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Carcavelos is one of the most popular beaches for surfing in the Lisbon area, with waves all year round. But are all seasons equally good for surfing? Let’s analyze how the sea behaves throughout the year and which is the best time of the year for each type of surfer.

Winter (December to February)

Winter brings bigger and more powerful waves. It is the favorite season of experienced surfers, but beginners may have difficulty due to the size of the waves and the stronger currents.

• Swell: large, coming from the west and south, can exceed 2 meters.

• Wind: occasional offshore (from land to sea) winds, but also strong onshore (from sea to land) winds in some days.

• Temperature: cold water, between 14°C and 16°C – a 4/3 or 5/4 wetsuit being recommended.

Winter is ideal for advanced surfers but also suitable for intermediate surfers who are looking for challenging waves and accumulated energy in the series.

Spring (March to May)

Spring is a time of transition, with slightly smaller waves and less energy. The wind is usually more moderate, with some occasional north winds (offshore), making Carcavelos ideal for beginners and intermediate surfers who want to practice without facing very extreme conditions.

• Swell: usually from the west and south, with waves between 1 and 1.5 meters.

• Wind: mostly weak and offshore (from the north).

• Temperature: the water is still cold, between 15°C and 17°C, so a 4/3 wetsuit is recommended.

Spring is perfect for those looking to learn or evolve in a quieter way before the arrival of summer.

Summer (June to September)

Summer brings heat, beaches full of people and usually onshore wind. The waves in Carcavelos are smaller, making this a great time for beginners or those who want to enjoy surfing in a more recreational way. There may be a few days without surfable waves.

• Swell: smaller, often insufficient for intermediate and advanced surfers.

• Wind: predominance of onshore wind (from the sea to land), which can make the waves more disorganized.

• Temperature: warmer water, between 18°C and 20°C, allowing you to surf in finer wetsuits.

The summer is ideal for surfing lessons, beginners or surfers who want to train techniques in smaller waves.

Autumn (September to November)

Autumn is considered one of the best times to surf in Carcavelos. The ripples begin to increase with the arrival of some Atlantic storms, providing more consistent and perfect waves for all levels.

• Swell: stronger, usually from the west and south, with 1 to 2 meters height.

• Wind: northernmost frequent, creating ideal offshore conditions.

• Temperature: the water begins to cool, between 17°C and 19°C, it is recommended to use a 4/3 wetsuit.

Autumn combines consistent waves with less crowds than summer, which is perfect for those who want to evolve in surfing.

Conclusion

In short, Carcavelos offers conditions for surfing all year round, but the choice of the best season depends on your level and goals.

If you are a beginner, summer offers small and easy waves to practice your take-off. If you have an intermediate level of surfing, spring offers softer waves and less intimidating conditions. Autumn combines consistency and good swells which is ideal to evolve quickly. Winter is reserved for those who seek greater challenges and are prepared to face the stronger and colder sea.

Regardless of the season, tracking the forecasts in Windguru and confirming the conditions on BeachCam helps to ensure that you take advantage of the best that Carcavelos has to offer at any time of year.

If you need help interpreting the conditions on Windguru, read our article “How to choose the best conditions for surfing in Carcavelos“.