Praia de Monte Gordo - surf spot statistics

Praia de Monte Gordo in Portugal offers relatively modest surf conditions year-round, making it more suitable for beginners or longboarders rather than advanced surfers seeking powerful waves. The best months for surfing here are typically during the winter season, from December to February, when ground and wind swells combine more frequently, and the mean swell size peaks around 0.7 to 0.8 meters. December stands out with the highest ground swell contribution (20%) and the lowest percentage of no-swell days (38%). Wind conditions are challenging throughout the year, with onshore winds dominating (bad wind conditions exceeding 85% in most months). However, winter months see slightly better offshore wind opportunities (around 13-14%), particularly in December and January. From May to September, surf potential drops significantly, with ground swells nearly absent, dominant no-swell periods, and very poor wind conditions (over 90% unfavorable). Swell size also diminishes to 0.4-0.5 meters in summer, making these months the least ideal. Late autumn (November) and early spring (March) provide transitional conditions, with marginal improvements in swell frequency and size. Overall, Praia de Monte Gordo is most surfable in winter, though consistent high-quality waves are rare due to persistent wind issues and generally small swells. Surfers should temper expectations and prioritize flexibility in timing sessions around occasional favorable swells and wind windows.

September at Praia de Monte Gordo offers generally small but rideable conditions for surfers, with an average swell height of 0.4m and a decent period of 6.9s. The dominant swell directions are from the W (25.13% at 0-0.5m) and WSW (12.12% at 0-0.5m), but the best-quality waves come from the SW and WSW when swell heights reach 0.5-2m, providing more energy and better shape. However, larger swells above 1.5m are rare. Wind conditions are often a limiting factor, with only 6% of days offering ideal offshore winds (typically ENE-E). Stronger onshore winds from the W and SW are more frequent, especially in the 10-30kph range, which can create choppy conditions. Advanced surfers may find occasional clean, small waves when winds align, but beginners will have more opportunities due to the generally mellow swell. Overall, it’s a month of inconsistent surf with a few good days when swell, wind, and direction combine favorably.