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.

October at Santa Maria offers solid surf conditions, with an average swell height of 1.4m and a strong period of 11.3s, ensuring well-formed, powerful waves. The dominant swell direction is from the NNE, contributing nearly half of the waves in the 1-2m range, with a notable presence of larger sets (1.5-2.5m). This makes for consistent overhead potential, especially on days when the NNE or NNW components align, delivering clean, lined-up waves. Wind conditions are variable, but 34% of the time, they're ideal (typically light ENE or NE breezes), creating clean faces. However, stronger ENE winds (20-30kph) occasionally disrupt conditions. Overall, October is a reliable month with quality waves for intermediate to advanced surfers, particularly when winds cooperate. Cross-shore winds and occasional larger swells provide opportunities for high-performance surfing or even heavier drops when the NNW swell kicks in.