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.

September at Maceda offers decent surf conditions with an average swell height of 1.4m and a solid period of 10.5s, providing consistent, well-formed waves. The swell is predominantly from the WNW and NW directions, with the highest frequency of rideable waves (1-2.5m) coming from these angles—ideal for generating clean, powerful lines. Wind conditions are a mixed bag, with only 24% of days offering ideal offshore or light cross-shore winds (typically NNE to ENE), but stronger onshore winds (WNW to NNW) can occasionally disrupt conditions. The most consistent wave heights fall in the 1-2m range (peaking around 1.5-2m from WNW), making it suitable for intermediate to advanced surfers. Expect smaller, more manageable waves early in the day before wind picks up. While not perfect, September delivers a fair share of good sessions, especially when wind and swell align.