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.

October: The Comeback

October sees a sharp ramp-up in surf as the North Atlantic storm track reawakens. Average swell height rises to 1.4m, and the period reaches 11.0s, solidly in the groundswell range. The swell direction is dominated by WNW (42.6%) and NW (27.6%), with the W (17.3%) also contributing. Wave heights are well-distributed across the 1-2.5m range, providing plenty of fun to pumping waves. Ideal wind conditions improve to 39%, as the frequency of offshore easterly winds increases. The first significant lows bring consistent swell, and the winds often align with high-pressure ridges that stash the coast. This is prime season for experienced surfers, with long-period WNW swells wrapping perfectly into the beach. The water is still warm, and the crowds are manageable. October is a true gem.