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.

March in Ericeira offers solid surf conditions with an average swell height of 1.9m and a healthy 12.3s period, indicating consistent, well-formed waves. The dominant swell directions are WSW, W, WNW, and NW, with the largest waves (1.5m+) frequently arriving from WNW (38% of the time) and NW (20% of the time), providing powerful, clean surf when aligned with the spot’s orientation. Wind conditions are surfable 31% of the time, with favorable offshore or light cross-shore winds most likely from the N/NE sector. However, stronger onshore winds (20-30+ kph) from the W/SW quadrant can occasionally create chop. Expect a good mix of mid-sized days (1-2.5m) and bigger sessions (2.5m+)—especially from WNW swells—making March ideal for experienced surfers seeking punchy, well-organized waves. Smaller days (0.5-1.5m) are less common but offer more forgiving options. Keep an eye on wind forecasts for optimal sessions.