Cardoso - surf spot statistics

Best Surf Season (April - August)

The austral autumn and winter bring the most consistent and high-quality surf to Cardoso. As the South Atlantic storm track shifts northward, frequent cold fronts generate powerful S to SW swells that wrap directly into the south-facing beach. Simultaneously, post-frontal high-pressure systems deliver clean, offshore winds from the N through NE quadrant. Swell heights average 1.7-2.0m with periods often exceeding 9s, producing punchy to powerful waves. The wind is ideal 26-35% of the time, but the windows of opportunity are crisp and lined up with the best swell.

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

During the summer months, the South Atlantic subtropical high strengthens, leading to a dominance of ENE to ESE swell from the trade winds. While these swells are frequent and can offer fun-sized waves in the 1-1.5m range, they rarely carry the period or power of the winter swells. Offshore winds from the N to NE quadrant remain common, especially in January-March, with ideal wind percentages in the low 30s. September and October see a transition period: swell heights remain solid (around 2.0m in September) but the wind becomes tricky. Onshore S to SW winds increase as early spring fronts begin to push through, lowering the ideal wind percentage to 21-22%. Still, when the wind does clock around to the north, the surf can be excellent.

Low Surf Season (November - December)

Late spring and early summer represent the most challenging months for surf at Cardoso. The swell direction is dominated by E and ENE windswell, which is poorly aligned with the beach. Average wave periods drop to 8.4-8.6s, producing weaker, more disorganized waves. Ideal offshore wind percentages slip to 22-26%, and onshore winds from the S and SW are more frequent as the summer monsoon pattern sets in. Surfable days are fewer, and the wave quality is often groveling. However, occasional southerly swells can still sneak through if a late-season front dips far enough north.

August: Late Winter, Still Strong

August sees S swell still significant at 13.7%, but ENE and E swell pick up again (15.6% and 12.7% respectively) as the trade winds strengthen. Average heights hold at 1.8m, period 9.3s. However, the ideal wind percentage drops to 26% — the lowest since the previous fall. NNE winds remain strong (29.2%) but also bring higher speeds, occasionally creating bumpy conditions. Onshore SW and SSW winds are persistent (12.6% and 12.7%). The late winter pattern means more variability: you'll get epic S swell days with clean offshore wind, but also periods of messy, wind-affected surf. Choose your windows wisely.