Guincho - surf spot statistics

Best Surf Season (October - March)

The North Atlantic roars to life as autumn transitions into winter, and Guincho feels the full force of the Atlantic fetch. During these months, average swell heights range from 2.0m to 2.6m, with periods consistently above 11s and peaking at 13s in January. The dominant swell directions are WNW and NW, which align perfectly with the beach's WNW exposure, delivering powerful, long-period groundswells. Wind conditions are relatively favorable, with ideal offshore winds (from the west quadrant) occurring 20-25% of the time. This is the prime window for pumping, heavy waves in the 1.5-2.5m range, and occasionally XL swells exceeding 2.5m. The combination of strong winter storms and a favorable NAO pattern often sets up consecutive days of epic surf.

Fair Surf Season (April & September)

These transitional months see a noticeable drop in average swell height to around 1.6-2.0m, with periods slipping to 10.5-11.1s. While still capable of producing fun, rippable waves, the consistency is lower. Ideal wind percentages hover around 11-12%, meaning more days are plagued by onshore breezes from the north or northwest. However, when a high-pressure system sets up over the Bay of Biscay, light offshore winds from the west can create pristine conditions, especially on the smaller, smoother days.

Low Surf Season (May - August)

Summer brings the doldrums to Guincho. Average swell heights drop to 1.4-1.7m and periods shorten to 8.5-9.9s, producing mostly choppy, low energy waves. The dominant swell shifts to NNW and NW, often short-period windswell. Ideal offshore wind percentages plummet to 2-9%, as the prevailing northerly winds (the Nortada) become strong and persistent, blowing directly onshore or cross-shore. This makes for mostly messy conditions, though early morning glass-offs can occasionally offer a fleeting window of small, fun-sized surf.

January: The Peak of Winter Power

January is the apex of the North Atlantic storm track, and Guincho reaps the rewards. Average swell height hits 2.6m with a period of 13.0s, the highest of the year. The overwhelming majority of swell comes from the optimal directions: WNW (17.7%) and NW (21.9%) dominate, with significant contributions from NNW (9.5%) and W (4.7%). These swells are predominantly in the 1.5-2.5m range, with 1.0% of waves exceeding 2.5m – that's XL territory. The period is very powerful, often exceeding 12s, creating steep, hollow faces. Wind is ideal 25% of the time, with offshore directions (WNW, W, WSW, SW) comprising a combined 17.8% of all wind. The northerly winds (N, NNE) are also common but often create onshore or cross-shore chop. When a high-pressure system stalls over the continent, a glassy offshore flow from the west sets up pristine conditions, making January the month for charging the biggest swells of the season.