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.

October at Praia das Bicas offers solid surf conditions with consistent swell and a reasonable likelihood of favorable winds. The average swell height is 1.7m, paired with a strong average period of 11.4s, indicating powerful, well-organized waves—ideal for intermediate to advanced surfers. The dominant swell directions are NW and WNW, which make up the majority of waves, particularly in the 1-2.5m range, ensuring reliable, quality surf. SSW and WSW swells also contribute, adding variety. Wind conditions are favorable for surfing 29% of the time, with lighter offshore or cross-offshore winds most likely from the N to ENE sectors, though stronger onshore winds (SW to W) can occasionally disrupt conditions. Expect a mix of clean, well-spaced waves and occasional bigger sets, especially on NW swells. Overall, October delivers dependable surf with good power and shape, though wind variability means timing sessions for optimal conditions is key.