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.

In July, Comporta offers generally small to moderate surf conditions, with an average swell height of 1.1m and a decent period of 8.9s, providing some energy for riding. The most consistent swell direction is from the NW and WNW, contributing the majority of waves in the 0.5-2m range, with occasional larger sets up to 2.5m. Wind conditions are mixed, with only about 20% of the time being ideal for surfing, typically when winds are light and offshore or cross-shore. Northerly and northwesterly winds dominate but often blow at moderate to strong speeds (10-30kph), which can create choppy conditions. South and southwest winds are less frequent but tend to be lighter and more favorable when they occur. Overall, July is a decent month for surfing here, though sessions are best timed for early mornings or during wind lulls to maximize clean conditions. Expect smaller, playful waves with occasional good days when the swell and wind align.