Costa da Caparica - surf spot statistics

Best Surf Season (October - March)

The heart of the surf season at Costa da Caparica aligns with the North Atlantic winter, when strong extratropical cyclones march across the ocean, generating powerful long-period swell. From October through March, average swell heights range from 1.5m to 2.0m, with periods consistently in the 11-13 second range — perfect for producing punchy, well-defined lines. The dominant swell directions are from the WNW, NW, and W, which wrap well into the west-southwest facing beach. More importantly, the offshore wind window from NNO to O is at its peak frequency, with ideal wind percentages between 40% and 46%. This combination delivers clean, hollow waves on a regular basis. The NAO index plays a key role: a positive NAO often funnels stronger low pressures toward Iceland, amplifying swell production for Portugal. Expect firing conditions with occasional overhead to double-overhead sets when a strong low locks in.

Fair Surf Season (April & September)

Transition months April and September offer a mixed bag. April sees average swell heights dropping to 1.5m with periods around 11s, still rideable but less consistent. The offshore wind frequency falls to 32%, and the wind regime becomes more variable with increasing onshore flow from the SW quadrant. However, spring also brings occasional late-season lows that can rekindle winter-like power. September is the mirror image: average heights around 1.1m but periods climb back to 10.5s as the first autumn lows begin to organize. Offshore wind frequency improves to 36%, and the water is still warm. Both months can deliver fun, rippable waves, especially on the sets, but expect more smaller days and a need to pick the right tide and window.

Low Surf Season (May - August)

The summer months from May through August are the leanest period for consistent surf at Costa da Caparica. Average swell heights hover around 1.0-1.2m with periods dropping to 8-10 seconds, resulting in weak, short-period swell that often struggles to produce quality waves. The dominant swell is from the NW and NW with a significant component of short-period windswell. Offshore wind frequency plummets to 23-28% as the trade wind-like northerly flow (N, NNW) strengthens, but these are often cross-offshore at best, and the prevailing NW sea breeze becomes more pronounced in the afternoons. While early mornings can offer clean, fun-sized waves for longboarders and grovelers, the summer pattern is generally small and weak. The best bet for a session is often a dawn patrol with a small high tide. Despite the lack of power, the warm water and favorable winds on the rare occasion that a SW groundswell coincides with a northerly breeze can produce a memorable day.

November: Deepening Winter Rhythm

November continues the trend with average swell height reaching 1.7m and period 11.9s. The swell is more powerful and slightly larger. Dominant swells are from NW (30.4%) and WNW (30.0%), but W (10.9%) and WSW (4.2%) still contribute. The wind ideal percentage holds steady at 42%, with N and NNE winds providing clean conditions. The frequency of onshore SSW-SW winds is around 14%, manageable. November is characterized by a more organized storm track, with lows growing stronger. The combination of long-period swell and offshore winds often produces very good waves, with consistent overhead sets. The water is still relatively warm from summer. This month is a sweet spot where the ocean is active but the wind patterns are still not as severe as mid-winter. Expect plenty of quality sessions.