Mareta - surf spot statistics

Best Surf Season (October - March)

The heart of the North Atlantic storm track delivers its most powerful offerings to Mareta during these six months. Average swell heights consistently top 2.0m – peaking near 2.4m in December and January – with dominant long-period energy (12-13s) pushing in from the NW and NNW. While those westerly quadrants are not the direct south swells the beach loves, the sheer size and period often wrap nicely into the south-facing bay, creating punchy, rippable waves in the 1.5-2.5m range. Offshore wind from N, NNE, NW and NNW blows a respectable 25-33% of the time, especially in October (33%) and November (28%), cleaning up the faces. Low-pressure systems rolling off the US East Coast re-intensify near the Azores, sending serial swells to the Algarve. When a south swell aligns with a light northerly wind – that’s the magic window for peak Mareta.

Fair Surf Season (April & September)

These transitional months offer a balanced mix. April sees average swell still at 1.9m with an 11.1s period, though NW-NNW flows dominate the swell window. Wind is ideal 24% of the time, and the combo of solid background swell and occasional spring southerly lows can fire up the spot. September is the standout fair month: average swell is only 1.5m, but the average period jumps to 10.4s, and a peak 35% of the time the wind swings offshore – the highest all year. The ocean is still warm, and the autumnal ramp-up begins, offering clean, mid-range waves that are perfect for groveling and carving.

Low Surf Season (May - August)

Summer settles in with a vengeance. From May through August, average swell heights linger around 1.4-1.6m and period drops to 8-10s – a mix of short-period windswell and small NW background pulses. The dominant wind pattern becomes strong NNW trades (often over 20-30kph), which blow offshore but the swell is too small and weak to produce quality waves. Mareta becomes a micro-swell spot, with the majority of waves falling into the 0.5-1.5m range – fun-size at best, often groveling. Wind ideal percentages hover between 20-25%, and when the rare south swell makes an appearance, it’s often accompanied by onshore southerly winds. Patience and a log are the summer tools.

February: Consistent Pulse

February mirrors January’s intensity: average swell 2.4m, period 12.9s, and the same NW-NNW dominance (23.6% NW, 16.8% WNW, 11.4% NNW). Swell from the south quadrant remains scarce – S at 0.2%, SSW 0.5% – so the spot is mostly working on refracted NW energy. Wave heights concentrate in the 1.5-2.5m range, with a notable increase in 2-2.5m NW swell (8.4%). Wind is ideal 26% of the time; the offshore N and NNW directions total 31.4% combined, but speeds often reach 20-40kph, so expect groomed but occasionally choppy faces if the wind cranks. The easterly flow (E+ESE = 14.5% total) is a major onshore spoiler. February’s saving grace is the raw consistency – you can almost set your watch by the next NW swell line. Best sessions come post-cold front with clearing NW winds and building swell.