Conditions at Rabo de Peixe in December
December: Peak Season, Maximum Power
December is the apex of the Azorean winter. The average swell height peaks at 9ft (2.8m), and the period is a solid 12.1 seconds. The swell distribution is more mixed than November, but NNW (11.4%) and NW (9.2%) still lead, while WSW and W energy combine to bring a variety of storm swell. Most frames show 5-8ft (1.5-2.5m) waves with a robust amount of XL sets over 8ft (2.5m). Wind data turn in favor of the spot: SSW, SW and WSW winds are the top sectors, making offshore and cross-offshore conditions more common than at any time since the previous winter. Ideal wind hits 27 percent, but the prevalence of southwesterly flow means many storms will have local winds that groom the faces. Water has cooled to 17.7°C, air to 16.7°C, and the Azores see their wettest month at 3.30 mm/day. This is when Rabo de Peixe is at its most powerful, but you'll be working hard for each wave.
Average Spot conditions at Rabo de Peixe in December
Swell history for December
Wind history for December
Swell quality
Analyze the groundswell consistency at Rabo de Peixe 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 Rabo de Peixe for your next trip in December.
Ground swell
Ground swell by size
Wind conditions
Evaluate the wind and swell alignment at Rabo de Peixe 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 Rabo de Peixe.