Surfing in Portugal in January
In January the best surfing in Portugal is at Peniche – Supertubos, Peniche – Baleal & Ericeira – Ribeira d'Ilhas.
Updated November 2026 · weather data 2022–2026
In short
- Waves: 2.8 m on average (daily maximum)
- Water: 14–16°C, 5/4 wetsuit and boots at 14–15°C; 4/3 wetsuit at 16°C
- Air: 16°C by day, 10°C at night
- Weather: sun (6+ hours) on about 23 days, rain (1+ mm) on about 12; a day can have both
- For beginners: Peniche – Baleal, Arrifana & Carcavelos.
When are you planning to go?
1
JanPEAK SEASON
Supertubos
Peniche · Portugal
3.2 m waves15° water15° air
Intermediate and up · 5/4 wetsuit and boots · ✈ LIS 66 km
2
JanPEAK SEASON
Baleal
Peniche · Portugal
3.2 m waves15° water15° air
Beginner-friendly · 5/4 wetsuit and boots · ✈ LIS 68 km
3
JanPEAK SEASON
Ribeira d'Ilhas
Ericeira · Portugal
3 m waves15° water15° air
Intermediate and up · 5/4 wetsuit and boots · ✈ CAT 30 km
4
JanPEAK SEASON
Arrifana
Portugal
2.9 m waves16° water16° air
Beginner-friendly · 4/3 wetsuit · ✈ PRM 30 km
5
JanPEAK SEASON
Guincho
Portugal
2.9 m waves15° water15° air
Advanced only · 5/4 wetsuit and boots · ✈ CAT 10 km
6
JanPEAK SEASON
Carcavelos
Portugal
2.9 m waves15° water15° air
Beginner-friendly · 5/4 wetsuit and boots · ✈ CAT 6 km
7
JanPEAK SEASON
Praia do Norte
Nazaré · Portugal
2.8 m waves15° water15° air
Advanced only · 5/4 wetsuit and boots · ✈ LIS 92 km
8
JanPEAK SEASON
Sagres
Portugal
2.8 m waves16° water17° air
Beginner-friendly · 4/3 wetsuit · ✈ PRM 36 km
9
JanPEAK SEASON
Praia do Amado
Portugal
2.8 m waves16° water17° air
Beginner-friendly · 4/3 wetsuit · ✈ PRM 28 km
10
JanPEAK SEASON
Fonte da Telha
Costa da Caparica · Portugal
2.8 m waves15° water16° air
Intermediate and up · 5/4 wetsuit and boots · ✈ CAT 22 km
11
JanPEAK SEASON
Cabedelo
Figueira da Foz · Portugal
2.8 m waves15° water15° air
Intermediate and up · 5/4 wetsuit and boots · ✈ VSE 105 km
12
JanPEAK SEASON
Matosinhos
Porto · Portugal
2.1 m waves14° water15° air
Beginner-friendly · 5/4 wetsuit and boots · ✈ OPO 8 km
13
JanPEAK SEASON
Meia Praia
Lagos · Portugal
1.7 m waves16° water17° air
Beginner-friendly · 4/3 wetsuit · ✈ PRM 8 km
Averages of the 13 spots on this page. Wave height: average daily maximum.
Questions
Where to go surfing in Portugal in January?
Peniche – Supertubos: 3.2 m waves; Peniche – Baleal: 3.2 m waves; Ericeira – Ribeira d'Ilhas: 3 m waves.
How warm is the water in Portugal in January?
14–16°C: 5/4 wetsuit and boots at 14–15°C; 4/3 wetsuit at 16°C.
Where can beginners go surfing in January?
Good spots for beginners this month: Peniche – Baleal, Arrifana & Carcavelos.
Which airport is closest?
Lisbon Humberto Delgado Airport (LIS), 66 km from Peniche – Supertubos; Cascais Airport (CAT), 30 km from Ericeira – Ribeira d'Ilhas; Portimão Airport (PRM), 30 km from Arrifana.
Read more
Ericeira surf guide: Ribeira d'Ilhas, the Surfing Reserve and the best months5 min read
Which wetsuit do you need? Water temperature at popular spots, month by month2 min read