Praia das Macas Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright, let’s break down the 16‑day window for Praia das Macas. It’s a consistent beginner spot that can fire when the NW swell lines up, but we’ve got a long stretch of flat or messy days ahead. The first real surf worth paddling out for doesn’t show until Tuesday the 28th of July, and even then it’s a one‑morning special before the wind turns. The standout is definitely Wednesday the 29th of July – that’s the day to circle on the calendar.

From now through Monday the 27th, it’s a write‑off. The swell is small, period short, and the wind is either onshore or cross‑onshore, kicking up chop. The 20th through the 27th will see nothing but poor surf conditions – don’t bother suiting up. That’s a solid eight‑day gap of no recommendations.

Then on Tuesday morning the 28th, a shift happens. The wind drops to glassy – calm, zero wind – and we get a 1.6m (about 5.2ft) swell from the NNW with a 7‑second period. The combined energy hits 257 (moderate), and the waves are clean. It’s not huge, but with offshore‑favouring conditions and that beginner‑friendly break, it’ll be fun for all levels. The swell direction is NNW, which is close to the optimum NW, so it’s a decent match. However, the period is short (7s), so the waves might be a bit mushy and close together. Still, it’s the first decent window. Crowds are sometimes an issue here, so expect a few heads.

But the real prize is Wednesday morning the 29th. That’s when we get a 2.5m (about 8.2ft) swell from the NW, right out of the optimum direction, with a 9‑second period (solid groundswell energy). The combined energy is a hefty 1080 (strong). The wind is light and cross‑offshore from the south at 10 km/h (6.2 mph), keeping the faces clean. This is excellent surf – but it’s big. 2.5m (8.2ft) is a serious step up for a beginner spot, so this is one for experienced surfers only. The waves will have power, decent shape, and longer gaps between sets. Given the break is a beach setup (exposed, consistent), the longer period might make it a bit straight, but the cross‑off wind should help. If you’re comfortable in overhead surf, this is the best on offer in the whole forecast.

After Wednesday morning, the wind swings back onshore and the quality drops. Thursday the 30th has some clouds and marginal conditions – the swell drops to 2.2m (7.2ft) but the wind is onshore, making it messy. Friday the 31st through Monday the 3rd of August all show poor surf with strong cross‑onshore winds and lumpy, choppy seas. The swell stays around 2m to 2.5m (6.6ft to 8.2ft), but the wind ruins it. Sunday the 2nd and Monday the 3rd are particularly ugly with fresh breeze and lumpy conditions. Tuesday the 4th of August has a 3.0m (9.8ft) swell from the NNW but with a strong cross‑onshore breeze – that’s kite‑surfing territory, not paddle surfing.

So to wrap it up: the first week is a total dud. Tuesday the 28th morning offers a small, clean session for everyone. Wednesday the 29th morning is the standout – a solid NW swell with clean cross‑offshore wind, but only for those who can handle overhead waves. After that, it’s back to poor conditions. Get out there on the 29th if you’re experienced, or the 28th for

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