Portugal is known for its stunning beaches and world-class surf spots, attracting surfers from all over the globe. However, your experience riding the waves depend on the surf season in Portugal at the time of your visit. The surf season in Portugal varies for different levels of surfers and on other factors such as weather patterns and ocean conditions. It’s crucial to have a clear understanding of when the waves are at their best to make the most out of your surfing adventure.

Portugal is located in southwestern Europe, bordered by the Atlantic Ocean. The Mediterranean climate here makes it one of the warmest countries in Europe. A combination of morning offshore breeze and the mild climate makes it a popular destination for surfing and it’s also a reasonably affordable place to visit in Europe.

If you’re a surfer, you can find beaches that offer favourable waves ideal for experiencing surfing to its fullest. In addition, the consistent surf conditions persist throughout the year, so you can plan a trip any time you want in most cases.

Even during winter, you’d expect the swell size to be around 6-15 ft. In contrast, you can expect a 3-5 ft wave swell during the summer months.

When is the Surf Season in Portugal?

As the country offers many different waves over the coast, it is better to browse the surf map before you choose to go to Portugal. Piedra Blanca, Coxos, Supertubos, and Matosinhos are a few of the waves you should check out.

However, the consistency of waves does not promise perfection. So what is the best time for you to book a surfing holiday in Portugal?

Perfect Surf Season in Portugal for Beginners

If you are still learning how to surf, then the months of June to September will be perfect for you as they are considered to be the best time to surf in Portugal.If you’re a beginner, it is not wise to visit during the winter months. The West coast picks up the most swell producing, the most fantastic winter surfs.

Perfect Surf Season in Portugal for Intermediate

On the other hand, if you’re familiar with surfing, visiting Portugal during April, May, or October is a good idea to make the most of the perfect-swell waves. During the rest of the year, the waves can swell up to 15ft. Thus, it gets challenging to surf.

The centre and the northern parts of Portugal get the most waves during summer compared to the south of Portugal. Therefore, another thing to keep in mind is the surf forecast.

Best Waves during Surf Season in Portugal

Some of the Portuguese beaches are surfed throughout the year as they provide excellent surfing conditions. Here are some of the best beaches of Portugal that will help you make the most of your surfing experience!

1. Supertubos

Supertubos is situated south of Peniche on the central Portugal Coast. Popular amongst surfers, this beach produces the best waves. Here, the wave breaks over the sand to provide left-hand or right-hand waves.

In autumn or winter, this beach has a solid swell. Therefore, you’ll find many surfers here. However, it isn’t suitable for beginners due to the giant waves.

2. Matosinhos Beach

This is one of the most consistent surf spots in Portugal. In Matosinhos beach, you wouldn’t spot any rocks and witness smooth waves. Moreover, the harbour wall provides shelter from the wind.

Matosinhos beach has the perfect waves for beginners due to its consistency. Even in late summer, this spot produces consistent waves. Here you can take a surfing lesson as well!

3. Coxos

Coxos has the best waves in the region of Ericeira. This spot is suitable for advanced surfers. Under reasonable weather conditions, it is mostly crowded.

The wave is a right-hand rock reef, so intermediate-level surfers can also explore the waves to improve surfing skills.

4. Nazare

Nazare is one of the favourite surfing spots of Portugal, creating all types of swells, allowing surfers of advanced ability to enjoy the tide! However, Nazare does not produce any waves under some weather conditions; yet, it can have the best surfing waves ever during specific months.

The big wave surfers love it as it produces monster waves during winters. So if you’re an elite surfer, this is the right spot for you!

Wave Nazare Portugal

5. Buarcos

Buarcos is a right-hand beach break wave, breaking over a rock bed. If you travel along the central Portuguese coastline, be sure to visit this spot as it produces quality waves.

Since other great waves are accessible from here, you’ll notice many surfers and a massive crowd during the summer months. Be sure to grab travel health insurance to ensure you’re safe during your surfing adventure.

If you visit Portugal, be sure to make your way to some of the beaches mentioned above to get a surfing lesson. We hope that this guide helped you decide about the best time to surf in Portugal!

Author Bio: Kyle Kroeger is a travel blogger for his site ViaTravelers.com. Via travelers is a modern travel blog providing the best tips, hacks, and itineraries to ensure you have an amazing adventure. Follow us on Instagram, Pinterest, Facebook, and YouTube to get our latest travel updates in real-time.

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