Zambujeira do Mar Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright, folks, Rusty here. Let’s talk about what’s coming up at Zambujeira do Mar.

Right off the bat, this is a tricky outlook. We’ve got a solid 16-day window, but the first real chance for a wave is a few days out. For the start of the period, things are pretty flat and junky. The water temp is sitting at a comfortable 68.9°, which is just about normal for this time of year, so that’s one less thing to worry about.

Saturday 23rd - Sunday 24th August
The first bit of real size shows up early Sunday morning. We’re looking at a 6.6ft swell from the WNW, with a decent 12-second period pushing some moderate energy (1141) into the coast. The wind is a clean cross-off from the south, so the surface should be smooth. This is the one standout early on, but it’s only for intermediates given the size. It’s a very consistent break, so there will be sets rolling through, but expect a few other folks out there, as the crowds can be around.

Monday 25th August
Monday morning offers a moment of calm; the swell drops to 4.3ft, but the wind goes glassy with just a light breeze from the NW. The wave energy is weak (181), and the period is a short 7 seconds, so it’ll be a bit weak and slow. It’ll be surfable but pretty ordinary. The afternoon gets choppy.

Friday 28th August
Now, a week and a half in, we get a big pulse. Friday morning delivers a 6.9ft swell from the NW, with a moderate period of 10 seconds. The wave energy is high (842), and the wind is a clean cross-off from the north. The report notes the swell might be a bit too beefy for this break, but for the experienced crew, this is the best of the bunch on offer. The wind will keep it clean. The afternoon sees the swell jump to 7.5ft and 1310 energy, but the wind cranks up to 19 mph from the NNW, making it a lumpy, blown-out mess.

Saturday 29th August onwards
After that Friday high, we’re back into a long stretch of nothing special. Saturday the 29th has some leftover 5.6ft swell and clean wind, but it’s a shadow of the day before. From there, the runs get smaller, shorter period (7-9 seconds), and the wind is mostly onshore or cross-onshore right through to the end of the forecast on September 6th. There are a few mornings with clean cross-off winds, but the swell is too small and weak to get excited about. Don’t hold your breath for that second week; it’s looking like a waiting game.

So, to wrap it up: your best bets are the Sunday morning (23rd) for a bit of size and clean conditions, and definitely the Friday morning (28th) for the biggest, cleanest swell, but only if you’ve got the skills for it. Everything else is a write-off.

Stay stoked.

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