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.

May: Windswell Season Begins

May signals the onset of the summer windswell regime. The average swell height falls to 1.7m, and the period drops to 9.9s — a mix of small groundswell and locally generated windswell. The swell direction is overwhelmingly from the NNW (31.5%) and NW (30.5%), reflecting the strengthening of the Portuguese trades. Wave heights cluster in the 1-1.5m range (31.6% total) and 0.5-1m (12.7%), making it mostly small to fun-sized. Over 2.5m is virtually nonexistent. The wind is ideal only 13% of the time, as north winds dominate massively (N at 29.8%, with 21.8% blowing 20-40kph). These strong north winds are onshore for most west-facing breaks, creating lumpy, choppy conditions. However, when the wind backs to the NNE or NE (totalling 7.4% but often lighter), or when a rare east wind appears, the waves can clean up. May is best for dedicated small-wave surfers; a mid-length or longboard is your friend. Look for early morning wind shifts or protected corners.