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 May, Santa Maria in Cape Verde offers solid surf conditions with an average swell height of 1.5m and a decent period of 8.8s, providing good energy for riding. Most swells come from the northern quadrants—primarily NNE (62.65% of waves between 0.5m and 2.5m) and N (22.33% in the same range), with occasional contributions from NNW (10.25%). These swells are clean and well-organized, ideal for intermediate to advanced surfers. Wind conditions are favorable 49% of the time, with light to moderate speeds (10–30kph) predominantly from the N, NNE, and NE, ensuring minimal onshore interference. However, stronger winds (20–30kph) occasionally occur from the NNW and NNE, which could create choppier conditions. Overall, May delivers consistent, rideable waves with a mix of mid-sized swells and manageable winds, making it a reliable month for surfers seeking quality sessions.