Cap Sim - surf spot statistics

Best Surf Season (November - February)

The heart of the North Atlantic winter delivers the most consistent and powerful swells to Cap Sim. With average heights hovering around 2.2-2.3m and periods frequently exceeding 12 seconds, these long-period pulses from NNW and NW pack serious punch. The key is timing: when high pressure sets up over Europe, the resulting northerly to northwesterly flow (NNO to O) keeps conditions offshore and the waves glassy. Combined with a 50%+ window of favorable wind, this is when Cap Sim shows its true potential.

Fair Surf Season (March - April & September - October)

As the jet stream begins its seasonal shift, the swell becomes less consistent and the wind patterns more fickle. March still sees decent 2.2m swells with 12s periods, but offshore wind reliability drops to 40%. April is a game of patience: solid 2.0m swells from the north are frequent, but the wind turns side-offshore more often. On the other side of summer, September and October mark the return of tropical storm activity and early North Atlantic lows, bringing 1.6-1.8m waves with improving period (10-11s) and a steady rise in offshore wind days (45-49%). These months offer quality sessions without the winter crowds.

Low Surf Season (May - August)

The summer pattern is dominated by the Azores High, which pushes the storm track north and leaves Cap Sim in a swell shadow. Average wave heights drop to 1.6-1.7m and periods shorten to 7-9s, resulting in weaker, more wind-swell oriented surf. The thermal gradient forces a strong northeasterly trade wind (NE to NNE) that is often too onshore for the west-southwest facing beach. Offshore wind windows shrink to just 23-30%, making clean conditions a rarity. While there are occasional pulses from summer storms, most days are small, choppy, and best suited for a longboard or a groveler.

September: The Turnaround

September is a game-changer as the Atlantic basin awakens. Average wave height is still 1.6m, but the period jumps to 10.1s – a clear signal of longer period energy returning. While the dominant swell direction remains NNW (72.5%), there is a small increase in NW (16.3%) and even some W (0.3%) and WNW (2.9%) components, hinting at the first winter groundswells. Offshore wind conditions improve to 45% ideal, as the strong trade winds weaken and more NNE (35.9%) and NE (26.5%) winds are lighter or less persistent. Tropical storms and early season lows in the eastern Atlantic can deliver a fresh shot of WSW swell that wraps in with offshore northerly winds, creating excellent, punchy waves. September is the month when surfers start to get excited again.