Conditions at Espinho in December
December: Winter Arrives in Full Force
December is the peak month for consistent winter surf at Espinho. Average swell height sits at a robust 5.6ft (1.7m), and the average period of 12.3s means high-energy, long-period waves are the daily norm. Directionally, the swell is again concentrated in the optimal west/northwest window, with WNW 38.5%, W 18.7%, NW 20.7%, and WSW 5.5%, providing more variety and often better shape on the sandbars. The largest size classes are well represented: around 19% of waves reach 6.5-8ft (2-2.5m), with occasional XL pulses above 8ft (2.5m) when deep Atlantic cyclones align.
December also claims the highest percentage of ideal wind conditions of the year at 48%. The seasonal high-pressure system over Iberia frequently locks in offshore flow from the east and southeast, with E 12.2%, ESE 8.2%, and ENE 7.6%, producing glassy, well-groomed conditions between storms. The combination of a volatile NAO-driven storm track and cold continental highs makes for frequent surf windows with heavy, powerful waves. Air temperature averages 11.3°C, water temperature cools to 14.0°C, and rainfall is 4.37 mm/day. For experienced surfers seeking winter slabs and long-period lines, December is the true reward at Espinho.
Average Spot conditions at Espinho in December
Swell history for December
Wind history for December
Swell quality
Analyze the groundswell consistency at Espinho during December. Based on historical data, there is a % probability of groundswell occurring this month. The chart below provides a detailed breakdown of the average wave height distribution, offering deep insights into the swell quality and surf potential you can expect at Espinho for your next trip in December.
Ground swell
Ground swell by size
Wind conditions
Evaluate the wind and swell alignment at Espinho for December. Our analysis shows that favorable offshore or side-shore winds coincide with surfable swell approximately % of the time. The accompanying graph illustrates the average size distribution of waves during these optimal wind windows at Espinho.