Praia das Bicas - surf spot statistics

Praia das Bicas in Portugal is a spot that works best during the winter months, when the Atlantic swell is most active and consistent. The prime season runs from November to March, with December and January standing out as the peak months. During this period, ground swell dominates (85-92%), offering powerful, well-organized waves averaging 1.9-2.2 meters, ideal for experienced surfers. Wind conditions, however, are less favorable, with only 28-33% of days having good offshore winds, meaning surfers may frequently contend with onshore winds. The shoulder months of October and April still see decent ground swell activity (65%) and slightly improved wind percentages (29% and 21%, respectively), making them solid alternatives for those seeking slightly less crowded sessions. From May through September, the swell transitions to mostly wind-driven, becoming smaller (1.1-1.4 meters) and less reliable, while wind conditions remain predominantly poor (82-86% bad winds). Summer is generally the weakest season, with July and August being the least consistent. If you're looking for the best balance of size, consistency, and manageable winds, late autumn to early winter (October-December) provides the best window, though winter proper (December-February) delivers the biggest and most powerful waves if you don’t mind less predictable winds.

In January, Praia das Bicas offers consistent surf with an average swell height of 2.2m and a solid 13.0s period, indicating powerful, well-spaced waves ideal for intermediate to advanced surfers. The swell direction is predominantly from the WNW and NW, with the highest frequency of rideable waves (1.5–2.5m) coming from these directions, providing clean, organized sets. Wind conditions are favorable for surfing 33% of the time, typically light to moderate (under 20kph) from the N to NW, but stronger winds (20–30kph) from the N/NE can occasionally create choppy conditions. The best sessions occur when offshore winds (E-ENE) align with the dominant WNW/NW swell, though these setups are less frequent. Expect larger, more powerful days when the swell exceeds 2.5m (WNW/NW), but be mindful of stronger onshore winds (W-WSW) that may impact quality. Overall, January delivers reliable waves with good shape, but wind management is key.