Ponta Preta - surf spot statistics

Best Surf Season (October - March)

The heart of the North Atlantic winter delivers consistent, powerful groundswells to Ponta Preta. Average wave heights hover around 1.9–2.0 m with periods often reaching 10–11 seconds, thanks to a steady stream of extratropical lows tracking across the Atlantic. The dominant NNE-to-NE trade winds blow cleanly offshore, grooming the waves into punchy, organized lines. This is prime time for the famous right-hander to fire, with plenty of head-high to overhead sets. While the percentage of 'ideal wind' is moderate (10–25%), the sheer consistency of swell makes these months the go-to window for quality sessions.

Fair Surf Season (April - May & September)

As the winter storm track weakens, swell sizes dip slightly to around 1.6–1.7 m and periods shorten to 8–10 seconds. The trade winds remain favourable (mostly offshore from NE) but are occasionally lighter or more variable. April still sees decent swell from NNE, while September benefits from a resurgence of longer-period energy as early autumn lows begin to form. Surf is generally fun-sized, with plenty of rideable waves, but the truly pumping days become less frequent. Expect smaller, grovel-worthy waves on the quieter days.

Low Surf Season (June - August)

Summer brings the smallest and weakest surf of the year. Average swell heights drop to 1.3–1.4 m with periods averaging around 8 seconds or less—typically windswell or weak groundswell from the NNE. The trade winds are still present and actually blow offshore most of the time (ideal wind percentages peak near 47% in August), but the lack of significant swell energy limits the wave quality. On the rare occasion a south-westerly pulse or longer-period remnant arrives, conditions can be fun, but most days are reserved for longboarders, beginners, or complete flatness. This is the low season for serious surfing.

January: Prime Winter Groundswell

January is the heart of the North Atlantic storm track, delivering the largest average swell of the year at 2.0 m with a healthy 10.8-second period. Swell direction is dominated by NNE (36.6%) and NNW (22.5%), with the bulk of energy falling in the 1.5–2.5 m range. This is prime Ponta Preta territory: long-period groundswell wrapping into the WSW-facing beach. Wind is overwhelmingly from the NE (61.0%) and NNE (15.7%), blowing cleanly offshore and grooming the waves into powerful, hollow walls. The caveat: ideal wind only 10% of the time—strong trades can sometimes get too stiff, but when they lighten up, it's all-time. Look for windows of lighter ENE flow for the best conditions.