Consolacao - surf spot statistics

Consolação in Portugal is a consistent surf spot with year-round swell, though conditions vary significantly by season. The best months for surfers are typically from October through March, when ground swell dominates, averaging 2.1m to 2.7m, offering powerful and well-structured waves. December and January are particularly strong, with ground swell frequencies above 85% and mean swell sizes around 2.6m-2.7m. However, wind conditions during these months are less favorable, with good wind days occurring only 30% of the time in January and December, often hampered by onshore or cross-shore winds. The shoulder months of October and November still provide solid ground swell (66%-75%) and slightly improved wind conditions compared to peak winter, making them good alternatives. From April onward, ground swell decreases while wind swell increases, leading to smaller, less consistent waves—May through September sees the weakest conditions, with mean swell sizes dropping to 1.5m-1.7m and wind swell dominating. Summer months (June-August) have the worst wind conditions, with good days only 12%-14% of the time, making sessions rare. While Consolação is surfable year-round, advanced surfers will prefer the powerful winter swells despite challenging winds, while beginners might find the smaller summer waves more manageable if they catch a rare clean day. For the best balance of swell and favorable winds, late autumn (October-November) offers a decent compromise before winter’s peak power sets in.

October at Consolação offers solid surfing conditions with a consistent, mid-sized swell. The average swell height is 2.1m, paired with a healthy 11.4s period, ensuring well-formed, powerful waves. The dominant swell directions are WNW and NW, contributing over 50% of the waves in the 1.5-2.5m range—ideal for intermediate to advanced surfers. Smaller swells (1-1.5m) from the WSW and SW also provide variety, though less frequently. Wind conditions are a mixed bag: only 28% of the time do winds align favorably (typically light offshore or cross-shore from N/NE). However, stronger onshore winds (10-30kph) from the W/NW occur frequently, potentially creating choppier conditions. Overall, October delivers reliable waves with good power, but wind luck plays a key role—dawn patrols or late sessions may be best to catch cleaner conditions.