Praia dos Ingleses - surf spot statistics

Best Surf Season (October - March)

This is prime time at Praia dos Ingleses. The North Atlantic pumps out consistent, long-period W and NW groundswells that march into the beach with authority. Average swell heights range from 1.4m to 1.8m, with periods often exceeding 12 seconds, providing powerful, rippable waves. The NAO typically settles into a negative or neutral phase, steering storm tracks right at Portugal. Offshore wind blows from the N to W quadrant around 44-48% of the time, creating clean, groomed faces. This is when you can score classic, hollow peaks.

Fair Surf Season (April & September)

Transitional months offer a mixed bag. In April, the winter swells begin to fade, averaging 1.3m with a period of 10.9s, while September sees the early season build with 1.1m and 10.4s. Wind consistency drops to 37-42%, but the lighter trade wind regime means more glassy mornings. High pressure ridges often bring sunny skies and light variable winds, making for clean but smaller surf. Good for a longboard or a fun shortboard session when the swell aligns.

Low Surf Season (May - August)

Summer settles in with a persistent deep Azores High dominating the weather pattern. Swell energy drops dramatically to 0.9-1.1m on average, with shorter periods of 8.8-9.9s. The swell direction swings more NW, producing weaker, less consistent waves. Ideal offshore wind is present only 33-36% of the time, and the prevailing northerly winds (NNW/N) often create bumpy, onshore conditions. While you'll find the occasional fun-sized day, expect groveling conditions and smaller, weaker surf. Best for beginners or taking a break.

August: Similar Story, Slight Uptick

August offers a very slight improvement over July. Average swell height remains 0.9m, but period edges up to 9.0s. Swell direction is still dominated by NW (51.0%) and WNW (40.2%), though W swell increases to 6.4%. Ideal wind frequency improves to 36%, with NNW (32.3%) and N (14.9%) as primary offshore sources. Wave heights are mostly 0.5-1m, but there's a slight increase in 1-1.5m (18.1%) compared to July. The Azores High remains strong, but early signs of the storm track shifting south appear. Surf is still small and inconsistent, but the longer period (9.0s) gives waves a bit more push. Good days come when a hurricane swell from the Atlantic combines with light offshore winds – rare but rewarding.