Martinhal - surf spot statistics

Martinhal, Portugal, benefits from consistent ground swell throughout the year, with the best conditions for surfers typically occurring from late autumn through early spring. The highest-quality surfing months are December, January, and February, when ground swell dominates (82-90% of the time), and mean swell sizes reach their peak (2.0-2.1m). These months offer powerful, clean waves but come with challenging wind conditions—good winds occur only 24-27% of the time, meaning surfers will frequently deal with onshore or cross-shore winds. March and November still provide solid surf, with ground swell presence at 73-80% and mean sizes around 1.8m, though wind conditions remain similarly unfavorable. Spring (April) and autumn (October) see a transition, with ground swell decreasing to 63-64% and mean sizes dropping to 1.5-1.6m. Wind conditions improve slightly, but good winds remain below 35%. Summer (May-September) is the least consistent period, dominated by wind swell (50-82%) and smaller waves (1.0-1.3m). While offshore winds are more frequent (33-39%), the swell quality is significantly weaker, making it better suited for beginners or longboarders. Overall, advanced surfers will find the best waves from December to February despite the wind challenges, while intermediate surfers may prefer the shoulder months (March, November) for a balance of swell size and slightly more manageable conditions. Summer offers smaller, choppier waves but better wind reliability for casual surfing.

April at Martinhal offers decent surf conditions with a mix of swell sizes and generally manageable winds. The average swell height is 1.6m, with a solid 11.1s period, providing consistent, well-formed waves. The dominant swell directions are NW and WNW, contributing the most rideable waves in the 1-2.5m range, while WSW and SE swells also appear frequently. Wind conditions are favorable for surfing 30% of the time, with the most problematic winds coming from the N and NW, which can create onshore chop at higher speeds. However, lighter winds from the SE and E occasionally provide cleaner conditions. Overall, April delivers a mix of smaller, playful days and occasional head-high+ sessions, best suited for intermediate to advanced surfers who can handle some wind variability. Keep an eye on wind forecasts, as lighter mornings often offer the cleanest waves before breezes pick up.