Pedra Branca - surf spot statistics

Pedra Branca in Portugal is primarily a winter surf spot, with the best conditions occurring from November through February. During these months, ground swell dominates (74–91%), providing consistent and powerful waves, with mean swell sizes ranging from 2.0m to 2.2m. The wind conditions, however, are less favorable, with only 27–34% of days offering good offshore or cross-shore winds, while 66–73% of days have onshore or poor wind conditions that can disrupt wave quality. March and October serve as transition periods, where ground swells remain fairly reliable (63–84%) but swell size decreases slightly to 1.7–2.0m, and wind conditions improve marginally (27–30% good winds). The worst months for surfing are from May through September, when wind swells take over (52–83%), resulting in smaller, less consistent waves (1.1–1.4m) and very poor wind conditions (only 11–19% of days have favorable winds). For surfers seeking powerful, well-formed waves, the winter months are ideal, though patience is required for the right wind alignment. Intermediate surfers may find better consistency in late autumn or early spring when swells remain solid but conditions are slightly less extreme. Summer is generally only suitable for beginners or when wind conditions briefly align.

Pedra Branca in December offers solid surf conditions with an average swell height of 2.2m and a favorable period of 12.5s, indicating well-organized, powerful waves. The swell direction is predominantly from the WNW and NW, which aligns well with the beach’s orientation, creating consistent and rideable waves. Around 34% of the time, winds are ideal for surfing—typically light offshore or cross-shore—keeping the waves clean. However, stronger onshore winds from the WSW and W can occasionally disrupt conditions. The swell distribution shows that waves are most frequently in the 1.5–2.5m range, with a notable percentage of larger swells (over 2.5m) providing opportunities for advanced surfers. Wind speeds are generally manageable, but gusts over 30kph (mainly from N to ENE) may affect sessions. Overall, December delivers reliable surf with a mix of medium to large waves and decent wind conditions, though surfers should monitor forecasts for optimal windows.