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.

January at Martinhal offers consistent surf with an average swell height of 2.0m and a solid period of 12.9s, delivering powerful, well-spaced waves. The most dominant swell directions are WNW and NW, accounting for the majority of waves in the 1.5-2.5m range, providing clean, rideable conditions with good energy. Smaller swells from the W and WSW also contribute, but the NW quadrant supplies the best size and consistency. Wind conditions are favorable for surfing 26% of the time, with lighter winds (0-20kph) typically coming from N/NE directions early in the day, while stronger winds (20-30kph) from W/NW can create chop as the day progresses. The spot handles larger swells well, with occasional overhead waves (>2.5m) from WNW/NW but remains manageable due to the long period. Expect a mix of clean morning sessions and wind-affected afternoons, with the best days occurring when high-pressure systems keep offshore NNE/NE winds in play. Overall, January delivers reliable, mid-sized surf with occasional punchy days for experienced surfers.