Porto Batel Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Righto, let’s have a look at what’s on offer here.

The only break in the mix is Porto Batel, a point that’s exposed to the west. It’s a fairly consistent spot, so we’ve got a bit of a run to look at, but the first few days are pretty ordinary.

We kick off on Friday, 4th September, with tiny 2 ft swell from the WNW at 8 seconds, weak energy (80). Friday afternoon turns glassy with a NE breeze, but the waves are still small and weak. Saturday 5th September morning cleans up a bit, 3 ft WNW at 9 seconds, energy up to 140, but still nothing to write home about. Then Saturday afternoon the period jumps to 15 seconds with 2 ft from the NNW, energy 280 – that’s a long-period groundswell but it’s small and best for the point setup.

Sunday 6th September morning is where it finally starts to get interesting: 4 ft from the NNW, 12-second period, and energy at 570 – that’s moderate-strong energy. The wind is cross-off from the N at 9 mph, and the conditions are clean. This is the first standout of the forecast. The waves will have some proper shape and push for an intermediate surfer, but note that N winds are cross-off, not offshore, so it’s tidy but not glassy. The water temp is about average for the time of year.

From Sunday afternoon right through to Wednesday 9th September, the wind picks up to 16 mph from the N, and the surf quality gets marginal or poor, with energy still in the moderate range but the breeze making it messy. Thursday 10th September has a 5 ft NW swell with 12-second period and energy 699 in the afternoon – again, moderate to strong energy, but the cross-off wind is fresh, so it’s not pristine.

The second week starts with strong N winds up to 22 mph on Friday 11th September – the wave period drops to 7 seconds and energy plummets. Poor conditions. Saturday 12th September morning has 5 ft at 8 seconds, energy 419, but it’s still windy and clean but bumpy. Sunday 13th September morning: 5 ft NW at 10 seconds, energy 639, cross-off from the N at 19 mph – it’s a bit of a battle.

But then Monday 14th September morning offers a glimmer: 6 ft from the NNW at 8 seconds, energy 480, with a light E breeze at 9 mph – clean conditions. That’s a solid option. Then Tuesday 15th September morning is the standout of the whole window: 7 ft from the NNW at 7 seconds, energy 534, with a light ESE breeze at 6 mph. That’s a lot of waves, but the period is short (7 seconds) so it’ll be a bit crumbly – still, for a point break, it’ll be fun and clean. Over 5 ft, so not for beginners.

Wednesday 16th September keeps that 7 ft from the NNW at 8 seconds, energy 638, but the wind swings SE cross-shore – it’s slightly choppy. Thursday 17th September morning turns glassy with a light N breeze at 3 mph, 6 ft NNW at 8 seconds, energy 448 – that’s a real clean session, perfect for an intermediate. Friday 18th September morning: 5 ft at 8 seconds, energy 316, cross-off from the NNE at 6 mph, clean. Saturday 19th September morning finishes with a 4 ft NNW at 8 seconds, energy 202, offshore from the NE at 9 mph – gentle offshore and clean.

So the best on offer: Sunday 6th September morning for the first proper clean, punchy swell with long-period groundswell quality. The true standout is Tuesday 15th September morning – 7 ft, clean, light wind, strong energy. And if you can wait, Thursday 17th September morning is glassy with solid 6 ft waves.

Crowds at Porto Batel can happen sometimes, so get in early.

Rusty

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