Surf Forecasts:
Praia das Macas surf forecast from 20 Aug 2026:
- Best quality surf: Sunday 23 Aug, 1AM (local time) - 4.5ft (1.4m), 14s period, WNW swell with cross-offshore winds.
- Most powerful swell: Sunday 23 Aug, 7AM (local time) - 6.5ft (2.0m), 11s period, W swell with 1,023 kJ wave energy.
- Next surfable swell (1★+): Sunday 23 Aug, 1AM (local time) - 4.5ft (1.4m), 14s period with WNW swell.
Best Forecast Surf Conditions for Praia das Macas this week:
The surf forecast for Praia das Macas over the next 16 days: The first swell (rated 1 star or higher) is forecast to arrive on Sunday (Aug 23) at 1AM. The primary swell is predicted to be 1.4m and 14s period with a secondary swell of 0.9m and 9s. The wind is predicted to be cross-offshore as the swell arrives.
The most powerful waves expected at Praia das Macas in the next 16 days are 2.0m 11s and forecast to arrive on Sunday (Aug 23) at 7AM. Winds are predicted to be cross-offshore at the time the swell arrives. The largest open ocean swell (not directed at the beach) is 1.4m 5s period and expected on Sunday (Aug 23) at 4PM.
| Wave Type | Time (WEST) & Date | Wave Height & Period |
|---|---|---|
| Next good surf (1 star+) | 1AM (Sun 23rd Aug) | 4.5ft (1.4m) 14s |
| Best Surf | 1AM (Sun 23rd Aug) | 4.5ft (1.4m) 14s |
| Most Powerful | 7AM (Sun 23rd Aug) | 6.5ft (2.0m) 11s |
Table - best surf conditions forecast for Praia das Macas over the next 16 days.
The Lowdown
Alright, let’s cut through the chatter and see what the ocean’s serving up.
The truth is, we’re in for a bit of a flat, messy spell to start. The buoys are showing some swell, but the wind is gonna be all over it, mostly cross-onshore and making everything lumpy and hard to ride. You’ll see waves, but they'll be sloppy. We’re just going to have to be patient. The first real chance at something clean comes on Sunday, August 23rd. The wind finally swings cross-offshore, and it should clean up that 5ft swell from the W, with a 10-second period. It’s not perfect, but it’s the first sign of life. Water temp is sitting right around 68°, which is pretty normal for this time of year.
After that, it’s back to the choppy stuff for a few days. The swell backs off early next week, and we’ll be scratching for anything rideable.
Now, here’s the one to mark on your calendar. Looking way out, there’s a serious pulse of energy scheduled to hit on Thursday, September 3rd. The wave energy jumps into "strong" territory, reading 1121. That’s a big deal. The morning of that day is the pick, with 7ft of NW swell at a 10-second period. The wind is cross-shore, which is better than what we’ve seen, but not ideal. It’s still a marginal call, and it’s a long way off, so keep your expectations in check. But that’s your best bet for a proper, powerful surf. At that size, it’s for experienced surfers only. Beginners should stay on the sand.
So, to sum it up: Sunday the 23rd is your chance for a clean, smaller wave. The one to get excited about, the possible standout, is that Thursday the 3rd of September. It’s got the size and the energy, we just need the wind to cooperate.
Rusty, out.
Short Range ForecastMostly dry. Warm (max 21°C on Thu morning, min 18°C on Fri night). Mainly fresh winds. | Days 4-6 Weather SummaryModerate rain (total 13mm), heaviest on Sun night. Warm (max 21°C on Sun morning, min 20°C on Sun morning). Winds decreasing (fresh winds from the SSE on Sun morning, light winds from the WSW by Mon night). | ||||||||||||||||||||
Thursday 20 | Friday 21 | Saturday 22 | Sunday 23 | Monday 24 | Tuesday 25 | Wednesday 26 | |||||||||||||||
AM | PM | Night | AM | PM | Night | AM | PM | Night | AM | PM | Night | AM | PM | Night | AM | PM | Night | AM | PM | Night | |
Swell Height Map | |||||||||||||||||||||
Wave Height (m) Direction Period (s) | WNW 9 | WNW 9 | NW 7 | NW 11 | NNW 10 | NNW 10 | NNW 10 | NNW 9 | WNW 14 | W 11 | W 10 | W 9 | WSW 8 | W 8 | WSW 7 | WNW 7 | WNW 7 | WNW 6 | WNW 7 | WNW 9 | WNW 9 |
Wave Graph | |||||||||||||||||||||
62 | 61 | 349 | 229 | 763 | 555 | 419 | 312 | 671 | 762 | 450 | 580 | 688 | 320 | 97 | 125 | 93 | 62 | 136 | 293 | 346 | |
Wind (km/h) | |||||||||||||||||||||
Wind State on-shore cross-onshore cross-shore cross-offshore off-shore glassy | on | cross-on | cross-on | cross-on | cross-on | cross-on | on | cross-on | cross-off | cross-off | cross-off | cross | cross | cross-on | cross-on | cross-on | cross | cross-on | on | on | on |
