Cardoso - surf spot statistics

Cardoso in Brazil offers surfable waves year-round, with conditions varying significantly across seasons. The best months for surfing are typically from April to September, when ground swell percentages increase, wind conditions stabilize slightly, and swell size peaks. During this period, ground swell contributions range from 30% to 43%, providing better-quality, more consistent waves compared to wind swells, which dominate the rest of the year. May stands out with the highest ground swell influence (43%) and a mean swell size of 2.0m, though wind conditions remain challenging with only 20% good wind days. September sees the largest swells (2.2m), but poor wind conditions (89% bad winds) can be limiting. From October to March, wind swells overwhelmingly dominate (79–84%), and while the waves remain rideable, they tend to be less clean and smaller (1.6–1.9m). Wind conditions are generally unfavorable throughout the year, with good wind days rarely exceeding 20%. Surfers looking for the best compromise should target April to July, where ground swells are decent (35–42%), and wind conditions, though still poor, are slightly less severe than later in the season. The spot is best suited for experienced surfers who can handle onshore winds and mixed swell conditions.

In March, Cardoso offers surfers a mix of conditions with an average swell height of 1.7m and a solid period of 9.4s, providing decent energy for riding. The swell direction is predominantly from the south and southeast, with the largest waves (1.5-2.5m+) frequently arriving from these directions—particularly S and SSE—making up a significant portion of the swell distribution. Smaller waves (0.5-1.5m) from the E and ESE also contribute, but the best quality and size come from southerly angles. Wind conditions are less favorable, with only 19% of the time offering ideal offshore or light winds for surfing. Northerly and northeasterly winds dominate, often blowing at 10-30kph, which can create choppy or cross-shore conditions. When winds align from the SW or WSW—though rare—they provide cleaner faces. Overall, March delivers rideable waves, especially when south swells coincide with lighter winds, but patience and timing are key to scoring the best sessions.