Conditions at Santa Cruz in December
December: Peak Season Crown Jewel
December is arguably the best month of the year at Santa Cruz. Average swell height reaches 8.2ft (2.5m) with a long 12.7s period, and the Atlantic is in full storm mode. The direction mix is a little less dominated by a single angle than summer but still loaded with quality: NW 21.2%, WNW 15.2%, NNW 11.3% and W 6.1% combine for about 54% of all waves, with WSW/SW secondary swells adding power when the fetch is angled more southerly. There are plenty of 4.9-8.2ft (1.5-2.5m) waves and the occasional XXL day beyond 8.2ft (2.5m).
What sets December apart is wind. Ideal surf conditions peak at 24%, and the offshore E/ESE/SE/SSE quadrant is present about 28% of the time - the highest of any month. This means more clean, glassy sessions between winter storms. Air temperatures are cold at 12.3°C on average (min 0.9°C, max 19.6°C), rainfall is 2.69 mm/day and water temperature drops to 14.9°C. Suit up heavily and watch the low-pressure charts; when December lines up, Santa Cruz can hold some of the best beach and reef waves in Portugal.
Average Spot conditions at Santa Cruz in December
Swell history for December
Wind history for December
Swell quality
Analyze the groundswell consistency at Santa Cruz 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 Santa Cruz for your next trip in December.
Ground swell
Ground swell by size
Wind conditions
Evaluate the wind and swell alignment at Santa Cruz 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 Santa Cruz.