Ericeira - surf spot statistics

Best Surf Season (October - March)

The North Atlantic roars to life from October through March, delivering the most consistent and powerful swell to Ericeira's west-facing coastline. During these months, average wave heights hover between 2.0m and 2.6m, with periods often exceeding 12 seconds — classic long-period groundswell generated by frequent extratropical storms traversing the North Atlantic. The NAO index often shifts negative, steering stronger, more organized low-pressure systems toward the Iberian Peninsula. Offshore wind conditions improve as well, with ideal wind percentages climbing to 24-28%, typically from the north and northwest (NO, ONO). This creates lined-up, hollow waves at Ericeira's world-class reef and beach breaks. This is the time to chase big, powerful surf.

Fair Surf Season (April & September)

April and September serve as transitional windows. Swell heights drop slightly to 1.6-2.0m and periods shorten to 10.5-11.1 seconds as the storm track begins to shift. However, the combination of moderate long-period and shorter-period windswell still provides plenty of rideable days. The wind becomes more variable — ideal percentages fall to 17-20% — with more spring-like westerly and northerly flows. Expect fun, rippable waves on good days, especially when a passing low taps into the northern Atlantic swell window. These months reward flexible scheduling and a keen eye on the charts.

Low Surf Season (May - August)

From May through August, Ericeira experiences its quietest surf. Average swell heights drop to 1.4-1.7m and periods shorten to 8.5-9.9 seconds, dominated by local windswell from the north-northwest (NNW, NW). The wind regime shifts dramatically: the Portuguese trade wind pattern strengthens, blowing 20-40kph from the north up to 44% of the time, creating choppy onshore conditions for the west-facing breaks. Ideal offshore wind percentages fall to a mere 7-13%, making clean waves a rare commodity. While smaller days can offer fun, groveling sessions for those on the right equipment, the real heavy moments are few and far between. Summer surf here is best tackled with a longboard or a forgiving fish, and a good dose of patience.

December: Winter Solstice Swell Peaks

December brings the second major peak of the winter season. Swell height averages 2.5m and period 12.7s — right up there with January and February. The swell direction is dominated by NW (21.2%), WNW (15.2%), and NNW (11.3%), with a notable increase in west (W at 6.1%) and even some WSW (3.0%) and SW (1.3%). Wave heights are substantial: 1.5-2m (24.2%), 2-2.5m (22.5%), and over 2.5m (3.4% total from W, WNW, NW). Ideal wind is 26%, with north wind (N at 11.4%) and northeasterly (NNE at 9.4%) providing offshore conditions. However, December also sees stronger low-pressure systems passing close to Portugal, which can bring strong onshore winds from the south and southwest (S, SSW, SW totalling 15.3% at various speeds). The key is to track the passage of fronts: after a front clears, the wind often shifts to the north, delivering clean, powerful swell for a few days. December offers some of the biggest and most challenging surf of the year — it's for experienced surfers who can handle XL conditions with proper respect for the ocean.