Mindelo Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright, let me have a look at what we've got here. I gotta be straight with you — this 16-day outlook for Mindelo is a tough one. We're looking at a long, dry spell before anything really gets going.

For the first eleven days, from now right through to July 26th, the surf is just not happening. We're talking tiny, weak waves with poor conditions day after day. The wind is almost always onshore or cross-onshore, chopping up what little swell there is. The combined energy is stuck in the teens and thirties, which is just flat-out weak. There's nothing worth paddling out for. You'll see gaps of several days with zero recommendations — it's a real quiet stretch.

Then, things start to change around Sunday, July 26th. The morning surf at Mindelo is described as surfable but very ordinary conditions. It's small, with a 2ft swell from the west, but the key here is the wind: it's glassy. Flat calm, no wind at all. That's a major positive for clean conditions, even on a small day. The period is 11 seconds, so there's a bit of groundswell energy, and the combined energy is 71 — still weak but the best we've seen. If you're desperate for a session, this is your window.

After that, we do see a slow build. By Tuesday, July 28th, the swell picks up to 4ft from the WNW, with a moderate breeze from the north creating clean, cross-offshore conditions. The combined energy jumps to 158 (moderate), so there's more power. This is good for more experienced surfers, as it's over 5ft but under 8ft. The crowd factor at Mindelo says "sometimes," so you might have some company, but it won't be slammed.

But the real standout — the one you should circle — is Thursday, July 30th. On the morning, the wind turns offshore from the ENE at just 15 km/h, producing clean, gentle offshore conditions. The swell is 4ft from the WNW with a period of 9 seconds, and the combined energy is a solid 270 (moderate to strong). The forecast even says "expect good surf conditions" and gives it a 2 out of 10 internally, which in this otherwise bleak outlook is a true highlight. This is the best on offer: clean, offshore winds, solid chest-to-head high waves, and enough power to make it fun. Just keep in mind it's for advanced surfers at that size, and the afternoon blows out as the wind swings NW.

So, bottom line: the first eleven days are a total write-off. July 26th offers a tiny, clean window if you're desperate. But if you can wait until the 30th, that morning session at Mindelo is your best bet — clean, offshore, and some proper swell. For the weeks ahead, it's promising, but far out enough that you'll want to keep an eye on it.

Rusty.

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