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.

November at Prainha offers decent surf conditions with an average swell height of 1.6m and a solid period of 8.6s, suggesting well-formed, consistent waves. The dominant swell direction is from the east (E, ENE, and ESE), contributing the majority of waves in the 1-2.5m range, with ENE and E swells accounting for the highest frequency of rideable waves (over 25% combined in the 1-2.5m range). This indicates good energy and shape, particularly when swells align with the beach orientation. However, wind conditions are less favorable, with only 16% of winds being ideal for surfing—typically lighter offshore or sideshore winds. The predominant winds come from NE to E, often blowing at 10-30kph, which can create choppy or cross-shore conditions. Stronger NE winds (20-40kph) are common, potentially disrupting wave quality. Surfers should target days when winds shift lighter or offshore (W, NW) for cleaner conditions. Overall, November delivers workable surf, but wind interference means patience is key to scoring the best sessions.