Supertubos - surf spot statistics

Best Surf Season (October - March)

The North Atlantic delivers its most potent offerings during these months, with the average swell height hovering between 2.5m and 2.8m and average periods well into the 12-13 second range – often producing powerful, long-period groundswells. This is prime time at Supertubos. The dominant swell directions are from the NW and WNW, which wrap nicely into the WSW-facing beach, while the wind is ideal over 40% of the time thanks to frequent northerly and northeasterly offshore flows. Synoptic-scale lows tracking across the North Atlantic generate consecutive swell events, and when a high-pressure ridge builds over Europe, you get pristine offshore winds. This is when the wave really comes to life, offering heavy, barreling rights.

Fair Surf Season (April - May & September)

Transition months see a noticeable drop in average swell height and period. In April, the average swell drops to 2.1m and 11.2s, while September sees similar numbers at 1.7m and 10.5s. The percentage of ideal wind falls to the 30-38% range. While there are still plenty of rideable days, particularly with WNW and NW swells, the consistency and power diminish. The mix of wind directions becomes more variable, with southerly components occasionally spoiling conditions. Good windows exist, but you’ll need to pick your days carefully.

Low Surf Season (June - August)

Summer settles in with average swell heights bottoming out at 1.5-1.6m and periods dropping to 8.6-9.2s. The swell is dominated by short-period windswell from the NNW and NW, often lacking the energy to wrap in cleanly at Supertubos. The wind is ideal only 20-26% of the time, with strong northerly quadrant winds (N, NNW, NW) prevailing – these are onshore or cross-shore for the spot, ruining wave quality. The combination of small, weak swell and unfavourable wind makes this the quietest stretch of the year. Occasional small, fun-sized waves can be found, but expect groveling conditions more often than not.

October: The Awakening

The North Atlantic roars to life during October, and we see a sharp jump in average surf heights along the Portuguese coastline. Average swell height reaches 2.1m with a period of 11.4s. Swell from NW (27.1%) and WNW (17.4%) becomes more powerful and consistent. Ideal wind hits 41% as northerly flows (N 20.7%, NNE 8.3%) become more reliable. Extratropical storms intensify, producing long-period groundswell events. When the high pressure builds in over the Continent, we get sunny skies and light offshore winds – that’s when the great waves really come to life. Supertubos starts pumping with heavy, hollow waves, often in the 1.5-2.5m range. This is a prime month for experienced surfers.