Sagres - surf spot statistics

Sagres, Portugal, offers a mix of swell conditions throughout the year, making it a reliable destination for surfers, though the best months depend on preferences for swell size, consistency, and wind quality. The winter months (December to February) are prime for powerful, consistent ground swells, with December standing out as the peak month—offering 82% ground swell, a mean swell size of 2.1m, and decent wind conditions 28% of the time. January and February follow closely, with 90% and 86% ground swells respectively, though wind conditions are less favorable (69-71% bad winds). March and November provide a good transition, with strong ground swells (73-80%) and slightly more manageable winds. From April to September, the swell shifts to a mix of ground and wind swells, with summer months (June-August) seeing smaller waves (1.0-1.3m) and higher wind swell influence. However, summer brings better wind conditions (35-40% good winds), which can be ideal for beginners or those prioritizing lighter winds. Autumn (October) marks the return of larger ground swells (64%) and a balance between swell size and wind quality. For advanced surfers seeking powerful, clean waves, December is the top pick, while intermediates or those preferring milder conditions may find September or October more suitable. Overall, Sagres delivers year-round surf, with winter offering the most powerful waves and summer providing smaller, wind-friendly sessions.

August in Sagres offers fairly consistent but small to medium-sized surf, averaging 1.0m with a decent period of 9.1s, providing some energy for decent rides. The dominant swell direction is from the NW and WNW, making up the bulk of the waves, particularly in the 0.5-2.5m range, with NW swells being the most frequent and sizable—often delivering 1-1.5m waves (~25% of the time) and occasionally pushing into the 1.5-2.5m range. However, expect mostly smaller conditions, with 60% of waves under 1.5m. Wind is a mixed bag: only 38% of the time is it ideal for surfing, typically light offshore or sideshore from NNE to E. Unfortunately, stronger onshore NW and NNW winds (10-30+ kph) are fairly common, creating choppy or blown-out conditions, especially when combined with larger swells. Overall, August is decent for intermediates but inconsistent for advanced surfers—best sessions come when NW swells align with lighter morning winds.