
Surf Forecasts:
Praia das Macas surf forecast from 16 Sep 2026:
- Best quality surf: Thursday 17 Sep, 7AM (local time) - 10ft (3.0m), 10s period, NNW swell with cross-shore winds.
- Most powerful swell: Saturday 19 Sep, 7AM (local time) - 8ft (2.4m), 14s period, NW swell with 2,350 kJ wave energy.
- Next surfable swell (1★+): Thursday 17 Sep, 7AM (local time) - 10ft (3.0m), 10s period with NNW 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 Thursday (Sep 17) at 7AM. The primary swell is predicted to be 3.0m and 10s period. The wind is predicted to be cross-shore as the swell arrives.
The most powerful waves expected at Praia das Macas in the next 16 days are 2.4m 14s and forecast to arrive on Saturday (Sep 19) 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 0.3m 5s period and expected on Monday (Sep 21) at 7AM.
| Wave Type | Time (WEST) & Date | Wave Height & Period |
|---|---|---|
| Next good surf (1 star+) | 7AM (Thu 17th Sep) | 10ft (3.0m) 10s |
| Best Surf | 7AM (Thu 17th Sep) | 10ft (3.0m) 10s |
| Most Powerful | 7AM (Sat 19th Sep) | 8ft (2.4m) 14s |
Table - best surf conditions forecast for Praia das Macas over the next 16 days.
The Lowdown
Alright, this is Rusty. Let's get into it.
We’ve got a tricky start ahead at Praia das Macas, with a lot of blown-out, messy surf for the first few days. For a beginner spot that’s consistent, the early week is a write-off unless you’re keen on a kite session. Water temps are sitting at 67°, which is a bit colder than normal for this time of year – you’ll want a decent spring suit.
Wednesday 16th and Thursday 17th are basically a no-go. Strong north-northeast winds are shredding that 8ft to 10ft NNW swell (moderate to strong energy around 1034-1575). It’s cross-onshore and ugly. Not for paddling.
Friday 18th is similar – cross-onshore winds and lumpy conditions. The swell drops a touch to 7ft, but the wind is still ruining it.
Now, here’s the first real standout. Saturday morning, 19th September. This is the one to circle. The wind goes glassy – dead calm. Swell is a solid 8ft from the NW, with a period of 14 seconds (very strong energy at 2006). This is excellent, high-quality groundswell. For experienced surfers, this is going to be special. The wave comment says it’s excellent for experienced surfers. Keep in mind, at this size, it’s too big for beginners. The offshore wind on Saturday afternoon turns onshore, so make the most of that glassy morning.
Sunday 20th morning is another good call. Clean, gentle offshore wind from the SE with a 5ft NW swell (moderate energy, 747) and a 12-second period. Very good surf conditions. Crowds are possible here sometimes, but that early morning clean window is worth it.
Monday 21st and Tuesday 22nd mornings both offer clean, offshore conditions with smaller, fun waves (3ft to 4ft). Good for a longboard or a smaller board when the swell drops.
Wednesday 23rd morning is a late-week standout. We’re looking at a clean 6ft swell from the WNW with a very long 15-second period (strong energy at 1574). Light, cross-offshore breeze. This is excellent for experienced surfers – that long period will push through with real power. Again, size is pushing the limits for beginners.
Thursday 24th morning is glassy again, with a fun 4ft WNW swell. Very good conditions.
There’s a bit of a drop-off in quality towards the end of the month as winds turn messy again, but Saturday 26th morning is another morning of glassy conditions and a clean 6ft WNW swell (very strong energy at 1343). Excellent for experienced surfers.
Looking into the first week of October, Thursday 1st October morning shows promise: glassy conditions with a 6ft NNW groundswell. Good, clean potential.
Gaps in the good stuff are short – a day here or there – but the pattern is clear: mornings are the ticket, especially those glassy or offshore windows.
Rusty.
