Maceda - surf spot statistics

Maceda, Portugal, is a surf spot heavily influenced by consistent ground swells, particularly from late autumn through early spring. The best conditions for surfers are typically found between November and February, when ground swell dominates (75-91% of the time) with mean swell sizes ranging from 2.2m to 2.5m—ideal for intermediate to advanced surfers. Wind conditions, however, are less favorable during these months, with bad winds (onshore or cross-shore) occurring 65-70% of the time, which can create choppy or messy waves. The sweet spot for balanced conditions is often October and December, offering solid ground swell (64-86%) while wind conditions improve slightly (good winds 32-35%). Spring (March-April) and early autumn (September-October) provide decent but smaller swells (1.9-2.1m) with marginally better wind chances. Summer (May-August) sees a significant drop in ground swell (15-40%) as wind swell takes over, combined with poor wind conditions (bad winds 81-88%) and smaller waves (1.3-1.6m), making it less reliable for quality surfing. For surfers prioritizing wave consistency and size, winter months deliver the best swell but require patience for cleaner wind conditions, while shoulder seasons offer a trade-off between swell quality and wind reliability.

June at Maceda offers typical summer conditions with modest but surfable waves. The average swell height is 1.4m, paired with a decent 9.5s period, providing some energy for intermediate to advanced surfers. The swell predominantly comes from the WNW and NW directions, with the majority of waves (around 50% of the time) falling in the 1-2.5m range—offering playful shoulders for turns and down-the-line rides. However, the wind is far from ideal, with only 15% of days providing clean offshore or light cross-shore conditions. Stronger northerly and northwesterly winds are common, often blowing in the 10-30kph range, which can create chop or make sessions challenging. For the best sessions, keep an eye on those less frequent days with lighter winds and slightly larger WNW swells, as they can provide the most rippable conditions. Overall, it’s a mixed month—worth checking for dawn patrols or evening glass-offs when winds ease.