Carcavelos Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Right then, let’s have a look at what’s on the cards for the next couple of weeks. I’ll be honest with you, it’s a bit of a slow start and there’s a fair bit of waiting involved, but the second half of the period does have some real promise if you’re prepared to get out there.

The first few days are a bit of a write-off, to be honest. We’re looking at small, weak swell and wonky wind. Saturday the 8th and Sunday the 9th have tiny waves around 2 ft to 3 ft, but the wind is cross or cross-shore, so it’s all a bit messy and weak. The combined energy is low, reading 83 to 163, so it’s not worth getting wet for. Monday the 10th and Tuesday the 11th are similar, with the swell barely hanging on. Tuesday morning drops right off to just 1 ft, though the period jumps to 12 seconds, which is a long period groundswell, but with no size, it’s just a tease. The wind does turn cross-offshore on Monday and Tuesday, which is a positive, but the waves are just too small to do anything with.

Wednesday the 12th and Thursday the 13th see a bit more energy, with the swell climbing to 3 ft to 5 ft. The combined energy hits 271 on Thursday morning, which is moderate, but it’s still a bit of a gamble. Thursday afternoon gets a bit punchy with 5 ft from the NNW, but the period is short at 7 seconds, and the wind is a fresh 19 mph cross-offshore, so it’s not going to be pretty. It’s clean but messy.

Friday the 14th is more of the same—marginal at best. The swell is 5 ft to 5 ft, but it’s short period and the wind is still fresh. Not one to get excited about.

Now, here’s where it gets interesting. Saturday the 15th of August is the first real standout. The morning brings a clean 6 ft swell from the NNW with a light 6 mph cross-offshore breeze. The combined energy is a solid 493, so it’s got some push. This is the best morning of the week for a beginner-friendly wave at Carcavelos. The afternoon, however, gets a bit too big for a beginner at 7 ft, and the wind swings cross-shore, so it’s a bit of a mixed bag.

Sunday the 16th is a big one. The morning delivers a solid 10 ft from the NNW with a combined energy of 1314—that’s strong. The wind is light and cross-offshore, so it’s clean. But listen, that’s big. Over 8 ft, and it’s expert territory only. The period is 9 seconds, so it’s got some shape, but it’s going to be heavy and powerful. If you’re not a seasoned pro, stay out of the water. The afternoon drops to 8 ft but the wind shifts cross-shore, so it’s less clean.

Monday the 17th is still solid at 7 ft in the morning, but the wind is a fresh 16 mph cross-offshore, so it’s clean but windy. The afternoon drops to 6 ft, but the wind picks up to 22 mph, making it pretty rough. Tuesday the 18th is a bit smaller, 5 ft to 6 ft, but the wind is still fresh, so it’s not great.

Wednesday the 19th and Thursday the 20th are both big again, with 8 ft and 7 ft from the NNW. The combined energy is strong, 943 and 865, but the wind is light and cross-offshore in the mornings, so it’s clean. Again, these are expert-only waves. The swell is too big for a beginner, and even intermediate surfers will struggle.

Then, on Friday the 21st of August, the wind drops completely. The morning is glassy, with a 5 ft swell from the NNW. The combined energy is 282, so it’s moderate, but the glassy conditions make it a real gem. This is a standout for a more relaxed session after the heavy stuff. The afternoon sees the wind pick up onshore, so get it in the morning.

Saturday the 22nd is a bit of a letdown with onshore wind and a 4 ft swell. Not great.

Finally, Sunday the 23rd of August. The morning is glassy again, with a 6 ft swell from the NNW and a combined energy of 766. This is a very good wave. The wind is a slight air, so it’s almost glassy. This is the best of the second week, and it’s a solid, clean wave for a decent surfer.

So, the standout sessions are Saturday the 15th morning for a good, clean swell, and Sunday the 23rd morning for a glassy, powerful wave. The big swell days from the 16th to the 20th are for experts only. The water temperature is about average for this time of year, nothing unusual.

Rusty.

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