Short Range ForecastMostly dry. Warm (max 20°C on Fri night, min 17°C on Wed morning). Winds decreasing (near gales from the N on Wed afternoon, light winds from the NE by Fri night). | Days 4-6 Weather SummaryMostly dry. Warm (max 27°C on Sun morning, min 21°C on Sat morning). Wind will be generally light. | ||||||||||||||||||||
Wednesday 16 | Thursday 17 | Friday 18 | Saturday 19 | Sunday 20 | Monday 21 | Tuesday 22 | |||||||||||||||
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) | NNW 9 | NNW 9 | NNW 10 | NNW 10 | NNW 9 | NNW 9 | NNW 9 | NNW 8 | NW 14 | NW 14 | NW 13 | NW 13 | NW 12 | NW 11 | NW 11 | NW 10 | NW 12 | NW 11 | NW 11 | WNW 18 | WNW 16 |
Wave Graph | |||||||||||||||||||||
1530 | 1569 | 2024 | 1310 | 1034 | 1118 | 785 | 547 | 1290 | 1998 | 1367 | 1012 | 747 | 650 | 453 | 235 | 465 | 357 | 278 | 525 | 1393 | |
Wind (km/h) | |||||||||||||||||||||
Wind State on-shore cross-onshore cross-shore cross-offshore off-shore glassy | cross-on | cross-on | cross-on | cross | cross-on | cross | cross | cross-on | cross | glassy | on | cross | off | on | cross | off | on | cross | off | on | cross-on |
High Tide | 6:31PM2.32m | 6:48AM2.31m | 7:14PM2.08m | 7:37AM2.11m | 8:15PM1.88m | 8:51AM1.96m | 9:54PM1.78m | 10:36AM1.95m | 11:34PM1.85m | 11:57AM2.08m | 00:34AM2.01m | 12:48PM2.28m | 1:16AM2.21m | ||||||||
Low Tide | 12:17PM0.56m | 00:29AM0.71m | 12:58PM0.78m | 1:10AM0.93m | 1:54PM0.99m | 2:10AM1.11m | 3:24PM1.12m | 3:52AM1.20m | 5:17PM1.08m | 5:34AM1.10m | 6:26PM0.92m | 6:33AM0.92m | 7:09PM0.71m | ||||||||
7:18 | — | — | 7:20 | — | — | 7:20 | — | — | 7:22 | — | — | 7:22 | — | — | 7:24 | — | — | 7:24 | — | — | |
— | 7:45 | — | — | 7:44 | — | — | 7:42 | — | — | 7:39 | — | — | 7:38 | — | — | 7:37 | — | — | 7:36 | — | |
mm | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
Temp °C | 17 | 19 | 19 | 19 | 19 | 18 | 19 | 19 | 20 | 23 | 23 | 25 | 27 | 26 | 25 | 26 | 26 | 24 | 25 | 23 | 23 |
Feels °C | 9 | 11 | 11 | 14 | 13 | 11 | 15 | 15 | 20 | 22 | 20 | 21 | 26 | 24 | 23 | 26 | 23 | 20 | 24 | 21 | 21 |
Swell 1 Height (m) Direction Period (s) | S 13 | SW 13 | S 12 | NNW 10 | S 12 | SW 16 | NNW 9 | NW 14 | NNW 8 | NW 14 | NW 13 | NW 13 | NW 12 | NW 11 | NW 11 | NW 10 | NW 12 | NW 11 | NW 11 | NW 12 | WNW 16 |
3 | 6 | 3 | 1310 | 3 | 10 | 785 | 269 | 477 | 1998 | 1367 | 1012 | 747 | 650 | 453 | 217 | 465 | 357 | 278 | 298 | 1393 | |
Swell 2 Height (m) Direction Period (s) | S 13 | — | S 12 | S 12 | S 16 | S 11 | NW 16 | SW 14 | NW 14 | SW 14 | SW 13 | S 13 | S 13 | S 11 | S 5 | NW 13 | S 5 | S 5 | NNW 4 | WNW 18 | NW 11 |
3 | — | 3 | 3 | 5 | 3 | 39 | 8 | 1290 | 8 | 7 | 3 | 3 | 2 | 2 | 235 | 2 | 2 | 6 | 525 | 246 | |
Swell 3 Height (m) Direction Period (s) | — | — | — | — | — | — | SW 15 | S 11 | SW 14 | — | — | S 10 | S 13 | SW 13 | S 12 | S 5 | S 10 | S 12 | WNW 21 | S 11 | — |
— | — | — | — | — | — | 9 | 2 | 8 | — | — | 2 | 3 | 6 | 3 | 4 | 2 | 3 | 44 | 2 | — | |
Wind waves Height (m) Direction Period (s) | NNW 9 | NNW 9 | NNW 10 | — | NNW 9 | NNW 9 | — | NNW 8 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | NW 3 | NNW 4 | — | NNW 5 | NNW 6 |
1530 | 1569 | 2024 | — | 1034 | 1118 | — | 547 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | 2 | 13 | — | 9 | 25 | |
Nearest Offshore or Glassy | |||||||||||||||||||||
Distance (km) | 449 | 604 | 115 | 22 | 462 | 115 | 16 | 206 | 14 | 0 | 14 | 8 | 0 | 21 | 1 | 0 | 14 | 14 | 0 | 14 | 14 |
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.










