Zambujeira do Mar Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright folks, Rusty here. Let’s have a look at the upcoming swell window for Zambujeira do Mar. The water temperature is sitting at 66°, which is a solid 4° colder than usual for this time of year, so that’s a notable chill in the water – you’ll want a good wetsuit.

Right off the bat, Tuesday and Wednesday are a write-off. The swell is tiny or onshore and chopped up. You’re looking at a slow start with no real surf to speak of for the first couple of days. We get a pulse on Thursday morning the 17th, with an 8ft NW swell at a 10-second period and light cross-shore wind from the north. The energy is strong (1300), but honestly, that size is pushing it for this break – it’s predicted to be too big, so only the experienced crew should even consider paddling out. The morning of Friday the 18th cleans up nicely with NNE light cross-offshore wind and a 7ft NW swell (744 energy). It’s solid, but again, a bit on the hefty side for most.

Now, keep your eyes on Saturday morning, the 19th of September. This is where it gets interesting. We’ve got a 7ft NW groundswell with a very long 14-second period, and the wind is dead glassy out of the NE. The energy is pumping at 1903. It’s a beautiful setup for the points and reefs, but be warned: at this size, it’s expert-only territory. The long period will make it steep and powerful. The afternoon goes onshore and messy, so make the dawn patrol.

Sunday the 20th morning is the standout for the average surfer. A clean 5ft NW swell with a solid 12-second period, and a light offshore breeze from the ENE. That’s clean, lined-up waves with manageable power (587 energy). This is your best bet for a proper session without getting smoked.

Monday the 21st through Wednesday the 24th sees the swell drop back to the 3ft to 4ft range. The winds stay light and often glassy or offshore in the mornings, so you’ll get clean, fun little waves. Not a standout, but good for a longboard or a foiler.

Looking further out, we get another big pulse around the 26th and 27th of September. Saturday the 26th morning brings a 7ft WNW groundswell with a very long 16-second period and massive energy (2102). The wind is light cross-on from the NNW. That’s a lot of water moving – only for experts, and the long period might make it close out at the beach. The following Monday the 28th morning is the smarter play: a 5ft NW swell with a 13-second period, glassy conditions, and clean surf (674 energy). That’s a solid, promising session.

Overall, the best bet on offer is Sunday the 20th morning for its clean, offshore conditions at a manageable size. If you’re an expert, don’t miss Saturday the 19th morning’s glassy, long-period groundswell.

Rusty.

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