Porto da Cruz Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright folks, Rusty here. Let’s be straight with you about this stretch of the north coast. We’re looking at Porto da Cruz, and honestly, it’s a tough run for the next 16 days. The wind is stuck onshore from the north, and the swell is mostly short-period, messy stuff. There’s no real standout period, and the scores are all poor.

Right from this Sunday, the 19th of July, we’ve got small, weak swell. The morning is only 3 ft from the NE with a period of 5 seconds, and the combined energy is a measly 39 (weak). The wind is a cross-on 9 mph from the N, so it’s choppy. That’s a no-go. Sunday afternoon drops to 2 ft, same story. This flat spell runs right through the week.

The swell does build a little by Tuesday the 21st, up to 4 ft from the NNE, period still a short 6 seconds, but the energy climbs to 110 (moderate). Still, with that cross-on wind, it’s just poor. Wednesday the 22nd is similar, 3 ft to 4 ft, period 7-8 seconds, energy up to 175, but the wind is still ruining it.

By Thursday the 23rd we get to 5 ft from the NNE, period 8 seconds, and energy hitting 259 (moderate). That’s more size, but the wind is still cross-on at 9 mph. The quality is poor. That pattern holds through the end of July: size fluctuates, but the wind never cleans up. On the 25th and 26th, we’re seeing 6 ft to 6 ft, but the wind picks up to 12 mph, making it even choppier. Energy is strong at 340 (moderate) on the 26th morning, but the surf is still blown out.

The one event that might get your attention is on the 29th of July. The swell jumps to 8 ft from the NNE with a period of 8 seconds, and the energy is a massive 727 (strong) in the morning, hitting 1001 (very strong) in the afternoon. That’s a lot of water moving. But here’s the kicker: the wind is cross-on from the NNW at 9-16 mph. Even with that size, the conditions are rated poor. At 8 ft, this is expert territory, and with that onshore wind, it’s going to be a washing machine. Not safe for beginners.

The 30th of July is the biggest of the run, with 10 ft from the NNE and a period of 10 seconds. The energy is 1850 (very strong) in the morning. That is a serious groundswell. But again, the wind is cross-on from the NNW at 16 mph. This is big, powerful, and messy. More of a kite surfer's wave than a paddle surfer's dream. It’s only for the most experienced, and even then, the conditions are poor.

After that, the swell slowly drops through the 1st and 2nd of August, settling back to 5 ft-6 ft with the same cross-on wind. The very last entry on the 3rd of August shows a shift to an onshore wind from the NNE at 9 mph, with 6 ft swell and energy 478 (moderate). Still, it’s described as poor.

So, here’s the truth: there is no good surf on offer in the 16-day window. The wind is your enemy for the entire outlook. The sea temperature is about average for the time of year. If you’re desperate, the 30th of July has the most size, but only for experts who don’t mind a battle. For everyone else, save your energy. This stretch tends to have these blank runs, but forecasts can change. Keep an eye on the wind.

Rusty.

Read more