Patos seasonal overview
Best Surf Season (October - March)
From October through March, the North Atlantic storm track rapidly recharges and Patos shifts into its most consistent phase. Deepening low-pressure systems and trailing cold fronts roll off the Atlantic and point a steady conveyor belt of 11-13 second WNW and NW groundswell at the Galician coast. The average surf sits in the 4-6ft (1.2-1.8m) range, with frequent pulses pushing into the 6-8ft (1.8-2.4m) zone. Offshore flow from the S/SW quadrant (OSO, SO, SSO, S) sets up when these systems track through the Bay of Biscay, giving Patos the clean, powerful lines this north-northwest-facing beach is known for. Water temps range from 13-16°C and the weather is cool and wet, but the payoff is the most reliable, long-period surf of the year.
Fair Surf Season (April - May and September)
April, May and September are transitional months when the Atlantic generator is less consistent, but still capable of producing clean days. Swell heights ease to 3-4ft (0.9-1.2m) on average, with average periods between 9-11s. The ideal wind frequency drops to 25-31%, and the NE/NNE winds become more common, so patience is needed to find the good windows. When a late-season or early-season front pushes through and brings S/SW offshore wind, Patos can offer surprisingly fun, rippable waves without the raw power (or the crowds) of winter.
Low Surf Season (June - August)
Summer is the quietest stretch of the year at Patos. The Azores High builds northward and suppresses Atlantic cyclones, leaving mostly short-period, wind-driven WNW-NNW swell in the 2-3ft (0.6-0.9m) range. Conditions are dominated by onshore N/NNW breezes, with ideal wind only 17-20% of the time. Small, crumbling waves are the norm, but early mornings with light offshore S/SW flow and a fresh summer groundswell can still produce fun longboard waves. It is a poor season for serious hollow surf, but a beautiful one to be at the beach.