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.

July: The Dog Days of Summer

July is the absolute low point for surf quality at Praia das Bicas. Average swell height is just 1.0m and period 8.7s. Swell is overwhelmingly NW (67.3%) and WNW (23.8%), with a tiny W (3.3%) showing. Over 60% of all waves are in the 0.5-1m range – small, groveling conditions. The period is short, producing choppy, weak waves. Ideal wind? A dismal 4% – only the weak offshore quadrant from ENE-SE provides cleanliness, but those directions total <1% each. The dominant wind is NNW (40.2%) and N (18.6%), often strong (10-30kph) and onshore. With such poor wind statistics, the wave quality is generally poor – bumpy, closed-out surf. Unless you’re desperate for a splash, July is a month to leave the board at home and enjoy Portugal's other summer attractions.