Ponta Preta • Surf Spot Statistics

Best Surf Season (November - March)

As the North Atlantic storm track reawakens, Ponta Preta enters the heart of its surf year. Average swell heights climb to around 5-7ft (1.5-2.1m) with periods running 10.7-11.0s, placing the reef firmly in the powerful long-period category. The dominant N-NNE energy is not the textbook W/SW swell direction, but the long-period pulses wrap into the WSW-facing bay and hold plenty of punch once they reach the reef. Winter is also the time when mid-latitude lows spinning across the North Atlantic, especially during positive NAO phases, generate the most consistent swell windows. The NE trade winds blow offshore and keep the faces reasonably clean, although they can easily ramp up to 30-40km/h, so the real skill is hunting for a lull in the trades. November through March offers the most serious, potentially heavy conditions of the year at Ponta Preta.

Fair Surf Season (April - May and September - October)

Spring and autumn are transition seasons. April and May still see NNE swell in the 4-6ft (1.2-1.8m) range, but average periods drop to 8-10s, making the waves quicker and more sectiony rather than long grinding lefts. September and October are the mirror image: the ocean begins to reorganize, with periods climbing from 9.0s to 10.1s and the first winter pulses showing up by late October. Winds are still generally offshore from the NE/ENE quadrant, but the percentage of truly ideal wind days settles back into the 20-35% range. Good solid surf is available, but you trade some of winter's power for easier conditions and warmer water.

Low Surf Season (June - August)

Summer is Ponta Preta's sleepy season. Average swell heights fall to 4-5ft (1.2-1.5m) and periods sit near 8s, so the reef rarely sees the critical low-tide thickness that makes the wave world-famous. The wind is actually at its best, with July and August showing 39% and 44% ideal surfing conditions on light NE trades, but the lack of size keeps the energy level low. Water temperatures in the 24-26°C range add to the inviting small-wave feel, and there are plenty of longboardable days. This is a great time for fun, laid-back sessions, but not the charging Ponta Preta that fires in the winter months.