Inatel - surf spot statistics

Inatel, Portugal, is a surf spot that offers varying conditions throughout the year, with the best periods aligning with the winter months when ground swells dominate and wave quality is at its peak. The prime time for surfing here is from November to March, with December standing out as the best month—boasting 68% ground swell, a solid mean swell size of 1.5m, and relatively better (though still challenging) wind conditions compared to other months. January and February follow closely, with high ground swell percentages (79% and 74%, respectively) and consistent swell sizes around 1.4m. However, strong onshore winds remain an issue, with bad wind conditions occurring over 65% of the time during these months. March still holds decent ground swell influence (67%) but sees a drop in size to 1.3m. From April onward, wind swells take over, significantly reducing wave quality, with the smallest and least consistent conditions occurring from June to September—when ground swells drop below 20% and mean sizes fall to 0.6-0.7m. October marks the transition back toward better surf, with ground swells increasing to 45% and swell size improving to 1.0m. While wind conditions are suboptimal year-round, winter remains the preferred season for experienced surfers willing to tackle larger, cleaner waves despite the frequent onshore winds. For more manageable but less powerful conditions, late autumn (October-November) or early spring (March-April) can offer a balance between swell consistency and size.

December at Inatel offers decent surfing conditions with a mix of swell consistency and variable winds. The average swell height is 1.5m with a solid 11.7s period, providing well-spaced, powerful waves. The dominant swell directions are WNW and WSW, making up the largest share of rideable waves—WNW brings the highest frequency of 1.5-2.5m waves (12-15% of the time), while WSW contributes good mid-sized swells. Cross-shore and offshore winds (N to NE) occur around 29% of the time, ideal for clean conditions, but onshore winds (SW to W) are more common, potentially causing chop. Expect a fair number of days with wave heights above 1.5m (30-40% of the time), suitable for intermediate to advanced surfers, though smaller waves (0.5-1.5m) are frequent too. Wind speeds often range 10-30kph, with stronger gusts occasionally from the SW/W. Overall, December delivers solid swells, but wind conditions are hit-or-miss—priority should go to days with NE winds for optimal surfing.