Carcavelos Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright folks, Rusty here. Let's get into it.

The next 16 days are a bit of a mixed bag for us. We've got a slow start, but there are some quality windows to chase if you're patient. The real standout sessions will be the clean, glassy mornings with a solid groundswell. The water temp is sitting around 69°, which is just about normal for this time of year, so no surprises there.

Right now, the immediate days are looking a bit bumpy. Sunday morning (6 September) is a tease – we’ve got chest-high swell from the NW at 4ft with a 12-second period, and the combined energy is moderate at 529. The wind is a light cross-off, keeping things clean. It's a solid start and probably the best of the early going, but the breeze picks up in the afternoon and ruins it. Monday (7 September) is similar; waist-to-shoulder-high surf but that wind gets fresh, making it more work than it's worth.

We hit a bit of a lull through Tuesday and Wednesday where the wind just won't play nice, and the swell gets shorter period and weaker energy. Thursday (10 September) has some size at 7ft, but it's short-period NNW swell and a strong breeze, making it a messy, blown-out affair that's only for the keen ones.

Friday morning (11 September) offers a bit of a reprieve with a gentle breeze and a 5ft swell (moderate energy at 309), but it's not a standout. The real gap shows up from Saturday (12 September) through Sunday morning (13 September) – Saturday is tiny (3ft) with a weak period and messy cross-shore wind. That's a day to stay on the beach.

Now, here's where we start talking about the real gems. Sunday, 13 September morning is a beauty at Carcavelos. The swell drops to 3ft, but the period jumps to a very long 13 seconds – that’s proper groundswell energy. Combined energy is moderate at 380, and the light cross-off wind will have the waves looking clean. This is the kind of smaller, glassy day where longboards and mid-lengths will be grinning. It's a little inconsistent with the long period, so expect longer waits between sets, but the waves will have shape.

The absolute pick of the forecast falls on two mornings the following week. Tuesday morning, 15 September is firing. We're looking at a clean 4ft groundswell from the WNW with a 12-second period and a combined energy of 543. The wind is light and cross-off – perfect conditions. This is your best bet for a proper session.

Then we have Friday morning, 18 September. This one is special. The swell is solid at 5ft from the NW, with a 12-second period, moderate to strong energy (594), and the wind is offshore from the ENE at 12 mph. That's a clean, lined-up day where the waves will have some push and hold their shape. Keep in mind, with a swell around 5ft, it might be a touch big for raw beginners, but for everyone else, get ready.

The tail end of the forecast, around Saturday afternoon, 19 September, also shows another clean window with a light breeze and 5ft swell. It's promising, but we're getting into the second week, so keep an eye on it.

Bottom line: don't waste your time in the first few days unless you're desperate. Hold out for the 13th, and absolutely make plans for the 15th and 18th mornings. The 18th is the standout.

Stay stoked,
Rusty

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