Salgueiros - surf spot statistics

Best Surf Season (October - March)

The North Atlantic roars to life during the autumn and winter months, bringing consistent, powerful swell to Salgueiros. With average wave heights ranging from 1.4m to 1.8m and periods averaging 11-12.7 seconds, these months deliver long-period, groundswell-dominated conditions. The dominant swell directions are from the WNW and NW, which wrap perfectly into the west-facing beach. Additionally, the frequency of offshore winds from the east (ENE, E, ESE, SE) peaks during this period, with ideal wind percentages between 39% and 49%. This combination creates clean, well-shaped waves that are often firing. The Azores High tends to weaken, allowing a parade of extratropical cyclones to track across the North Atlantic, generating consistent swell trains. December and January are the peak months for size and power.

Fair Surf Season (April and September)

These transitional months offer a mixed bag. April sees average swell heights dropping to 1.3m with a period of 10.9s, and ideal wind frequency at 30%. The swell is still solid but less consistent, and the winds begin to shift, with more northerly and northwesterly flow. September marks the start of the ramp-up, with average swell heights of 1.1m and periods of 10.4s, and ideal winds at 28%. Early season groundswell becomes more common as the first autumn storms develop. While conditions can be good, they are less reliable than the peak season.

Low Surf Season (May - August)

Summer brings a significant downturn in surf quality. Average wave heights hover around 0.9-1.1m with periods dropping to 8.8-9.9 seconds, indicating windswell-dominated conditions. The dominant swell direction is NW, but wave heights are small, and the period is short, resulting in weak, mushy waves. Onshore and cross-shore winds become more prevalent, with ideal wind frequencies dropping to 11-23%. The prevailing northerly and northwesterly winds (NNW, N, NW) often produce choppy conditions. The Azores High strengthens, diverting storm tracks away from the region. While occasional smaller swell windows can be found, especially early morning with lighter winds, this is generally a time for groveling or taking a break.

June: Small and Choppy

June is the heart of the summer lull. Average swell height is just 1.0m, and the period drops to 9.3s, typical of low-energy windswell. The swell direction is heavily NW (38.2%) and WNW (44.0%), but most waves are in the 0.5-1.5m range. Waves over 1.5m are rare. Ideal wind conditions plummet to a mere 15%, as the dominant wind direction becomes NNW (30.6%) and N (15.1%). These winds are generally cross-shore, creating weak, lumpy conditions. Onshore winds from the W and NW also occur frequently. The surf is mainly for beginners or longboarders looking for soft, small waves. A steamer is not needed, but a summer wetsuit or rash guard is enough. Check for rare southerly wind shifts that might clean things up, but don't expect much.