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 September, Cardoso offers consistent surf with an average swell height of 2.2m and a solid period of 9.4s, indicating powerful, well-spaced waves. The swell primarily arrives from the eastern quadrant (ENE to SSE), with the most frequent and sizable waves coming from the ENE (6.7% at 1.5-2m and 5% at 2-2.5m) and S (7.48% at 2-2.5m). These directions provide clean, organized waves ideal for intermediate to advanced surfers. Wind conditions are less favorable, with only 11% of days offering ideal offshore winds (light NNE to ENE). Onshore NNE to SSW winds dominate, particularly in the 10-30kph range, creating choppy or cross-shore conditions. The best sessions occur when ENE swells coincide with lighter ENE winds, offering groomed, head-high+ waves. While larger sets (over 2.5m) are rare, the spot handles size well due to the deepwater energy. For optimal sessions, watch for the infrequent low-wind ENE/NE wind windows pairing with the predominant ENE-SSE swell energy.