Playa do Carreiro Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright, Rusty here. Let’s talk about what’s on offer for our little corner of the coast.

Right now, things are quiet. The first real surf we’re looking at kicks off on Sunday the 6th of September, but it’s a bit of a tease. Playa do Carreiro is seeing some NW swell at 3 ft, but the wind is a cross-off and the combined wave energy is moderate (448). It’s not terrible, but it’s nothing to get excited about. Think of it as a warm-up.

The real action starts to build on Monday the 7th. Monday morning is where it’s at. We’ve got a solid 6 ft swell coming out of the WNW with a nice long period of 12 seconds – that’s proper groundswell energy. The combined energy is pumping at 991 (moderate to strong), and with the N wind at 9 mph, it’s staying clean. This is the standout of the first week. The river mouth setup at Playa do Carreiro will be handling that long period well, giving you some nicely shaped lines. It’s an intermediate-level spot, and with 6 ft, it’s getting punchy but not out of control. Crowds are sometimes a thing here, so you might have company.

The water temp is sitting at 66°, which is basically average for this time of year – no surprises there.

Tuesday the 8th drops off a bit. The morning has 4 ft at WNW with a 10-second period, combined energy of 299 (moderate), and light north winds keeping it clean. It’s still surfable but nothing special. By the afternoon, light rain and a cross-wind mess it up, so don’t bother.

Wednesday the 9th morning looks decent again. 4 ft from the NNW with an 8-second period (short period, so a bit weaker shape), but the wind is a clean offshore from the NNE at 12 mph. Combined energy is 325 (moderate). It’ll be clean but not powerful.

After that, things go flat and messy for a while. From Thursday the 10th through to Saturday the 19th, it’s mostly small, weak, and crossed-up. There’s a glimmer on Sunday the 13th: the morning goes glassy with a 3 ft NW swell and a 12-second period (462 energy). That’s worth a dawn paddle. The afternoon builds to 5 ft NW at 12 seconds (627 energy) and light NW winds. That Sunday afternoon is actually a strong runner-up for the best session of the whole outlook.

But the true standout? Lock in Monday the 21st of September. Monday morning brings a solid 7 ft NW swell with a 10-second period and combined energy roaring at 899 (strong). The wind is a light offshore from the NE at 6 mph – glassy conditions. This is the biggest, most powerful swell of the whole run. At 7 ft, it’s pushing into expert-only territory, so if you’re not confident, sit this one out. For those who can handle it, the river mouth will be firing, and the offshore wind will keep the faces clean. The afternoon stays at 7 ft with a crazy energy of 1466 (very strong), but the wind swings cross-shore and messes it up a bit. The morning is your window.

So, to wrap it up: the first real standout is Monday the 7th morning. The second, and the best of the lot, is Monday the 21st morning. Don’t sleep on that Sunday the 13th afternoon either – that’s a sneaky good session.

Rusty out.

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