Comporta - surf spot statistics

Best Surf Season (October - March)

The North Atlantic roars to life during the winter months, and Comporta feels the full force. From October through March, the average swell height ranges from 1.5m to 2.0m, with periods consistently above 11s – often reaching 13s. This is prime time for powerful, long-period groundswells generated by deep extratropical lows tracking across the Atlantic. The dominant swell directions are WNW and NW, which wrap nicely into the WSW-facing coastline, delivering clean, lined-up waves. Offshore wind conditions occur over 40% of the time, with a peak in December at 53%. When the NAO dips negative, storms barrel down and bless Comporta with pumping, heavy waves. This is the window for epic, firing sessions.

Fair Surf Season (April and September)

The shoulder months bring a transition. April and September offer a mix of fading winter swell and early autumn pulses. Average heights drop to around 1.5m (April) and 1.1m (September), but periods remain respectable above 10s. Ideal wind occurs roughly one-third of the time, with decent chances of clean conditions when pressure gradients relax. Swell from W and WNW still dominate, so waves remain rideable. Expect fun, rippable waves without the winter intensity – great for quality over quantity.

Low Surf Season (May - August)

Summer months are the quietest at Comporta. The North Atlantic storm track shifts north, and the Azores High settles in, bringing consistent northerly winds and smaller swell. Average heights hover around 1.0-1.2m, with periods dipping into the 8-10s range – mainly short-period, weak windswell. Offshore wind percentages drop to 25-29%, and winds from N and NNW become common, often blowing onshore or side-onshore. Onshore SW to W winds also increase. The result is often choppy, small surf. Still, occasional pulses of W or WNW swell can sneak through on a clean day, best enjoyed on a groveler or longboard. Expect micro to fun-sized waves and pick your windows carefully.

April: Spring Mix

April is a shoulder month with average swell height dropping to 1.5m and period to 11.1s. Swell still comes from WNW (36.7%) and NW (30.9%), but energy is decreasing. Ideal wind falls to 33%, with more variable patterns. Northerly winds (N, NNW) become more common, often creating onshore conditions. However, when a late-season low aligns with a ridge of high pressure, Comporta can see clean, fun-size waves with good shape. This month is about quality over quantity: pick days with east wind and enjoy rippable waves in a quieter lineup.