Murtosa - surf spot statistics

Murtosa, Portugal, is a surf spot that benefits primarily from ground swells, particularly during the winter months, making it ideal for experienced surfers seeking powerful, clean waves. The best conditions occur from **October to March**, when ground swell dominance is highest (64-91%), and mean swell sizes range from **1.9m to 2.5m**, providing consistent and sizable waves. December stands out with **86% ground swells**, **2.4m average swell size**, and the highest likelihood of good wind conditions at **34%**. January and February are also excellent, with similarly strong ground swell percentages (89-91%) and swell heights around **2.4-2.5m**, though offshore winds are still somewhat unreliable (good wind conditions only **32%** of the time). November offers a good balance with **75% ground swells** and **2.2m waves**, while October marks the start of the peak season with improving swell quality. From **April onwards**, the conditions deteriorate as wind swells become more prevalent, and swell size drops below **2m**, with **May to August** being the least favorable due to weak swell energy, higher wind swell influence, and poor wind consistency (only **15-20% good wind days**). September is a transitional month, showing slight improvement with **45% ground swells** and **1.5m waves**, though it’s not yet at winter levels. Overall, serious surfers should target **late autumn through early spring** for the biggest, cleanest waves, accepting that wind conditions can still be challenging, while summer months are best left to beginners or those comfortable with smaller, wind-affected surf.

In April, Murtosa offers fairly consistent surf conditions with an average swell height of 1.9m and a solid period of 11.2s, indicating well-formed, powerful waves. The swell direction is predominantly from the west-northwest (WNW) and west (W), contributing to the majority of rideable waves, particularly in the 1.5-2.5m range. These swells are clean and organized, ideal for intermediate to advanced surfers. However, wind conditions can be hit-or-miss—only 24% of the time is the wind ideal (typically light offshore or cross-offshore). Northerly and northwesterly winds are common, which can create choppy or onshore conditions, especially at higher speeds (20-30kph+). The best sessions will likely occur when winds are lighter and from favorable directions (e.g., ENE to SE), though these instances are less frequent. Overall, April delivers decent surf with good size and energy, but wind reliability is the limiting factor—patience and timing will reward surfers with clean, powerful waves.