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.

December: Full Winter Engine

December hits full stride with an average swell height of 1.9m and period of 12.6s. The swell direction is nearly identical to winter peak: WNW (28.3%), NW (26.1%), and W (10.8%). A larger contribution from WSW (5.0%) and SW (2.6%) reflects the broad fetch of strong Atlantic lows. The wave height distribution is beefy: over 15% of waves are 1.5-2m, and 10%+ are 2-2.5m, with 2% exceeding 2.5m – heavy, XL conditions. Periods are consistently long, providing epic power. Offshore wind frequency ties January at 31% – the ENE-SE quadrant (ENE 9.9%, E 7.2%, ESE 5.6%, SE 4.5%) plus NNE (8.7%) and NE (7.9%) offers the best windows of the year. The NAO index often dips negative, steering storms south and sending powerful swell trains right into Praia das Bicas. December is a classic month for charging – expect big, clean waves if you choose your days wisely. The cooler water and shorter daylight are a small price to pay for world-class surf.