Playa do Carreiro Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright folks, Rusty here with the outlook for Playa do Carreiro.

We're looking at a bit of a slow start, but the second half of this 16-day window has some real potential. Right now, the water's sitting at a pretty standard 66°F, nothing unusual for this time of year. The first couple of days are a write-off for any decent paddle surfing, but don't let that get you down.

Things kick off on Thursday the 20th with a small pulse. We're seeing a 4ft swell coming out of the NW, but the period is a short 6 seconds, so it'll be weak and a bit gutless. The wind is a stiff cross-offshore from the NNW at 12 mph, which will clean it up, but with that combined energy only at 284 it's not exactly going to get the heart racing.

Friday the 21st sees the size bump up to 6ft from the NNW with a better 10-second period. The combined energy jumps to a moderate 1034, so there's a bit more push. But again, that cross-offshore wind is howling at 12 mph, making it a bit tricky and keeping the scores low. It's surfable, but you'll be working for it.

Now, Saturday the 22nd is where it gets interesting. The morning glass-off is on! Well, almost. We've got a moderate offshore breeze from the NNE at 12 mph hitting that 4ft NNW swell. The combined energy is still moderate at 340, and with offshore wind and clean conditions, this is our first real window for a session. But keep in mind, this break catches crowds sometimes, so you might have company.

The next real standout doesn't arrive for a while, but hold onto your boards. After a few days of tiny, low-energy dribble, the forecast shows a solid run starting Wednesday the 27th. Thursday morning pulls in a serious 8ft groundswell from the NW with an 11-second period. The energy meter is maxed out at 1518 – that's strong stuff. However, the wind is a light cross-onshore, which will put a bit of texture on the face. At 8ft, this is expert territory; the crowds will likely be thicker, and the current will be pulling. Not for the faint-hearted.

Looking way out to Tuesday, September 1st, the models are hinting at another big one: an 8ft swell from the NW with a very long 12-second period, giving massive energy readings of 1684. It’s cross-offshore winds in the morning, making it clean. That’s a long-range call, so take it with a grain of salt, but if it holds, that's the one to circle on the calendar. A long-period groundswell like this can jack up and run at a river mouth like Carreiro.

Then, a potential hidden gem pops up on Wednesday, September 2nd. The morning is dead flat calm with a perfect glassy 4ft NW swell. It won't be massive, but with zero wind and a moderate combined energy of 351, it could be clean and fun for the intermediates.

Overall, the best bet for a clean, solid wave is probably that Saturday morning session on the 22nd for a manageable size, or you hold out for the big-groundswell days around the 27th and September 1st if you have the skills and the nerve. After the 22nd, there's a noticeable gap of a few days with less than ideal conditions before the bigger energy returns.

Stay stoked,
Rusty.

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