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 March, Comporta offers surfers a mix of conditions with an average swell height of 1.8m and a solid period of 12.3s, indicating consistent, well-spaced waves. The prevailing swell direction is predominantly from the WNW, NW, and W, contributing to the majority of rideable waves, particularly in the 1-2.5m range. These swells often produce clean, powerful lines when paired with favorable winds. However, wind conditions are only ideal for surfing 29% of the time, with the best scenarios occurring when lighter offshore or cross-shore winds (N, NE, or E) prevail. Stronger onshore winds (SW, WSW) can occasionally create choppier conditions, especially at higher speeds. Large swells over 2.5m are rare but possible, mostly from W and NW directions. Overall, March provides decent surf opportunities, particularly for intermediate to advanced surfers who can take advantage of the longer-period swells and work around variable winds.