Beliche Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright folks, Rusty here. This outlook for the Algarve is a bit of a slow burn, so don't be fooled by the first few days. We’ve got a long stretch of tiny, clean waves before a solid pulse of northwest swell hits. Let's break it down.

First up, we’re looking at Beliche. This is a beach and point set-up that takes a northwesterly direction. The water temp is sitting at 70°, which is pretty much bang on average for this time of year, so no surprises there. The beginning of the run is a tough one. From Saturday the 18th right through to the morning of Friday the 24th, we’re in the doldrums. You’ll see clean, offshore winds, but the swell is tiny—mostly 0.7ft to 1ft with a combined energy reading of just 14. It’s basically a flat spell, so don't even bother. That’s a solid week of nothing.

Now, things get heavier. Starting Saturday morning the 25th, a northwest swell starts to build. By Saturday afternoon, we’re looking at 6ft swell from the NNW with a short period of 6 seconds. The energy jumps to 227, and the wind is a strong offshore breeze. The waves are there, but that short period is going to make them a bit crumbly and hard to read. It’s still clean, but for the average surfer, it’s a bit of a mess.

The real shift comes on Monday the 28th. The morning sees a 7ft swell from the NNW with a period of 9 seconds, and the combined energy hits 1043. That’s moderate to strong energy, and the wind is a strong offshore. This is the standout. The waves are starting to get some proper shape and power. However, with the size over 8ft, this is only for the experts. It’s clean, powerful, and a bit of a beast. The afternoon drops off slightly to 7ft but still holds that energy.

The next few days, the 29th and 30th of July, keep the swell around the 7ft mark, but the wind eases back. Thursday the 30th morning is a highlight with a 6ft swell from the NNW, a light cross-off breeze, and a combined energy of 484. The conditions are rated as "good," which is the best we’ll see. It’s a solid, clean, powerful swell that will be offering some proper waves. The water is still clean, and the crowds at Beliche can be "often" busy, so expect company.

After that, the swell slowly fades through the end of the month and into the first of August, with the waves dropping back under 5ft. The wind stays clean, but the energy drops right off. It’s a clear end to the run.

So, the best on offer is without a doubt Monday the 28th and Thursday the 30th of July. Monday is the biggest and most powerful but for the experienced crew only. Thursday is the more user-friendly of the big days, with cleaner conditions and a little less grunt. Get out there if you’ve got the skills.

Rusty.

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