Sesimbra

Best Surf Season (October - March)

The Portuguese Atlantic ratchets up quickly in October and stays energized through March. Climatologically, the Icelandic Low deepens and a parade of extratropical cyclones roll across the North Atlantic, sending long-period, powerful swell toward Iberia. At Sesimbra, the SSW-facing bay is perfectly positioned to catch south and southwest quadrant swells, while the frequent N/NNE/NNW winds blow offshore or cross-offshore and keep the faces clean. Average surf heights sit in the 5-7ft (1.5-2.1m) range and periods regularly exceed 12s. Depending on the NAO, some winters stack up more WNW/NW groundswell while others deliver extra SW systems, but either way the bay is firmly in play from October through March. This is the window when the bay gets proper groundswell, especially when the Azores High builds ahead of a cold front and the wind swings offshore.