Prainha - surf spot statistics

Prainha, Brazil, offers consistent surf year-round, though the best conditions typically occur between May and August. During these months, ground swell makes up a larger portion of the swell mix (38% in May and June, decreasing slightly towards August), leading to cleaner, more organized waves. The mean swell size hovers around 1.5–1.6m, providing solid, rideable waves without being overly heavy. Wind conditions are also more favorable in these months, with May, June, and July seeing the highest percentage of good winds (28%, 28%, and 25%, respectively), reducing the chances of onshore chop. The rest of the year is dominated by wind swell (peaking at 87% in December and January), which can create less predictable and sometimes messier waves. September through December sees a steep drop in favorable wind conditions, with bad winds peaking at 86% in September and October, making these months less reliable. Swell size remains decent in the shoulder seasons, but the increased wind interference lowers overall quality. For surfers seeking the most consistent and clean conditions, the May-to-August window is ideal, offering a balance of ground swell and manageable winds.

April at Prainha offers moderate surf conditions with an average swell height of 1.5m and a decent period of 9.3s, providing relatively clean and organized waves. The swell is predominantly from the east to southeast (ENE to SSE), with the highest frequency of rideable waves (1-2.5m) coming from the SSE direction—meaning consistent, mid-sized waves with good energy. Wind conditions are hit or miss, with only 23% of the time offering ideal offshore or light cross-shore winds (typically ENE to ESE). However, the wind is often onshore (SSE to SSW) at moderate speeds (10-30kph), which can create chop and reduce wave quality. Surfers should watch for days when easterly winds align with SSE swells for the cleanest conditions. While bigger days (2m+) are possible, they’re less frequent (around 7% of the time), making April more suitable for intermediate surfers.