Carcavelos Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Right then, let’s get stuck into what we’ve got for Carcavelos. The long-range picture is pretty grim, honest. We’re looking at a real dry spell to kick things off, and it’s not until Sunday the 19th that we see anything worth getting out of bed for. That’s a solid nine day stretch of quiet or messy conditions before the ocean sends us a real message.

The water temp is sitting right about average for the time of year at 68°, so no surprises there. We’ve got plenty of time to sit on the beach and watch the nothing happen.

Alright, from Friday the 10th through to Saturday the 18th, it’s a write-off. Tiny waves, wrong winds, and the energy levels are scraping the bottom of the barrel – we’re talking combined swell energy figures in the 14 to 129 range, which is weak, very weak. Not worth a second look.

Then, Sunday morning the 19th is where it finally sparks up. The swell bumps up to 6 ft from the NNW with a short period of 7 seconds, but the real kicker is the glassy cross-offshore wind. The combined energy jumps to 298 (moderate), and the call is “expect good surf conditions.” This is our first standout. That clean morning window at Carcavelos will be the best we see for a while, though it’s a beach break and that short period will keep it a bit crumbly and dumpy on the shore. The water will be full though. If you can score it, get in.

Monday the 20th and Tuesday the 21st see the size hold from 5 ft to 6 ft from the same NNW direction, but the wind swings onshore and cross-on, making a mess of things. The energy ramps up to 326 to 402 (strong), but the quality is lacking – those are frustrating waves with plenty of power but no shape under a chop. Not our day.

Wednesday the 22nd morning could be worth a paddle if you’re desperate. The swell drops to 4 ft with a light cross-off breeze, but the combined energy is still a decent 247. It’s only a marginal call, though.

And finally, into the second week, we get one more flicker of hope. Friday the 24th and Saturday the 25th mornings pump out consistent 6 ft to 7 ft NNW swell again under a clean cross-off wind. The combined energy is 383 to 437 (strong to very strong), but the period is still a short 7 seconds. That’s a powerful, dumpy wall of water – for experienced surfers only. It’s a promising-looking swell, but don’t take it for granted until the day.

So, bottom line: Carcavelos is a quiet town for over a week, then the 19th morning is your golden ticket. After that, you’ll need to be picky. The swell does show up, but the wind is fickle. Keep an eye on it.

Rusty

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