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.

June at Martinhal offers reasonably consistent surf with an average swell height of 1.1m and a solid period of 9.4s, producing clean, well-spaced waves. The dominant swell directions are WNW and NW, which provide the largest portion of rideable waves—particularly in the 0.5-2.5m range—making it ideal for intermediate to advanced surfers. The smaller ESE/SE swells contribute occasionally but are less prominent. Wind conditions are favorable 37% of the time, with the most common issues being moderate northerly and northwesterly winds that can create chop. Light to moderate offshore winds (E/ENE) occur occasionally, improving wave quality. Larger days (1.5-2.5m) are more likely from NW directions, offering punchier waves, while smaller days (0.5-1.5m) are frequent but better suited for longboarding or progression. Overall, June delivers a mix of conditions with enough good days to make it worthwhile, though patience may be needed for optimal sessions.