The Best Time To Surf In Portugal: Full Guide For 2024

Portugal is a surfer’s paradise, offering consistent waves, beautiful beaches, and a vibrant surf culture. But when is the best time to catch those perfect waves?

Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced surfer, timing your trip can make all the difference. Believe me, I went to Portugal in winter, not considering my level at the time. It was a challenging trip, to say the least! 

In this guide, I’ll summarize the best times of the year to surf in Portugal, considering wave quality, weather conditions, and surf spots. 

Get ready to plan your ultimate surf trip to one of Europe’s top surf destinations!

Surf In Portugal: A Year Round Destination

One of the things I love most about Portugal is its consistency when it comes to surf. Unlike some places where you have to wait for the perfect swell, Portugal delivers year round.

But what makes Portugal truly special is its diverse coastline. We’re talking over 800 kilometers of varied landscapes, from the Algarve’s sandy beaches to the western coast’s rugged cliffs. This means there’s a surf spot for everyone, no matter your skill level. 

The people are very welcoming, and the surf culture is so deeply integrated in the country that it feels like it’s their way of life rather than just a sport. 

In fact, Portugal is home to the second World Surfing Reserve- Ericeira.

Getting there is pretty easy, as you have three major airports nationwide. A major airport in Porto (OPO) will get you closer to the northern part of the country, while the major airport in Lisbon (LIS) will get you in the middle of the country, and the big airport in Algarve (FAO) will get you in the south part of Portugal. 

From the airport, it is easy to rent a car or arrange a taxi pickup to your hotel. 

Winter Surf Season In Portugal

Winter in Portugal is when things get serious for surfers. December through February is prime time if you’re looking to test your skills on some of the most powerful waves the Atlantic Ocean offers.

This is the season when Portugal’s reputation as a world-class surf destination really shines, especially for big wave surfers and adrenaline chasers. 

Winter in Portugal brings cooler temperatures and those all-important offshore winds that help shape the waves into perfect, clean lines. The air might be brisk, but the trade-off is worth it—especially since the crowds thin out significantly.

You’ll find that many of the surf spots that are packed in summer are much quieter in winter, giving you more space to really enjoy the waves.

And with the ocean temperature hovering around 14-17°C (57-63°F), a good wetsuit is essential, but it’s nothing that a dedicated surfer isn’t used to.

For advanced surfers looking to score some of the best waves of their lives, winter in Portugal is unbeatable. Spots like Nazaré and Coxos are just the tip of the iceberg.

There are countless breaks along the coast that light up in winter, each offering its own unique challenge. My advice? Keep an eye on the surf forecasts, be prepared for some cold water, and don’t hesitate to explore. 

Spring Surf Season In Portugal

Spring in Portugal is like hitting the sweet spot for surfing. The conditions are just about perfect from March to May, especially if you’re not quite ready to tackle the winter monsters but still want some solid waves.

What I love about spring surfing in Portugal is that it offers the best of both worlds—The conditions are great for intermediate and beginner surfers looking for a challenge.

You’re looking at consistent swells that range from 3 to 6 feet, which is perfect for those who want to work on their technique without getting completely hammered by the surf.

The water’s starting to warm up, too, hovering around 16-18°C (61-64°F), so you can get away with a lighter wetsuit—something around 3/2mm should do the trick. It’s not just the waves that are more forgiving; the weather’s a lot friendlier too. You get those crisp mornings, sunny afternoons, and a cool breeze that makes for comfortable sessions without freezing your toes off.

For intermediate surfers, places like Peniche and Ericeira are goldmines. Peniche, particularly at spots like Supertubos and Baleal, offers a variety of waves that cater to different skill levels.

The crowds are thinner compared to summer, so you’ll have more room to move and less competition for the lineup.

Ericeira is another fantastic option, with breaks like Ribeira d’Ilhas providing long, rideable waves that are perfect for improving your style and flow.

