Praia da Vila Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright, Rusty here. Let’s have a look at what’s on the cards for Praia da Vila.

First things first, the water is running at 60°F, which is a massive 5°F colder than normal for this time of year. That is *really* unusual, so expect a proper chill – a good wetsuit is non-negotiable.

The surf pattern for the next 16 days is a mixed bag. We’ve got some small windows of fun, but plenty of junk to sift through. The first few days are pretty average, so don’t get too excited straight off the bat. From Friday 18th July into the weekend, we see a bump in size but the conditions are marginal at best. Saturday morning has 7ft from the ENE with a short 8 second period, and a combined energy of 548 (moderate), but the wind is cross-off, not ideal. Sunday morning is similar with 6ft ENE, and still cross-off. These are not the pick of the fortnight.

The first real standout comes on Monday morning, 20th July. The wind goes glassy, which is a major positive, meaning the surface will be smooth. We’ve got a clean 6ft from the ENE (period 8 seconds) and 414 combined energy (moderate). This is a solid bet for an intermediate surfer – not too big, not too small, and clean. Tuesday morning, 21st July, is also glassy with 5ft ENE (414 energy), so that’s another good option right after. These two mornings are the best early action.

We then hit a bit of a lull until Thursday morning, 23rd July. Glassy conditions again with 4ft from the SSE, period 8 seconds, and 317 energy (moderate). Thursday afternoon cleans up with offshore wind, 4ft SSE – a good solid little window.

The end of the month and start of August looks interesting, but it’s less certain. Sunday the 27th July has some excellent potential: morning offshore wind, 4ft from the south with a long 11 second period, and 573 energy (moderate). The afternoon builds to 3ft S at 10 seconds and 562 energy with a moderate offshore breeze – this is a very good combo. Tuesday the 28th July also looks promising, with 3ft SSE at 12 seconds (very clean) and 571 energy. This is classic groundswell stuff; longer period, better shaped waves, and cleaner.

Thursday the 30th July morning is another standout candidate. Clean conditions, 5ft from the SSE (9 seconds), and 615 energy (moderate-strong). That’s a proper push of swell with clean lines – could be the pick of the later period.

The very end of the forecast, into the first days of August, sees a building trend but the wind is a bit iffy. Friday 31st July morning has 6ft from the east at 7 seconds (644 energy) with cross-off wind – decent but not perfect. Saturday 1st August morning is similar at 6ft ENE (712 energy), but again cross-off. The swell is short period, so it’ll be a bit crumbly and less well-shaped, but there will be waves for those who want them.

Overall, the standout sessions are the glassy mornings on Monday 20th and Tuesday 21st July, and the clean groundswell on Monday 27th and Tuesday 28th July. The later part of the month, particularly Thursday 30th July morning, is a serious one to watch. The crowds at Praia da Vila can be an issue sometimes, so get in early.

Rusty.

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