Conditions at Salgueiros in December
December: Prime Time on the Northern Coast
December wins the year for overall surf consistency. Average swell height is 5.5-6ft (1.7m), period 12.3s, and the ideal offshore wind percentage jumps to 49% - the best of the year. The wave direction is textbook: WNW at 39%, NW at 21%, W at 19%, with WSW adding 5%, meaning the vast majority of waves wrap perfectly into the west-facing beach.
This is the month when west Portugal truly delivers. Powerful low pressure systems, often energized by the jet stream and a favorable NAO phase, drive long-period swell into the coast, while clear, cold highs frequently create offshore land-breeze conditions. Water temp drops to 13.9°C and air averages 11.3°C. Pack the thickest wetsuit and enjoy the best windows of the winter.
Average Spot conditions at Salgueiros in December
Swell history for December
Wind history for December
Swell quality
Analyze the groundswell consistency at Salgueiros 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 Salgueiros for your next trip in December.
Ground swell
Ground swell by size
Wind conditions
Evaluate the wind and swell alignment at Salgueiros 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 Salgueiros.