Conditions at Pico da Mota in February
February: Relentless Swell, Challenging Winds
February remains deep winter in the North Atlantic. The average swell height is 8.9ft (2.7m) and the average period holds at a powerful 13.0s, so there is no shortage of size. The swell direction profile is again built around the NW quadrant, with WNW at 15.8%, NW at 17.3% and NNW at 11.9%; most waves arrive in the 5-8ft (1.5-2.5m) class. The problem is the wind. Ideal conditions drop to 26% of the time, as NNW winds (16.5%) become the dominant wind direction and N/NNE flow adds plenty of onshore chop. The best days come with a southwesterly flow ahead of an approaching front - those SSW/SW/WSW sectors bring offshore conditions and groom the long-period swell into clean, grinding peaks. With water temperature down to 14.0°C and air temps averaging 12.3°C, winter rubber is still a must. Precipitation is 2.11 mm/day, a bit drier than January, but the Atlantic remains active and Pico da Mota is often working.
Average Spot conditions at Pico da Mota in February
Swell history for February
Wind history for February
Swell quality
Analyze the groundswell consistency at Pico da Mota during February. 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 Pico da Mota for your next trip in February.
Ground swell
Ground swell by size
Wind conditions
Evaluate the wind and swell alignment at Pico da Mota for February. 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 Pico da Mota.