Achadas da Cruz seasonal overview
Best Surf Season (October - March)
The North Atlantic roars to life during the month of October and we see a sharp jump in the average surf heights along the Portuguese coastline in response. This is due to a climatological increase in the number of strong extratropical storms rolling across the ocean. At Achadas da Cruz, a NW-facing corner of Madeira, the optimal window runs from October through March. Average swell heights sit between 2.0 and 2.6m (6.5-8.5ft), with periods from 11.5 to 13.0s pumping energy straight from the WNW to NNW quadrant. December and January stand out as the peak of the peak, with ideal offshore winds blowing 35-36% of the time. When the right combination emerges - long-period swell, sunny skies and light ESE/SE flow - the surf becomes heavy, powerful and firing.
Fair Surf Season (April & September)
The shoulder months of April and September offer a taste of the good life without the full winter commitment. Swell heights step down to the 1.6-2.1m (5-7ft) range, but the direction remains favourable, with strong NNW and NW percentages. The ocean is warmer, and while the NE trades still blow often, the occasional offshore easterly can present clean, fun waves. These are the months when a flexible surfer can score morning glass before the breeze kicks in.
Low Surf Season (May - August)
Summer on the north coast of Madeira is hit-and-miss. From May through August, the Atlantic high-pressure system and trade-wind belt settle in, cutting the storm track well to the north. Average swell heights fall to 1.4-1.7m (4.5-5.5ft), periods shorten to 8.5-10.0s, and NNE/NE trades blow almost constantly. Ideal offshore wind is rare, occurring just 6-11% of the time. Surfers are left to work with short-period, groveling waves, though occasional NW pulses can keep things interesting. This is the season for a summer board and low expectations.