Foz - surf spot statistics

Best Surf Season (October - March)

The North Atlantic delivers its heaviest punches during the winter half-year, with extratropical cyclones churning out consistent, long-period NW swell. Foz's northeast-facing orientation is perfectly aligned to capture these waves, and with average swell heights hovering between 1.3m and 1.7m and periods exceeding 11 seconds, the lineup is often firing. Crucially, the percentage of offshore wind (from the SW quadrant) peaks during these months, reaching over 40% from October through February. This combination of powerful groundswell and favorable wind makes October through March the premier window for quality surf at Foz. Expect pumping, rippable waves with the potential for XXL days when the storm track aligns.

Fair Surf Season (April & September)

These transitional months offer a mixed bag. The average swell size drops to around 1.1-1.3m, and periods shorten into the 10-second range, indicating a shift from winter groundswell to more windswell dominant patterns. However, the NW quadrant still provides a good chunk of the energy, and occasional late-season or early-autumn storms can deliver fun, solid waves. Offshore wind frequencies sit around 32%, so picking the right day is key. April sees increasing easterly winds that can clean things up, while September holds onto summer warmth with a rising swell trend.

Low Surf Season (May - August)

Summer brings a dramatic drop in surf size and energy. Average swell heights fall below 1m, and periods shorten to 8-9 seconds, resulting in mostly weak, wind-driven chop. The dominant swell directions remain NW and NNW, but the energy is simply not there. Furthermore, offshore wind percentages plummet to the 25-26% range, as the region comes under the influence of the Azores High, driving northeasterly trade winds that blow onshore or cross-shore at Foz. While the occasional small west swell might sneak in, conditions are generally poor for serious surfing. This is the time to focus on other activities, though dawn patrol glass-offs can still yield grovel-worthy waves on the best days.

May: The Summer Lull Begins

May marks the official onset of the low surf season at Foz. Average swell height drops to just 1.0m with a period of 9.7s, resulting in weaker, less organized waves. While the swell direction is still dominated by NNW (36.4%) and NW (32.9%), the wave heights are generally in the 0.5-1m range – small to fun-sized at best. Offshore wind frequency declines further to 31%, with SSW (9.0%) and SW (9.3%) winds less common. Northeasterly winds (NE at 17.5% and ENE at 15.7%) dominate, bringing onshore or cross-shore conditions for much of the month. The Azores High begins to assert control, squashing storm activity. Surfers will need to hunt for any west-swell pulses or early morning glass-offs.