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.

May: The Summer Slide Begins

May sees average swell height fall to 1.2m and period shorten to 10.0s. The swell is almost exclusively from the NW (40.2%) and WNW (32.8%), with W (13.6%) secondary. The majority of waves are in the 0.5-1.5m range (over 50%), but note that a solid 20% of NW swells are in the 1-1.5m range – still rideable on a standard shortboard. The problem is the wind: ideal offshore conditions occur only 11% of the time. The ENE-SE quadrant totals barely 5%. The dominant wind is NNW (24.8%) at moderate to strong speeds (10-30kph), creating bumpy, choppy conditions. N (17.2%) and NW (15.2%) further degrade quality. May is best for those with a high tolerance for onshore conditions, or for dawn patrols when the wind is lighter. A groveler or a step-up could still be fun on the better days.