Praia da Saudade - surf spot statistics

Praia da Saudade in Brazil is primarily a windswell-dominated spot, with ground swells making up a smaller portion of the swell mix. The best months for surfing here are generally from May to September, when there’s a higher percentage of ground swell (peaking at 24% in May) and slightly better wind conditions. However, the mean swell size remains modest throughout the year, averaging around 0.7m to 0.9m, which suggests smaller, more forgiving waves suited for beginners or longboarders rather than powerful, hollow breaks. Wind conditions are consistently challenging, with bad winds (onshore or cross-shore) dominating 70% to 80% of the time across all months, though June stands out as having the most favorable wind conditions (32% good winds). Overall, the surf here is best when local windswell combines with occasional ground swell, particularly in late autumn and early winter (May-June), but surfers should expect variable wind quality and mostly small to medium-sized waves year-round. If clean conditions align, mid-year offers the most reliable opportunities, but it’s not a high-performance spot.

Praia da Saudade in July sees average conditions suited for intermediate surfers, with a mellow but rideable swell averaging 0.8m and a decent period of 8.9s, offering some energy for turns and down-the-line flow. The dominant swell direction is from the east (E, ESE), contributing over 50% of the waves, with the majority in the 0.5-1.5m range—ideal for playful sessions with occasional larger sets. Wind conditions are hit-or-miss: while 29% of the time it's clean (offshore or light cross-shore, primarily from the W/NW quadrant), the rest can bring onshore breezes from the NE/SE, creating chop. Larger swells (1.5m+) are rare but possible, mostly from ESE/SE. Dawn patrols are key for glassy conditions, while afternoons often see wind interference. Overall, expect fun, waist-to-chest-high waves on good days, but patience and timing are needed to score the best sessions.