide Norte, chopping up what little swell exists. Offshore wind from the SW-WNW is rare, occurring less than 15% of the time. Expect small, weak, and often messy conditions. This is the time for gear adjustments or alternative activities.

May: Summer Preview

May provides a glimpse of the approaching summer lull. Average swell height dips to 1.1m, and the period drops to 9.9s, signifying a shift toward shorter-period windswell. The distribution remains heavy in WNW (38.5%) and NW (34.8%), but these are often lacking the power and consistency of winter. Ideal wind becomes scarce at 21%, with the wind regime increasingly influenced by high pressure. NNW winds dominate (22.1%), creating persistent onshore conditions. The surf becomes small and often messy, though early morning sea breezes can occasionally provide a clean window. A groveler or longboard will be your best friend this month.