Foz do Arelho Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright folks, Rusty here. Let’s have a look at what Foz do Arelho has cookin’ over the next couple of weeks.

The honest truth is, this run is a tough one. We’ve got a real slow start with barely anything worth paddling out for. The first real chance you’ve got is on Monday the 17th, but it’s a very specific window.

For the full 16 days, there isn’t a single standout session that’s got me shouting from the sand. The best on offer is that Monday morning. We’ll see a clean, NNW swell rolling in at about 6 ft, period a short 8 seconds. The energy is moderate at best (353). What makes it interesting is the wind – glassy, slight air, dead calm. That’s a rare treat, so if you’re a beginner looking for a clean, mellow paddle, that’s your window. Be aware, though, this spot can be inconsistent and sometimes crowded, so don’t expect perfection.

The water temp is sitting at 67°F, which is a bit colder than normal for this time of year, so you’ll want a decent wetsuit.

After that morning, the wind cops a northwesterly turn on Monday afternoon, going onshore and messing things up. Tuesday the 18th morning cleans up a bit with a cross-offshore breeze and 5 ft swell but the energy drops off (302). Tuesday afternoon gets blown out again.

The rest of the first week and into the second week is plagued by a persistent cross-onshore or onshore wind from the north or north-northwest, kicking up chop and making conditions poor. There’s a few small windows on the 25th and 31st with small, weak swell (3 ft and 5 ft respectively) and clean wind, but they’re just surfable, not exciting.

The period between the 19th and the 31st of August is mostly a write-off for quality surf. The swell sticks to that short-period NNW pulse, and the wind just won’t give us a break. If you’re keen on getting wet regardless, keep an eye on those early morning windows, but don’t expect any magic.

Rusty.

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