Furadouro - surf spot statistics

Best Surf Season (October – March)

The North Atlantic roars to life during these months, with a dramatic increase in both swell size and consistency. Average wave heights range from 1.4m to 1.8m and periods consistently hover in the 11–13 second range, delivering powerful, long-period groundswells that wrap perfectly into the WNW-facing beach. The frequent passage of deep extratropical storms across the North Atlantic generates a steady diet of W to NW swell, while the Azores High occasionally positions itself to deliver offshore E to SE winds – ideal conditions that make Furadouro a world-class winter destination. The wind is favourable 36–48% of the time, offering plenty of windows for clean, lined-up surf.

Fair Surf Season (April – May & September)

As the storm track weakens in spring, swell heights drop to 1.0–1.3m and periods shorten to 9–11s, producing more average, punchy waves that are still rideable but lack the heavy hitters of winter. The wind regime becomes more northerly, with NW to N winds dominating – these are cross-shore to slightly onshore for Furadouro, limiting quality to around 20–27% ideal conditions. September offers a brief revival: early autumn storms begin to stir, bumping average heights back to 1.1m and period to 10.4s, with 23% ideal wind. These months reward patience and a well-timed swell.

Low Surf Season (June – August)

Summer brings the doldrums to Furadouro. Average swell heights bottom out at 0.9m and periods drop to 8.8–9.0s, resulting in small, groveling waves that are often messy and choppy due to persistent NW to N winds (onshore for this WNW beach). Ideal wind percentages plummet to just 8–12%, making clean surf a rare treasure. Occasional southerly wind shifts or a stray long-period SW swell can salvage a session, but this is the quietest time of the year. For serious surf, look to the shoulder months or wait for winter.

December: Peak Winter, Maximum Potential

December is the statistical peak of the surf season at Furadouro. Average swell height is 1.7m with a long 12.3s period – powerful, long-period waves dominating. Swell direction is slightly more W-influenced than earlier months (W 18.7%, WNW 38.5%, NW 20.7%), indicating a more southerly storm track. The wind is ideal a storm-month high of 48% of the time. Strong high pressure over Europe blocks westerly winds, giving way to clean offshore ONO to SO breeze. The combination of relentless North Atlantic groundswells and favourable winds makes this a dream month for experienced surfers. Expect frequent days of 1.5–2.5m waves with very powerful periods over 15 seconds. This is Furadouro at its finest – charging, pumping, and world-class.