Molhe Leste - surf spot statistics

Best Surf Season (October - March)

The North Atlantic awakens in autumn, and Molhe Leste reaps the rewards. From October through March, the average swell height hovers between 2.1m and 2.8m, with long to very long periods (11-13s) driven by powerful extratropical storms. A favourable NAO negative phase often aligns these systems with the Portuguese coast, sending groundswells from the optimal WSW-W quadrant. Offshore winds from the N-NE quadrant blow cleanly around 43-44% of the time, grooming the lines. This is prime time: expect pumping, heavy waves in the 1.5-2.5m range, and occasional XL days over 2.5m when the Atlantic roars. The best windows are October and November for intensity, and January-February for reliability.

Fair Surf Season (April & September)

These shoulder months offer a mixed bag. April sees average swell drop to 2.1m with a period of 11.2s, while September brings 1.7m and 10.5s. The storm track is shifting, so swells are less consistent but still capable of delivering solid, rippable waves in the 1-2m range. Ideal wind percentages are decent (37-45%), but the wind direction becomes more variable. In April, the dominant NW swell wraps in with decent shape, while September benefits from a higher proportion of offshore N-winds. These months provide fun, punchy conditions ideal for longboarding or step-up shortboards, though you'll need to pick your days carefully.

Low Surf Season (May - August)

Summer settles in and the Atlantic goes quiet. From May to August, average swell heights drop to 1.5-1.8m and periods shorten to 8-10s, meaning smaller, wind-swell dominated surf. The dominant swell direction shifts firmly to NW and NNW – not ideal for Molhe Leste's SW-facing orientation, though some energy wraps in. Offshore wind percentages are at their lowest (32-37%), and strong northerly winds (often 20-30+ kph) can create choppy, bumpy conditions. This is a season for groveling on small days, with fun-sized micro waves in the 0.5-1m range. Best chances come during rare tropical storm pulses or a fleeting groundswell from the SW. Expect crowded lineups as everyone chases the few decent waves.

August: Glimmers of Hope

August sees a slight uptick compared to July, with average swell height still at 1.5m but period increasing to 9.0s – a sign of a few more groundswells. The direction remains NW-dominated (34% NW, 48.3% NNW), but the W quadrant contribution improves to 1.8%. This can bring occasional waist- to chest-high waves with better shape. Wind ideal percentage rises to 37%, with N winds (36.8%) still strong but sometimes lighter in the morning. Onshore winds from the S-SSW (0.8% S, 2.1% SSW) are less frequent. The best surf comes from groundswells that sneak in from the W or WNW, offering clean, playful waves in the 1-1.5m range. August is still a low season, but it's a step up from July and can produce fun, surfable conditions for intermediates.