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 July, Praia das Bicas typically offers small to moderate surf conditions with an average swell height of 1.1m and a decent period of 8.9s, indicating relatively clean, well-spaced waves. The dominant swell directions are NW and WNW, contributing the largest share of rideable waves, particularly in the 0.5-2.5m range. These swells are most frequently in the 1-1.5m and 1.5-2m brackets, providing consistent mid-sized waves for intermediate surfers. However, larger waves (over 2m) are rare, limiting opportunities for advanced riders. Wind conditions are less favorable, with only 14% of the time offering ideal offshore or light winds. Stronger winds from the N, NW, and NNW are common, often creating choppy or cross-shore conditions. The best sessions will likely occur when NW/WNW swells coincide with lighter winds, typically early mornings. Overall, July is reliable for smaller, fun waves but lacks power and ideal wind alignment for high-performance surfing.