Ericeira - surf spot statistics

Ericeira, Portugal, is a world-class surf destination with consistent conditions year-round, though the best months for surfing are typically from October through March. During this period, ground swell dominates (63-91% of the time), providing powerful, clean waves with an average swell size ranging from 1.7m to 2.2m. The winter months, especially December, January, and February, offer the largest and most reliable swells (2.2m mean size) and the highest percentage of ground swell (84-91%). Wind conditions are less favorable in these months, with bad winds occurring 63-66% of the time, but offshore winds still manage to appear 34-37% of the time, creating excellent surfing windows. Spring (April-June) and summer (July-September) see a decline in quality, with wind swell becoming more prevalent (35-83%) and swell size dropping to 1.1-1.7m. Summers are particularly challenging, with weak swells (1.1-1.3m) and frequent onshore winds (bad conditions 73-82% of the time). September marks the transition back to better surf, with ground swell increasing to 46% and the first signs of improved wind conditions (27% good winds). October and November are strong rebound months, bringing back solid ground swell (63-74%) and improving winds (33-34% favorable), making them excellent choices for surfers looking for a balance between wave quality and fewer crowds. Overall, the best window for high-performance surfing in Ericeira is from October to March, with the peak consistency and power found in the winter months despite the wind variability.

July in Ericeira offers generally manageable surf conditions, though not always ideal. The average swell height is 1.2m with a decent period of 9.0s, providing clean, well-spaced waves. Most swell energy comes from the NW and WNW directions, with the majority of waves falling in the 0.5-2m range—peaking around 1-1.5m (NW: 18.5%, WNW: 13.25%). Larger sets (2m+) are rare, with only around 10% of waves exceeding 1.5m. Wind conditions are hit-or-miss: offshore winds (ideal for surfing) occur just 18% of the time, predominantly from northerly directions. However, moderate onshore winds (10-30kph) from the NW, NNW, and W are common, which can create chop, especially given their higher frequency. Expect a mix of clean mornings and wind-affected afternoons. While bigger days are possible (NNW swells occasionally reach 2.5m+), July leans toward smaller, playful surf with occasional mid-sized pulses—best suited for intermediates or those happy with waist-high to head-high waves when winds cooperate.