Surfing in Portugal
9 surfing spots in Portugal. The colours show each month: the stronger, the better for surfing.
Updated October 2026 · weather data 2022–2026
In short
- Best waves in Portugal: January–April, October–December (around 2.4 m, water 16°C, 4/3 wetsuit).
- Smaller waves and the warmest water, good for beginners: June–August (around 1.4 m, water 18°C, 4/3 wetsuit).
- Top picks: Peniche – Baleal, Costa da Caparica – Fonte da Telha & Ericeira – Ribeira d'Ilhas.
- For beginners: Peniche – Baleal, Lagos – Meia Praia & Sagres.
Regions
Peniche – BalealLeiria, Portugal · best January–May, September–DecemberBeginner-friendly · 16°C water in season, 4/3 wetsuit · ✈ LIS 68 km
Costa da Caparica – Fonte da TelhaSetúbal (Lisbon area), Portugal · best January–April, October–DecemberIntermediate and up · 16°C water in season, 4/3 wetsuit · ✈ CAT 22 km
Ericeira – Ribeira d'IlhasLisbon District (Mafra), Portugal · best January–April, October–DecemberIntermediate and up · 16°C water in season, 4/3 wetsuit · ✈ CAT 30 km
Nazaré – Praia do NorteLeiria, Portugal · best January–April, October–DecemberAdvanced only · 16°C water in season, 4/3 wetsuit · ✈ LIS 92 km
Lagos – Meia PraiaAlgarve, Portugal · best January–MarchBeginner-friendly · 16°C water in season, 4/3 wetsuit · ✈ PRM 8 km
GuinchoLisbon District (Cascais), Portugal · best May–SeptemberAdvanced only · ✈ CAT 10 kmBest time to go →
Peniche – SupertubosLeiria, Portugal · best January–March, September–DecemberIntermediate and up · ✈ LIS 66 kmBest time to go →
Wave height: average daily maximum.
Month by month in Portugal
| Month | Waves | Water | Wetsuit | Air |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| JanuaryJan | 2.7 m | 15°C | 5/4 wetsuit and boots | 16°C |
| FebruaryFeb | 2.7 m | 15°C | 5/4 wetsuit and boots | 17°C |
| MarchMar | 2.7 m | 15°C | 5/4 wetsuit and boots | 17°C |
| AprilApr | 2 m | 16°C | 4/3 wetsuit | 20°C |
| MayMay | 1.5 m | 17°C | 4/3 wetsuit | 22°C |
| JuneJun | 1.4 m | 18°C | 4/3 wetsuit | 24°C |
| JulyJul | 1.2 m | 18°C | 4/3 wetsuit | 26°C |
| AugustAug | 1.4 m | 18°C | 4/3 wetsuit | 26°C |
| SeptemberSep | 1.6 m | 17°C | 4/3 wetsuit | 25°C |
| OctoberOct | 2 m | 18°C | 4/3 wetsuit | 23°C |
| NovemberNov | 2.4 m | 18°C | 4/3 wetsuit | 19°C |
| DecemberDec | 2.4 m | 16°C | 4/3 wetsuit | 16°C |
Averages of the 9 spots on this page. Best months highlighted. Air: average daytime high.
Questions
When is the best time for surfing in Portugal?
Best waves in Portugal: January–April, October–December (around 2.4 m, water 16°C, 4/3 wetsuit). Smaller waves and the warmest water, good for beginners: June–August (around 1.4 m, water 18°C, 4/3 wetsuit).
What wetsuit do I need in Portugal?
It depends on the month: about 18°C water in October (4/3 wetsuit) and about 15°C in March (5/4 wetsuit and boots).
Is Portugal good for beginners?
Yes, these spots suit beginners: Peniche – Baleal, Lagos – Meia Praia, Sagres & Carcavelos.
Which airport is closest?
Lisbon Humberto Delgado Airport (LIS), 68 km from Peniche – Baleal; Cascais Airport (CAT), 22 km from Costa da Caparica – Fonte da Telha; Portimão Airport (PRM), 8 km from Lagos – Meia Praia.