Martinhal - surf spot statistics

Best Surf Season (October - March)

The heart of the North Atlantic storm track aligns to deliver the most consistent and powerful swell to Martinhal during these months. Average wave heights hover between 1.8m and 2.4m, with periods stretching from 11s to over 13s, signalling long-period groundswells. The Azores High retreats, allowing a succession of low-pressure systems to generate fetch across the western Atlantic. Swell from the optimal directions (W, WSW, SW) accounts for a significant share, and when combined with offshore winds from the W, WNW, or NW — which occur roughly 20-31% of the time — the southeast-facing beach lights up with powerful, clean lines. Expect pumping waves in the 1.5-2.5m range, especially from December through February.

Fair Surf Season (April & May & September)

As winter transitions to spring, the storm track weakens and shifts north. Average swell heights drop to 1.6-1.9m, and periods shorten to 10-11s, offering fun but less consistent conditions. April and May see a mix of residual NW swell and building windswell from the same direction, but the spot's orientation limits the best energy from the W/SW quadrant. September marks a turnaround: the ocean is still warm from summer, but the first autumn cold fronts begin to stir the Atlantic. The percentage of ideal wind days rises to a yearly high of 36%, making September a surprisingly reliable month for groomed, clean surf in the shoulder season.

Low Surf Season (June - August)

Summer in the Algarve brings small, weak swell and a distinct lack of power. Average wave heights sit around 1.4m, with periods barely reaching 8-9s — marginal for a breaking wave at a southeast-facing beach. The dominant swell direction becomes NW and NNW, which wrap into the coast with minimal energy. Moreover, the prevailing trade wind regime delivers a relentless northerly to northwesterly wind pattern that, while offshore, often exceeds 20-30kph, creating choppy and bumpy surfaces. June offers the best chance for small, clean fun waves on a longboard, but July and August are generally flat and frustrating, with ideal wind days falling to just 20% in July.

May: Fading Winter, Rising Wind

May sees a notable drop in both size and period: average 1.6m / 9.8s. The swell is now overwhelmingly from the NW (39.7%) and NNW (23.9%), directions that wrap into the coast with much less energy. Optimal W swell accounts for only 7.1%, and WSW for 2.2%. However, the wind becomes more favorable — ideal conditions 27% of the time — with a strong northerly regime (N 16%, NNW 30.2%). The pattern is often a thermal wind effect: strong northerly winds blow during the day, creating lumpy conditions, but mornings and evenings can go glassy. Surf is generally small, 0.5-1.5m, fun for a longboard or a groveler. A late-season storm may send a pulse of W swell, but don't count on it. Focus on dawn patrol when the offshore breeze is lightest.