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.

September at Praia da Saudade offers generally manageable surf conditions with an average swell height of 0.9m and a decent period of 8.6s, suggesting consistent, though not overpowering, waves. The majority of swells originate from the E to SE directions, with the most frequent wave heights falling between 0.5m and 1.5m—ideal for intermediate surfers. About 20% of the time, wind conditions are favorable (light to moderate offshore or cross-offshore), primarily coming from NE to E, which helps maintain cleaner wave faces. However, stronger onshore winds from the SE to SSW can occasionally degrade conditions, particularly when speeds exceed 20kph. While larger swells (1.5m+) are relatively rare, the spot remains surfable for most of the month, with the best sessions likely occurring during early mornings or when wind aligns favorably. Advanced surfers may find it lacking power, but it’s a reliable option for cruising turns and smaller-board riders.