Santa Maria - surf spot statistics

Santa Maria in Cape Verde offers consistent surf conditions year-round, with seasonal variations in swell and wind quality. The best months for surfers are typically from November through March, when ground swell dominates (75% in November, 76% in December) and mean swell sizes peak at 1.6-1.9m. These months bring powerful, clean waves, though wind conditions are less favorable (only 26-41% good wind days). March and April stand out as a sweet spot with a strong ground swell presence (62% and 61%) and improved wind conditions (51% and 53% good wind days), offering a balance between wave quality and rideability. May sees a shift toward wind swell (75%) and still decent wind conditions (49%), making it a transitional month with smaller but surfable waves. June through September are the least ideal, with wind swell dominating (90% in June, 93% in July) and mean sizes dropping to 1.1-1.4m, combined with mostly onshore winds (68-70% bad wind days). October marks the return of better ground swell (60%) but retains inconsistent winds (34% good). For advanced surfers seeking powerful waves, November-February delivers the best swell energy despite challenging winds, while intermediates may prefer March-April for more manageable conditions with cleaner winds. Summer months (June-September) are best avoided unless you're comfortable with small, wind-affected surf.

In August, Santa Maria offers generally manageable surf conditions with an average swell height of 1.1m and a decent period of 8.6s, suggesting consistent, well-spaced waves. The dominant swell direction is NNE, contributing the largest share of rideable waves (12.26% at 0.5-1m and 38.21% at 1-1.5m), followed by NNW and N, which also deliver some overhead sets (1.5-2m). However, the majority of waves fall in the 0.5-1.5m range, making it ideal for intermediate surfers. Wind conditions are variable, with only 31% of days offering ideal offshore or light cross-shore winds (typically NNE to NNW). The prevailing winds come from the S-SSW sector, often blowing at 10-30kph, which can create choppier conditions. The best sessions will occur when northerly swells coincide with lighter NNE-NNW winds, while stronger southerly winds may spoil the shape. Overall, August provides frequent, mid-sized waves but requires selective timing for optimal conditions.