Vila Praia de Ancora - surf spot statistics

Vila Praia de Âncora in Portugal is a consistent surf spot with reliable conditions year-round, though the best months for surfers are typically during the autumn and winter seasons. From October to February, the spot benefits from strong ground swells, with the highest percentages (65–92%) of dominant ground swell, ensuring powerful and well-organized waves. The mean swell size during these months is also the most favorable, ranging from 1.9 to 2.6 meters, peaking in January and December. Wind conditions during these months are relatively mixed, with good wind days occurring around 34–36% of the time, meaning offshore or light cross-shore winds are present about one-third of the time—ideal for clean surf. The worst wind conditions (onshore or strong cross-winds) dominate 64–66% of the time, but given the quality of the swells, there are still plenty of rideable days. Spring (March to May) sees a gradual decline in ground swell dominance, shifting toward more wind swell, but with still decent wave heights averaging 1.5–2.1 meters. However, wind conditions worsen, with bad winds increasing to 69–77%. Summer (June to August) is the least consistent period, with small swells (1.2–1.3 meters) dominated by wind swell, making conditions mushy and weak. Good wind days drop to only 18–22%, so summer surf is rare and mostly for beginners or longboarders. September marks the transition back into better conditions, with ground swell becoming more frequent again. For experienced surfers seeking the biggest and cleanest waves, the winter months—especially November through February—are the prime time, while intermediate surfers may find decent sessions in late autumn and early spring.

November at Vila Praia de Âncora offers solid surf conditions with a consistent swell averaging 2.2m and a healthy period of 11.9s, ensuring well-formed waves. The dominant swell directions are NW, WNW, and W, contributing to the majority of rideable waves, particularly in the 1.5-2.5m range. These swells are powerful enough to create quality surf, with a notable percentage of waves in the 2-2.5m category (8.52% from WNW). Smaller but frequent swells around 1-2m are common from SW and WSW, adding variety. Wind conditions are favorable 34% of the time, typically when winds are light (under 20kph) or offshore from the east (E, ENE), though stronger onshore winds from the NW quadrant can occasionally disrupt conditions. The spot handles larger swells well, with some days producing overhead waves (over 2.5m), mainly from W, WNW, and NW directions. Expect a mix of clean and choppy days, but when winds align, the spot delivers powerful, well-organized waves ideal for intermediate to advanced surfers.