Inatel - surf spot statistics

Best Surf Season (October - March)

The North Atlantic kicks into high gear as autumn progresses, and Inatel starts to see a noticeable uptick in both swell size and period. While the dominant swell directions remain from the west-northwest, the increasing frequency of southwesterly and southerly swells—combined with the highest percentage of offshore north winds—makes this the prime window. When a low-pressure system tracks across the Atlantic and sends a long-period SW swell toward Portugal, and the wind clocks into the N or NE, Inatel transforms into a clean, rippable playground. Expect wave heights in the 1-1.5m range on average, with plenty of fun, solid sets, and the occasional pumping 2m+ day. The combination of powerful 11-12s periods and favorable wind aligns best from October through March, with December often delivering the most consistent SW swell.

Fair Surf Season (April, May, September)

As spring arrives, the Atlantic storm track weakens, and the average swell height drops to 0.7-0.8m. The wave periods shorten to the 7-9s range, meaning less power and more chop on the surface. SW swell events become less frequent, and the wind starts to shift, with ideal offshore winds dropping to around 20% frequency. However, April can still see some quality southwesterly pulses, and September marks the transition with a slight uptick in swell size and period as hurricane swells from the south begin to appear. These months offer intermittent fun sessions, but consistency takes a hit. Look for a clean day when a SSW swell meets a NE breeze—those are the gems.

Low Surf Season (June - August)

Summer is the quietest time at Inatel. The average swell height bottoms out at 0.5-0.6m, with periods often below 7s, leading to small, groveling conditions. The directional mismatch is most pronounced: the vast majority of swell comes from the west and northwest, which barely wrap into Inatel's south-facing shoreline. Meanwhile, the wind shifts offshore only about 10-14% of the time—mostly in the morning before the sea breeze kicks in. Afternoons frequently see onshore south or SW winds, ruining any chance of quality. When a rare southern hemi swell or tropical system sends a pulse of long-period energy from the south, it can salvage a session, but overall, it's a time for loggers and longboarders to work on their trim. The best bet is dawn patrol with a small board and low expectations.

February: Powerful Swells with a Hit of Southern Energy

February stays in the winter groove with a 1.0m average swell height and a long period of 11.3s. The swell distribution mirrors January, with W and WNW swells dominating (41.3% combined). However, the percentage of SW swell (5.1%) and SSW (2.4%) is slightly lower, meaning the ideal south swell is less frequent. On the wind side, offshore conditions occur 30% of the time, with a strong bias toward NNW and NW winds (13.1% and 10.0% respectively). These are cross-shore at Inatel but can still provide decent conditions if the swell has a southern component. The best days come when a cold front sweeps through, shifting winds to the NE and sending a SW swell through the Lisbon coast. Waves can reach 1.5-2m on the bigger days, offering pumping, firing waves for competent surfers. The average period ensures plenty of drive, so when it's on, it's well worth a paddle out.