Praia do CDS - surf spot statistics

Best Surf Season (October - April)

The winter months deliver the most consistent swell energy to Praia do CDS, courtesy of a relentless parade of North Atlantic low-pressure systems. Average wave heights consistently exceed 1.5m, with periods regularly pushing into the 12-13 second range — powerful, long-period groundswells that wrap into the beach. The east-northeast-facing orientation means the best swell aligns from the west-northwest to northwest, while a negative NAO index often locks in the ideal offshore wind pattern from the southwest to west. However, during these months, onshore winds from the east-northeast are also common, cutting down the ideal wind window to about 23-35% of the time. Still, when the stars align, this is when Praia do CDS truly fires with pumping, pitching waves.

Fair Surf Season (May & September)

The shoulder months offer a trade-off: smaller, but cleaner surf. Average swell heights drop to around 1.2m in May and 1.1m in September, with periods settling into the 10-10.5-second range — fun-sized, rippable waves on the better days. The likelihood of offshore winds (from the southwest through west) increases to 33-35%, meaning more glassy mornings. However, the swell becomes more windswell-dominated, and the long-period groundswells that make winter epic are less frequent. These months are perfect for groveling on small craft if you time the swell windows.

Low Surf Season (June - August)

Summer is a tough time for consistent surf at Praia do CDS. The North Atlantic storm track retreats northward, and average swell heights hover around 1.0-1.1m with periods under 9.5 seconds — primarily short-period, local windswell. The predominant wind pattern becomes the northerly ‘Nortada’ trade wind, which blows strong and steady (often 20-30+ kph) from the north to northwest. While these winds are not directly onshore (the beach faces ENE), they create a choppy, messy sea state when combined with the weak, short-period swell. Ideal wind days from the west-southwest are rare, dropping to around 26-27% of the time. Only the occasional summer groundswell from a southern hemisphere storm or a rare tropical system can salvage a session, but these are few and far between.

October: Return of the Atlantic Power

October brings a marked upturn in surf conditions at Praia do CDS. Average swell height jumps to 1.5m, period to 11.3s — back into solid, punchy territory. Swell directions become more varied: NW (35%) and WNW (33%) still lead, but there is a notable increase in W (13%) and WSW (4%) swell, reflecting the more active storm tracks. The wind regime is favorable, with ideal onshore? No, offshore? Ideal wind from SSW through W occurs 33% of the time. The Nortada weakens, and the frequency of cyclonic winds from the south and southwest rises as low pressure systems deepen. October is known for delivering clean, powerful groundswell with manageable wind. When a strong Atlantic storm is followed by a high-pressure ridge, you get the classic scenario: long-period NW swell with light offshore winds. This is the start of the prime season, and the beach starts to fire with heavy, hollow waves that attract experienced surfers.