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.

Praia das Bicas in September offers decent surf conditions with an average swell height of 1.3m and a solid 10.6s period, ensuring well-organized waves. The swell predominantly comes from the NW and WNW directions, making up over 50% of the waves, with a significant portion in the 1-2m range—ideal for intermediate to advanced surfers. The wind is favorable for surfing only 22% of the time, typically light to moderate (0-20kph) from the N to NW sectors. However, stronger winds (20-30kph) from the N/NW can create choppy conditions, especially in the afternoons. Surfers can expect consistent, mid-sized waves with clean mornings being the best window for quality sessions, though wind interference increases later in the day. Overall, it’s a reliable spot in September with workable conditions, especially for those comfortable with occasional wind-affected surf.