Portugal has surf all year, and that's exactly why choosing a surf camp there is confusing. The same beach can be perfect for a first lesson in July and far too big in January. This guide shows how the waves and the water change through the year at the three main surf camp regions, Ericeira, Peniche and the west Algarve, and which months suit which level.
How we measure
Our wave heights are the average daily maximum from five years of marine model data (2022–2026), for the open water just off each spot. Beaches in a sheltered corner are often smaller than that. Water temperatures are for the sea just offshore.
The year in three seasons
Averages over recent years from weather data; tap a spot for daily detail.
- Summer (June to August): small waves, the best time to learn. Around Ericeira the waves average 1.4–1.6 m in these months, the smallest of the year, and it rains on only 3 days a month in July and August. The catch: a northerly wind often blows in the afternoon, so camps surf in the morning, and the line-ups are at their busiest.
- Autumn (September and October): the sweet spot. The waves grow (1.8 m in September, 2.2 m in October around Ericeira), the water is at its warmest (about 18°C in October, warmer than in July), and the summer crowds are gone. Good for beginners in September and for improvers in both months. October brings more rain (about 12 days).
- Winter and early spring (November to April): for experienced surfers. Swells average 2.6–3.2 m on the open coast from November to March, and the water is about 15°C from January to March. Ericeira and Peniche are at their best for good surfers, but exposed beaches are too big for lessons. Camps that stay open in winter teach on sheltered beaches.
Where to go
Ericeira (about 45 minutes north-west of Lisbon) is a World Surfing Reserve with mostly reef and point breaks, such as the long right of Ribeira d'Ilhas. It's a great base for intermediate and advanced surfers, and camps take beginners to the sandy beaches nearby.
Peniche and Baleal (about an hour and a half north of Lisbon) are the easiest place in Portugal to always find a wave. The peninsula has beaches facing different directions, so there's usually a sheltered one when it's big and an exposed one when it's small. Baleal's bay is slow and rolling on small days and full of surf schools. Supertubos, just south of the town, is a powerful beach break for experienced surfers. Waves average 1.6–1.7 m in summer and 3.2 m from January to March.
The west Algarve (Arrifana, Amado, Sagres) has the warmest weather. Arrifana's cliffs give shelter from the summer north wind, and its sandy middle has gentle peaks used by many schools. Around Sagres beaches face west, south-west and south within a few kilometres, so someone can usually find an offshore beach. The south coast around Lagos is sheltered from most Atlantic swell: its waves average 0.8–1 m from May to September, and in winter it's a calm option when the west coast is too big. The water in the Algarve reaches about 19°C in October.
All spots are on the surfing in Portugal page. Surf camps and schools near each spot are listed on surf camps in Portugal.
Which month for which level?
- First time on a board: June to September, on the beaches the camps use. Peniche and Baleal or the west Algarve. Expect busy water in July and August.
- A few weeks of surfing behind you: September and October. Bigger but still friendly waves, the warmest water, fewer people.
- Confident on green waves: October to April in Ericeira or Peniche, with a 4/3 or 5/4 from December.
- Cheapest and quietest: late spring (May) and autumn. Waves around 1.7 m near Ericeira in May, with the water at about 16°C.
Water and what to wear
The Atlantic off Portugal stays cool because cold water rises along the coast in summer. Even in August expect only 17–18°C around Ericeira and Peniche: a 3/2 full suit is the usual choice all summer. From December to May the water is 15–16°C, so bring a 4/3, and a 5/4 with booties if you get cold easily in January to March. See our wetsuit guide by water temperature.
FAQ
When is the best time for a surf camp in Portugal? For beginners June to September, for improvers September and October. October has the warmest water of the year.
Is the water warm in summer? Not really: 17–18°C around Ericeira and Peniche in summer. Most surfers wear a 3/2 full suit.
Ericeira or Peniche? Peniche is easier for beginners because there's almost always a sheltered beach. Ericeira has more quality reef breaks for better surfers.
Can I learn to surf in Portugal in winter? Yes, with a camp that teaches on sheltered beaches, for example around Peniche or on the Algarve's south coast. The open beaches are often too big.
See every month for each spot, with waves, water, air and rain, on Best Time to Ride. For more winter ideas see the best surf spots from December to February.
