Cave - surf spot statistics

Best Surf Season (October - March)

The heart of the North Atlantic storm track aligns perfectly with Cave’s southwest-facing orientation from October through March. Average swell heights climb to a solid 2.0–2.6m, with long-period energy averaging 11–13 seconds. While the dominant swell direction is often from the NW–NNW, the most memorable days arise when deep low-pressure systems track just north of Portugal, pumping powerful SW to W groundswells directly into the bay. Offshore winds from the north through east quadrant (N, NNE, NE, ENE) blow cleanly over the lineup 24–28% of the time, often setting up glassy conditions under clearing skies. This is the prime window for Cave to deliver pumping, firing waves in the 1.5–2.5m range, with occasional XL days pushing well over 2.5m.

Fair Surf Season (April & September)

April and September represent transitional months where the seasonal extremes begin to shift. In April, the average swell drops slightly to 2.0m with a period of 11.1s, but the dominant wind regime starts to shift toward stronger northerly flow. Ideal wind percentages hold at 21%, though the swell direction remains predominantly NW–NNW, limiting the direct hits of optimal SW–W swell. September sees a return of autumn energy: average heights rise to 1.6m and period increases to 10.5s, with ideal wind frequency jumping to 27%. Both months offer fun, rippable conditions on the better days, but consistency and size are reduced compared to the peak winter months.

Low Surf Season (May - August)

From May through August, the North Atlantic storm track retreats northward, leaving Cave with smaller, weaker swell. Average heights hover between 1.4m and 1.7m, with periods dropping into the 8.5–9.9s range. The swell is overwhelmingly dominated by short-period NW–NNW windswell, which struggles to wrap effectively into the SW-facing pocket. Offshore wind conditions are surprisingly frequent during this period, with northerly (N) winds howling 30–44% of the time, but the combination of low period and poor swell direction means waves are often small, weak, and groveling. Only occasional pulse of longer-period W swell can provide brief fun-sized sessions. This is the time for longboards and patience, not for charging.

May: Small and Groveling

May marks a significant drop in size and quality. Average swell height is 1.7m, period falls to 9.9s—now in the “average, punchy, rideable” range but lacking power. Swell direction is overwhelmingly from the NNW (31.5%) and NW (30.5%), with minimal contribution from the western quadrants. Wind becomes a major factor: N winds dominate at 29.8%, and the total offshore flow (N–ENE) is high, but ideal wind percentage is only 18%. The combination of short-period NW windswell and strong north wind leads to choppy, bumpy conditions at Cave. Only when a rare SW swell sneaks in with light east winds does the spot come alive with fun-sized, rippable waves.