Year-Round Guide

Surf Conditions by Season

Plan your trip around the best swell windows. Madeira receives consistent North Atlantic swells from September through March, with peak conditions December to February.

Peak Season
Sep - Mar
Water Temp
18-24°C
Best Wind
SE Offshore
Surfable Days
300+/year

Season Overview

Choose the right time for your skill level and wave preferences

Peak Season

September – March

  • Consistent NW swells from North Atlantic storms
  • Wave heights 4-15ft+ on peak days
  • All spots working from beginners to experts
  • Water 18-20°C, 3/2 or 4/3mm wetsuit
Best for: All skill levels
Summer Season

June – August

  • Flat to small conditions (0-3ft)
  • Minimal swell activity
  • Very calm, safe for absolute beginners
  • Water 21-24°C, shorty or boardshorts
Best for: Absolute beginners only

Month-by-Month Breakdown

January

Excellent
SwellLarge NW swells (6-15ft)
Water18°C
Wetsuit4/3mm
CrowdsModerate

February

Excellent
SwellConsistent NW swells (6-12ft)
Water18°C
Wetsuit4/3mm
CrowdsModerate

March

Good
SwellMixed swells (4-10ft)
Water18°C
Wetsuit3/2mm
CrowdsLow-Moderate

April

Fair
SwellDecreasing (3-6ft)
Water19°C
Wetsuit3/2mm
CrowdsLow

May

Poor
SwellSmall, inconsistent (1-4ft)
Water20°C
Wetsuit3/2mm
CrowdsVery Low

June

Flat
SwellFlat to small (1-2ft)
Water21°C
WetsuitShorty
CrowdsVery Low

July

Flat
SwellMostly flat (0-2ft)
Water22°C
WetsuitShorty/Boardshorts
CrowdsLow

August

Flat
SwellMostly flat (0-2ft)
Water24°C
WetsuitShorty/Boardshorts
CrowdsLow

September

Fair
SwellBuilding swells (2-6ft)
Water23°C
WetsuitShorty/3/2mm
CrowdsLow-Moderate

October

Good
SwellGood NW swells (4-10ft)
Water22°C
Wetsuit3/2mm
CrowdsModerate

November

Excellent
SwellStrong NW swells (6-12ft)
Water20°C
Wetsuit3/2mm
CrowdsModerate

December

Excellent
SwellPeak swells (6-15ft+)
Water19°C
Wetsuit4/3mm
CrowdsModerate-High

Wetsuit Guide

What to wear throughout the year

Winter (Dec-Mar)

4/3mm

Full wetsuit recommended. Water 18-19°C. Booties optional for rocky entries.

Spring/Fall

3/2mm

Standard wetsuit comfortable. Water 19-22°C. Most versatile option.

Summer (Jun-Aug)

Shorty

Spring suit or boardshorts. Water 21-24°C. Warmest and calmest conditions.

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