Offshore Stays

Surf Portugal: the best surf towns, seasons and spots

Where to surf in Portugal: 7 surf towns compared by surf season (mostly April–May, September–November), waves, skill level and sea temperature.

Best time to surf Portugal: April–May, September–November is main surf season in most of its surf towns. The table below shows each town's own season.

Portugal surf towns compared

TownBest surfWavesSuitsSea temp
Aljezur surfEuropeApril–June, September–Novemberbeach breaksall levels15–18°C
Azores (São Miguel) surfEuropeSeptember–Februaryreef breaks, point breaks and beach breaksintermediate and advanced surfers16–24°C
Cascais surfEuropeMarch–April, September–Novemberbeach breaks and reef breaksbeginner and intermediate surfers14–18°C
Ericeira surfEuropeMarch–May, September–Novemberreef breaks, point breaks and beach breaksall levels14–18°C
Madeira (Jardim do Mar) surfEuropeOctober–Marchpoint breaks and reef breaksadvanced surfers18–24°C
Peniche surfEuropeApril–May, September–Novemberbeach breaks, reef breaks and point breaksall levels14–18°C
Sagres surfEuropeApril–May, September–Novemberbeach breaks and reef breaksall levels15–19°C

Surf houses in Portugal

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Frequently asked questions

When is the best time to surf Portugal?
Across the 7 surf towns we cover in Portugal, April–May, September–November is main surf season in most of them. Aljezur: April–June, September–November; Azores (São Miguel): September–February; Cascais: March–April, September–November; Ericeira: March–May, September–November; Madeira (Jardim do Mar): October–March; Peniche: April–May, September–November; Sagres: April–May, September–November.
Where is the water warmest for surfing in Portugal?
Madeira (Jardim do Mar) has the warmest sea of the towns we cover, around 24°C in September. The coldest is Peniche, around 14°C in March.
Where should beginners surf in Portugal?
Aljezur, Cascais, Ericeira, Peniche, Sagres have breaks that suit beginners. The other towns are better for surfers who already ride green waves.

Sea temperatures and weather come from each town's page, where the sources and dates are listed. Surf seasons, break types and skill levels are our editorial review.