Nazare - surf spot statistics

Best Surf Season (October - March)

The North Atlantic roars to life during these months, delivering consistent, powerful swell from the W to WNW bands. Average wave heights range from 2.1 to 2.4 m with periods climbing into the 12-13 s range, often feeding the Nazare canyon with long-period groundswell. Offshore winds from the E/NE quadrant blow cleanly across the face 46-52% of the time, sculpting the waves into hollow, ridable gems. This is when the spot truly lives up to its big-wave reputation.

Fair Surf Season (April & September)

These shoulder months see a transition in the North Atlantic storm track. April still harvests moderate swell (1.8 m avg, 11.2 s) with a mix of W and NW energy, but offshore wind reliability drops to 37%. September offers a refreshing uptick after summer, with average swell climbing back to 1.5 m and period to 10.5 s, plus a solid 45% ideal wind frequency. Both months can produce fun, rippable sessions, especially when a late-season low or early autumn depression aligns with a light east wind.

Low Surf Season (May - August)

Summer settles in with a persistent ridge of high pressure over the Azores, suppressing storm activity across the North Atlantic. Swell heights drop to 1.3-1.5 m, periods shorten to 8.7-10.0 s, and the wind rarely swings offshore — ideal wind percentages languish between 30-37%. The dominant swell direction shifts to NW and NNW, which wrap into the bay with less power and often get chopped by the prevailing northerly wind. It's a time for small-wave gear and patience; the rare easterly breeze can salvage a marginal day.

July: Summer Doldrums

July is the absolute low point of the year for swell size, with an average height of just 1.3 m and period of 8.7 s. Swell direction is almost entirely from the NW (50.4%) and NNW (31.1%), with only 2.0% from W and 0.4% from WSW — virtually no favorable swell. Offshore wind blows a mere 30% of the time, and the wind rose is dominated by NNW (42.4%) and N (27.0%), which are generally side-onshore to straight onshore for the west-facing beach. The few sunny, offshore days are a blessing, but they typically coincide with very small, short-period swell. It is a great time for swimming or learning on a foam board, but serious surfers travel elsewhere.