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 June offers surfable conditions, though they are somewhat inconsistent. The average swell height is 1.2m with a decent period of 9.6s, providing enough energy for intermediate to advanced surfers. Most swells come from the WNW, NW, and W directions, with the majority falling in the 0.5-1.5m range, occasionally reaching 2.5m. Larger swells (over 2m) are less frequent but do occur, offering punchier waves when they do. Wind conditions are less favorable, with only 12% of the time being ideal for surfing. The predominant winds come from the NW and NNW, often blowing at 10-30kph, which can create choppy or cross-shore conditions. Offshore winds (from the east) are rare, so clean conditions are infrequent. Overall, June delivers rideable waves, but surfers will need to time their sessions carefully to find the best windows when winds are light or favorable.