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.

January: Peak Winter Power

The North Atlantic is in full fury during January, delivering a steady diet of powerful groundswells. The average wave height sits at a robust 2.2m with a long period of 12.9s, indicating deep-water swell originating from distant storms. The dominant swell direction is from the NNW (34.8%) and NW (19.5%), both ideal for the NNW-facing beach at Suicidios, wrapping in perfectly. However, the onshore gremlins are often at play. The local wind regime is dominated by NNE (16.7%) and NE (22.7%) winds – these blow directly onshore, flattening the surf and creating chop. Only 16% of the time do we get the coveted offshore flow from the south (S, SSW). When a high-pressure system sets up over the Iberian Peninsula, drawing in a light southerly breeze, Suicidios transforms. Those long-period NW lines stand up tall and hollow, offering world-class barrels. The NAO index often stays positive, steering storms across the North Atlantic and keeping the swell machine running.