For beginners, spring is an awesome time to get comfortable in the water. Spots like Praia da Rocha in the Algarve or the mellow beach breaks at Costa da Caparica near Lisbon are ideal.

The waves here are forgiving, the vibe is super relaxed, and you’ll find plenty of surf schools still open to help you out.

Summer Surf Season In Portugal

Summer in Portugal is all about sun, surf, and a seriously laid-back vibe. From June to August, the country’s coastline comes alive with small, playful waves and warm waters that make it the perfect season for beginners or those just looking to enjoy some mellow sessions.

The surf might not be as intense as in winter or spring, but that’s part of the charm—summer is the time to kick back, catch some easy waves, and soak in the festive atmosphere that Portugal is famous for.

During summer, the waves in Portugal tend to be smaller, typically ranging from 2 to 4 feet, which is ideal if you’re just starting out or prefer a more relaxed pace in the water.

The warm Atlantic waters can reach up to 20-22°C (68-72°F), meaning you can often ditch the wetsuit and surf in just a rash guard or even board shorts on hotter days.

It’s a great time to work on your basics, like paddling, popping up, and carving out your first turns without the pressure of bigger waves.

But with great weather and surf come the inevitable crowds. Portugal’s beaches can get pretty packed during the summer, especially in popular areas like Ericeira and Peniche. 

My tip is to explore lesser-known spots along the coast. While the big-name beaches attract the most attention, there are plenty of hidden gems if you’re willing to venture a bit further.

Places like Praia do Amado in the Algarve or Praia de Santa Cruz north of Lisbon offer beautiful, uncrowded waves during summer, giving you the chance to surf in peace. Renting a car and taking a road trip along the coast is a great way to find these quieter spots.

Autumn Surf Season In Portugal

From September to November, the Atlantic comes alive with consistent swells, warm weather, and some of the most reliable conditions you’ll find all year.

If you’re looking for the perfect balance between solid waves and great weather, autumn is the time to be here. It’s often considered the best season for surfing in Portugal, and once you’ve experienced it, you’ll understand why.

The magic of autumn surfing in Portugal lies in the consistency of the swells. As the summer crowds start to thin out and the water temperatures remain inviting—usually around 18-20°C (64-68°F)—the Atlantic starts delivering powerful, well-formed waves that are perfect for surfers of all levels. The waves are typically in the 4 to 8-foot range, offering something for everyone.

If you’re up for exploring further, Sagres in the Algarve are great autumn destinations. The southern tip of Portugal gets swells from both the west and south, giving you a variety of wave options depending on the conditions. It’s a bit off the beaten path compared to Ericeira and Peniche, which means fewer crowds and more opportunities to score uncrowded waves.

Plus, the weather in the Algarve tends to stay warmer later into the year, making it a fantastic spot for autumn surf trips.

Autumn is also when the surf competition season kicks off in Portugal, adding an extra layer of excitement to your trip. The Rip Curl Pro Portugal, part of the World Surf League (WSL) Championship Tour, usually takes place in Peniche around October. 

This event draws the best surfers in the world to compete at Supertubos, and it’s an incredible spectacle whether you’re participating or just watching from the beach. The energy around these competitions is electric, with the local surf community coming together to celebrate the sport.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Portugal is truly a year-round surf destination, offering something for every surfer, no matter your skill level or preference.

From the massive winter swells of Nazaré that challenge even the most experienced surfers to the beginner-friendly summer waves of Peniche and Ericeira, Portugal’s diverse coastline ensures there’s always a perfect wave waiting for you.

Autumn stands out as the best season, combining consistent swells, warm weather, and fewer crowds, making it ideal for those seeking the ultimate surfing experience.

No matter where you are on your surfing journey, Portugal’s rich surf culture and stunning beaches make it a must-visit destination for any surf enthusiast.

So, Pack your board and explore the waves that have put Portugal on the global surf map!