Conditions at Vila Praia de Ancora in December
December: Peak Season Primed
December is the crown jewel of the Portuguese winter. The average swell height is 8-9ft (2.4-2.7m), the average period is 12.6s, and ideal wind conditions are at their yearly maximum of 55%. The swell rose is more evenly spread than midwinter, with NW 17%, WNW 16%, W 7%, NNW 6%, and WSW 3.5%. More W in the mix means a good portion of the swells are aimed directly at the west-facing beach, and the period is long enough to generate heavy, powerful surf.
The wind distribution is the most favorable of the year: E 10%, SSE 11%, S 8%, ENE 7%, ESE 7%, combined with less NNW/NW energy than in summer. That adds up to many clean, offshore mornings, especially after the passage of a strong Atlantic low. Air temperatures average 9.9°C, water temperature is 13.6°C, and rainfall is high at 5.21 mm/day. December is the month to plan around: the North Atlantic is firing, the winds are cooperative, and Vila Praia de Ancora is at its heaviest and best.
Average Spot conditions at Vila Praia de Ancora in December
Swell history for December
Wind history for December
Swell quality
Analyze the groundswell consistency at Vila Praia de Ancora 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 Vila Praia de Ancora for your next trip in December.
Ground swell
Ground swell by size
Wind conditions
Evaluate the wind and swell alignment at Vila Praia de Ancora 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 Vila Praia de Ancora.