Suicidios - surf spot statistics

Best Surf Season (October - March)

The North Atlantic awakens from its summer slumber, and Suicidios transforms into a winter playground. From October through March, the average swell height consistently exceeds 2.0m, with periods stretching into the 12-13 second range – the hallmark of powerful, long-period groundswells. The dominant swell directions (NNW, NW, N) align perfectly with the beach's NNW exposure, delivering clean, heavy lines that wrap into the bay. While onshore winds from the north and northeast frequently plague the region, the percentage of ideal offshore wind (from the south) peaks during these months, especially in December (19%), January (16%), and November (15%). When a high-pressure system parks over the Iberian Peninsula, it ushers in light southerly breezes that groom the swell into glassy, hollow perfection. This is the prime window for charging Suicidios at its heaviest.

Fair Surf Season (April & September)

The transitional shoulder months of April and September offer a mixed bag. Swell heights drop to around 1.7-1.9m, and periods shorten to 10-11s – still rideable but lacking the punch of winter. The swell direction remains favorable (NNW and NW dominate), but the wind dial turns more unreliable. Ideal offshore wind occurs only 3-4% of the time, with persistent onshore flow from the north (particularly NNE) prevailing. Larger storms can still produce a day of glory, but consistency suffers. These months reward patience: wait for a southerly wind shift and you might score a gem between the flat spells.

Low Surf Season (May - August)

Summer brings the doldrums to Suicidios. From May through August, average swell heights hover around 1.4-1.6m with periods under 10 seconds – often short-period, windswell that lacks the power to stand up on the steeper sections. The swell direction is almost exclusively from the north (N, NNE, NNW), which, while technically favorable for the beach, is usually accompanied by onshore winds from the same quadrant. Ideal offshore wind virtually disappears (0-2% of the time). The combination of small, weak swell and persistent choppy conditions makes for a frustrating surf season. Unless a rare tropical system or late-season cold front graces the coast, it's best to bring a grovel board or explore other spots. The beach can still offer fun-sized waves on a rare offshore morning, but these are the exception, not the rule.

April: Spring Stagnation

April marks a notable downshift in quality at Suicidios. The average swell height drops to 1.9m and the period shortens to 10.9s, reflecting a shift toward weaker storm systems. The swell direction is still predominantly from the north quadrants – NNW leads at 47.3%, followed by N (12.2%) and NW (16.7%) – so the beach still receives swell. However, the wind is now overwhelmingly onshore from the north and northeast. NNE wind accounts for a staggering 36.8% of observations, with N wind at 20.8%. Ideal offshore wind is a paltry 4% of the time. This means most days are choppy and messy, with only brief windows of clean conditions when a southerly breeze develops. April is a month of low expectations, but the occasional late-season storm can still produce a fun, punchy swell if the wind aligns.