Monte Clerigo - surf spot statistics

Best Surf Season (October - March)

The North Atlantic winter engine fires on all cylinders from October through March, delivering consistent, powerful swell to Monte Clerigo. Average wave heights hover between 1.9m and 2.5m, with long-period (12-13s) groundswells from the W, WNW, and NW dominating the spectrum. Ideal offshore winds from the W/SW quadrant blow clean 25-33% of the time, often associated with post-frontal high pressure that sets up glassy mornings. This is prime time for Monte Clerigo to live up to its reputation as a powerful beach break.

Fair Surf Season (April & September)

April and September serve as transitional months where the surf is still rideable but less consistent. Swell heights average 1.5-1.9m with periods dropping to 10-11s. While the W/NW swell window remains active, the frequency of strong storms decreases. Ideal wind percentages drop to 18-19%, but occasional easterly wind events can still produce clean conditions. The main challenge is the increasing northerly wind component, which tends to add cross/onshore chop.

Low Surf Season (May - August)

Summer brings a dramatic lull in surf energy. Average heights drop to 1.4-1.6m with short-period (8-10s) NW windswell dominating. The infamous Portuguese nortada (north wind) becomes the dominant pattern, with NNW-N winds blowing 40-60% of the time, putting the spot onshore and choppy. Ideal offshore wind opportunities plummet to just 7-16%. Only the occasional southwesterly wind or distant Southern Hemisphere swell can salvage a session, but overall it's a time to explore other spots or travel.

May: Windswell Season Begins

May sees a further decline with an average swell height of 1.6m and a period of only 10.0s—now in the average, punchy range. NW direction dominates at 43.3%, followed by NNW (19.1%) and WNW (18.9%). The 1-1.5m range is the most common, indicating windswell rather than groundswell. Ideal wind conditions plummet to 16%, with NNW winds (25.2%) and N winds (15.1%) combining to create messy, onshore conditions most days. The offshore window is narrow, with SW and SSW winds totaling only about 7.6%. Surfable waves exist, but you'll need to pick your windows carefully—typically early mornings before the sea breeze kicks in, or during a rare easterly wind event. It's a groveling season.