Comporta - surf spot statistics

Comporta, Portugal, offers varying surf conditions throughout the year, with the best months typically falling within the winter season. From January to March, the spot experiences the most consistent and powerful ground swells, with January showing the highest percentage (90%) of ground swell days and an average swell size of 2.1m. February and December also deliver strong conditions, with 2.0m swells and high ground swell dominance (88% and 84%, respectively). Wind conditions, however, are less favorable, with bad winds occurring 65-71% of the time during these peak swell months. Moving into spring and summer (April to August), ground swells decrease significantly, giving way to wind swells, which dominate from May to August. Swell size drops to around 1.1-1.6m, and wind conditions remain largely unfavorable (77-81% bad winds). The autumn months (September to November) see a gradual return of ground swells, with October and November offering a decent compromise between swell energy (1.6-1.8m) and slightly improved wind conditions (69% bad winds). The optimal window for surfing in Comporta is clearly winter, specifically January through March, when swell consistency, size, and quality are highest, despite the challenging winds. Late autumn (October-November) can also provide good sessions, though with smaller swells. Summer is the least reliable season for quality surf due to the predominance of weaker wind swells and onshore winds. For advanced surfers seeking powerful, clean waves, prioritizing winter months is essential, while intermediate surfers may find late autumn more manageable.

April in Comporta offers decent surf conditions with an average swell height of 1.6m and a solid 11.2s period, providing good energy for riding. The swell direction is most favorable from the WNW and NW, making up the majority of rideable waves (15% and 11% in the 1-1.5m range, respectively), with occasional larger sets up to 2.5m+. Wind conditions are less consistent, with favorable offshore or light cross-shore winds occurring only 23% of the time. The dominant winds come from the N to NW, often blowing at 10-30kph, which can create chop or sideshore effects. While there are plenty of surfable days, the best sessions will depend on timing the cleaner wind windows—typically early mornings or when local wind patterns briefly shift offshore. Expect a mix of playful mid-sized waves and occasional powerful swells, best suited for intermediate to advanced surfers.