Praia das Macas Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright, Rusty here, let’s break this down in feet and Fahrenheit.

The story is rough for the first week and a half – a lot of poor conditions with the wind and swell fighting each other. There’s one solid window of hope at the end of the month, but you’ll need to be patient.

Praia das Macas is the only spot on the menu. It’s a consistent, exposed beach break that’s best for beginners, and it likes the swell from the NW. Water temp is 69°, which is about normal for this time of year – nothing wild.

The forecast kicks off on Monday, July 20th, with a weak NW swell around 3ft and a short 7-second period. The wind is a cross-on from the NW at 9 mph, making it choppy and poor. The wave energy is weak (101). That’s the theme for the next few days: small, short-period NW/NNW swell with onshore or cross-onshore winds. Tuesday morning, July 21st, has a glassy look with the wind going onshore from the NW at just 3 mph, but the swell is still a weak 3ft with an 8-second period, and the energy is only moderate (149). Still poor surf conditions.

This poor run continues through the weekend. Saturday, July 25th, sees the swell hit 5ft, and Sunday, July 26th, it’s 7ft, but the wind is a strong cross-on from the NNW at 15–22 mph, making it a total lumpy mess. The wave energy gets strong (548 on Sunday morning), but it’s all wind-chopped. That’s kite-surfing weather, not paddle surfing.

Here’s the one to circle. Monday, July 27th, morning is looking glassy with a 6ft NW swell (8-second period) and strong energy (531). The wind is glassy from the N at just 3 mph. The forecast says “expect very good surf conditions.” This is the best of the whole run – clean, solid waves. At 6ft, it’s a bit much for beginners, but for anyone with experience, this is the session. The afternoon turns onshore, so get it early.

Tuesday morning, July 28th, is also clean with a cross-offshore breeze from the S at 9 mph and a 5ft NW swell (9-second period). Energy is moderate (367). That’s a solid, clean option. Wednesday morning, July 29th, is similar, with a 4ft NNW swell, cross-offshore wind, and clean conditions. Good, but smaller.

The rest of the run from Thursday, July 30th, through Tuesday, August 4th, turns back to poor. The swell gets bigger (8ft on August 4th), but the wind is consistently cross-on or onshore, and the period drops to 8 seconds. The wave energy is strong (over 900 on some days), but it’s all messy and choppy. That 8ft stuff is only for experts, and with the wind ruining it, it’s a hard pass.

So, the first week is a bust. The one true standout is Monday morning, July 27th, with glassy conditions and a solid 6ft swell. Tuesday and Wednesday mornings are also clean but smaller. After that, it’s back to the wind and chop. Patience is key – that Monday morning is worth it.

Rusty.

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