High Tide | 9:05PM1.94m | 9:44AM1.98m | 10:36PM1.85m | 11:16AM1.99m | 00:04AM1.90m | 12:30PM2.12m | 1:04AM2.05m | 1:21PM2.30m | 1:47AM2.21m | 2:01PM2.49m | 2:23AM2.38m | 2:35PM2.67m | 2:55AM2.53m | ||||||||
Low Tide | 2:42PM0.98m | 3:06AM1.07m | 4:10PM1.09m | 4:41AM1.14m | 5:49PM1.05m | 6:08AM1.05m | 6:56PM0.90m | 7:05AM0.89m | 7:41PM0.72m | 7:46AM0.71m | 8:17PM0.54m | 8:21AM0.53m | 8:49PM0.37m | ||||||||
6:54 | — | — | 6:56 | — | — | 6:56 | — | — | 6:58 | — | — | 6:58 | — | — | 7:00 | — | — | 7:00 | — | — | |
— | 8:25 | — | — | 8:24 | — | — | 8:22 | — | — | 8:22 | — | — | 8:21 | — | — | 8:19 | — | — | 8:17 | — | |
mm | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | 1 | 3 | 6 | 1 | — | — | — | — | 2 | — | — | — |
Temp °C | 21 | 21 | 19 | 19 | 19 | 18 | 19 | 20 | 20 | 21 | 21 | 21 | 21 | 21 | 21 | 21 | 21 | 21 | 21 | 21 | 21 |
Feels °C | 22 | 21 | 14 | 15 | 15 | 14 | 19 | 19 | 20 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 | 20 | 21 | 21 | 21 | 22 | 20 | 19 | 19 |
Swell 1 Height (m) Direction Period (s) | WNW 9 | WNW 9 | W 9 | NW 11 | SSW 15 | WNW 9 | NNW 10 | NNW 9 | WNW 14 | W 11 | W 10 | W 9 | WSW 8 | W 8 | WSW 7 | WNW 7 | WNW 7 | WNW 6 | SW 12 | SW 11 | WNW 9 |
62 | 61 | 40 | 229 | 21 | 44 | 419 | 312 | 671 | 762 | 450 | 580 | 688 | 320 | 93 | 125 | 93 | 62 | 5 | 5 | 346 | |
Swell 2 Height (m) Direction Period (s) | NNW 5 | NW 11 | SW 15 | WNW 9 | WNW 11 | SSW 14 | W 9 | W 9 | NNW 9 | N 8 | N 8 | NNW 8 | NNW 8 | NNW 8 | NW 7 | SW 12 | SW 12 | W 10 | SW 12 | SW 11 | SW 11 |
18 | 19 | 9 | 25 | 12 | 18 | 39 | 39 | 140 | 49 | 33 | 19 | 12 | 13 | 97 | 6 | 6 | 2 | 5 | 5 | 5 | |
Swell 3 Height (m) Direction Period (s) | SSW 13 | SSW 13 | SW 12 | SSW 15 | — | NNW 12 | SSW 14 | SSW 14 | SSW 14 | SSW 13 | SSW 13 | SSW 13 | SW 13 | SW 13 | SW 12 | W 11 | W 10 | SW 12 | — | — | — |
17 | 17 | 6 | 21 | — | 14 | 20 | 20 | 19 | 18 | 17 | 17 | 7 | 7 | 6 | 2 | 2 | 6 | — | — | — | |
Wind waves Height (m) Direction Period (s) | — | NW 5 | NW 7 | NNW 7 | NNW 10 | NNW 10 | — | — | — | SSE 4 | SSW 5 | SSW 6 | — | — | — | — | — | — | WNW 7 | WNW 9 | — |
— | 11 | 349 | 215 | 763 | 555 | — | — | — | 19 | 111 | 119 | — | — | — | — | — | — | 136 | 293 | — | |
Nearest Offshore or Glassy | |||||||||||||||||||||
Distance (km) | 14 | 14 | 222 | 21 | 420 | 15 | 15 | 203 | 0 | 127 | 204 | 127 | 62 | 259 | 21 | 62 | 62 | 106 | 581 | 203 | 21 |
Best forecast wave conditions in Lisboa | |||||||||||||||||||||
Best forecast wave conditions in Portugal | |||||||||||||||||||||
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Information about the Praia das Macas Surf forecast
The above surf forecast table for Praia das Macas provides essential information for determining whether the surfing conditions will be good over the next 16 days. A general guide to surfing at Praia das Macas can be found by selecting the local surf guide option on the grey menu. Our Praia das Macas surf forecast is unique since it includes wave energy (power) that defines the real feel of the surf rather than just the height or the period. If you surf the same spot (Praia das Macas) regularly then make a mental note of the wave energy from the surf forecast table each time you go. Very soon you may start to choose your surf days based on the wave energy alone combined with our forecast of favourable offshore wind conditions. Our star ratings will help here and of course you will also find the usual wave height and period predictions on our surf forecasts as well as a full break down of the swell components under our advanced users option (to reveal that, click the little Einstein character under the tide times).
Further information to help with frequently asked questions about our surf forecast for Praia das Macas may be found under the help tab on the top menu and also by moving your mouse over the question marks on the surf forecast table itself. Please always bear in mind that the forecast is for near-shore open water and local factors at each surf break influence the actual breaking wave height, such as the beach / reef profile, water depths offshore and shelter.
Praia das Macas is 9 km (6 miles) from Sintra. If you plan a holiday in Lisboa, look for hotels and other accommodation in Sintra. Sintra has rooms for a wide range of budgets as well as car hire and transport links.











