Carcavelos Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright, Rusty here. Let’s have a look at what’s on offer for the local area over the next couple of weeks.

Right off the bat, the start of the period is a bit of a struggle. Monday morning has tiny 3ft NW swell coming in at 11 seconds, but the cross-on wind from the SSE is making it messy. The water temp is sitting at 66°, which is a bit colder than normal for this time of year. It’s not really worth paddling out for. Monday afternoon and Tuesday are even smaller and cleaner but just not enough push. A bit of a flat spell to shake off.

Now, hold on to your board shorts. Wednesday the 16th brings a massive change. The swell jumps to 10ft from the NNW with moderate energy (combined energy 1362), but this is way too big for Carcavelos – a beginner spot. The wind is clean cross-off, but the size is only for experts, and even then it’s dicey. That big pulse sticks around through Thursday and Friday with similar 8ft to 10ft swell and clean winds, but again, it’s oversized for this break. Not the spot for the average surfer.

Saturday the 19th morning is where it gets interesting. A 6ft NW swell with a very long 14-second period rolls in, and the wind is light cross-off from the east – clean conditions. The combined energy is 1623, so there’s proper power. The swell direction (NW) is a bit off the optimum W, but the quality is excellent for experienced surfers. This is the standout session: clean, long period groundswell at a beach break, so it might be a bit straight, but the energy is there. Good call for the more skilled crew.

Sunday the 20th sees the swell drop back to 5ft-5ft with a 12-second period, but the morning has cross-off wind from the SE, making it fairly clean. It’s not the best of the run, but it’s surfable. Monday the 21st morning is similar with 5ft NW swell at 13 seconds and light east cross-off wind – clean again, and the forecast says very good surf. Worth a look.

The middle of the next week fades a bit. Tuesday the 22nd morning has 4ft NW swell at 12 seconds with clean light east winds, but the energy is moderate (433). It’s okay but nothing special. Wednesday and Thursday mornings are small, around 1ft to 2ft, and not worth the drive.

Friday the 25th morning picks up again with 4ft WNW swell at 12 seconds, clean with light ESE wind, and good conditions. Saturday the 26th morning is similar but a touch smaller at 4ft NW. Not standout, but a pleasant session.

Then we get another big pulse. Sunday the 27th morning brings a 7ft W swell with an 11-second period, light NNW wind, and massive combined energy of 1701. The wind is cross-off and the surf is excellent for experienced surfers. That’s a real standout – big, powerful, and clean. But again, at 7ft, it’s pushing the limit for beginners. The afternoon sees it jump to 8ft with cross-shore wind, which is even bigger. Monday the 28th drops back to 6ft WNW swell with moderate energy and light cross wind – marginal but rideable.

Tuesday the 29th morning has 4ft NNW swell at 9 seconds, light cross-off wind, and clean conditions. The energy is moderate (363). A decent way to round out the run.

Overall, the best bets are Saturday the 19th morning for the long-period groundswell and clean conditions, and Sunday the 27th morning for the powerful, clean swell. Both are for experienced surfers. There’s a lot of big, clean days in between, but most are too big for Carcavelos. Keep an eye on those two sessions.

Rusty

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