Praia das Bicas - surf spot statistics

Best Surf Season (October - March)

This is when the North Atlantic truly delivers for Praia das Bicas. Deep low-pressure systems track across the Atlantic, generating powerful WSW to NW swell that lights up this west-facing beach. Average wave heights range from 1.7m to 2.0m with long periods (12-13s), providing consistent, punchy surf. Offshore wind frequencies are at their highest (22-31%), with cool continental air masses from the ENE to SE quadrant often grooming the waves. The combination of size, period, and favorable wind creates the most reliable and high-quality surf of the year.

Fair Surf Season (April & September)

These transition months offer a mixed bag. April sees the winter swell machine winding down – average heights drop to 1.5m and periods shorten to 11s, but NW and WNW groundswells still provide fun, rippable waves. Offshore wind becomes more intermittent (15%). September marks the return of longer-period energy as the first autumn storms stir the Atlantic, with average swell climbing back to 1.1m and periods increasing to 10.5s. While small days outnumber pumping ones, the arrival of W-NW swell paired with light easterly winds can yield excellent late-season sessions.

Low Surf Season (May - August)

Summer is the quietest period for Praia das Bicas. The Azores High dominates the weather pattern, suppressing storm activity and delivering mostly small, short-period swell from the NW quadrant. Average heights hover around 1.0-1.2m and periods languish between 8.7-10.0s. Wind conditions are predominantly N or NNW, swinging onshore and often strong, with ideal offshore winds occurring only 4-11% of the time. While occasional pulses of summer groundswell can produce fun-sized waves, consistency and quality are low – a time for groveling boards and patience.

August: Glimmers of Hope

August is nearly as sleepy as July, but there are slight improvements. Average height remains 1.0m, but period increases marginally to 9.1s – still short but a tick more punch. Swell direction is still dominated by NW (66.2%) and WNW (24.4%), with a slight increase in W energy (3.8%). Most waves are in the 0.5-1m range, but a small percentage (1.7% from WNW) hits 1.5-2m – those rare days can be fun. Offshore wind frequency remains low at 5%, with ENE-SE directions barely registering. The wind pattern shifts a bit: NNW (37.3%) still rules, but N (20.2%) and NW (17.1%) are present. The key is that late August can see the first stirrings of autumn swell – a distant hurricane or early depression can send a longer-period swell our way. When that aligns with a light east wind (a few hours in the morning), Praia das Bicas can surprisingly deliver head-high, clean waves. Patience is the name of the game.