Weather in Portugal and Fuerteventura
Surfing in Portugal – Weather and Waves
Many think of surfing as a summer sport, but the fact is that there are no obstacles to surfing in Europe during the winter months. In fact, more and more people are choosing to escape the winter months by taking a surf trip to Portugal. One reason for this is the obvious advantage of less crowding in the water compared to the rest of the year. Another reason is that small surf paradises like Baleal or Peniche have grown and now offer a wide range of shops, restaurants, and bars year-round.
More hours of sunshine and a Mediterranean climate
Portugal is one of Europe’s warmest countries, and thanks to the unique mountain formations along the coast, there are countless microclimates and local ecosystems. Peniche, or Baleal, is located just south of the central strip of Portugal and offers long, sunny days during the winter—a fantastic opportunity for well-deserved light therapy when the winter darkness has engulfed us with doubts and rumination.
The local climate is nothing to complain about either. Even in January, the sun smiles at us an average of 5 hours per day, with temperatures reaching up to 14 degrees Celsius in the shade. The Atlantic Ocean hardly offers any jacuzzi bubbles, but at least there’s no talk of an ice hole. And in the end, it’s the waves that matter!
Portugal – most surfing and the world’s largest wave
When it comes to the waves, there’s absolutely no doubt. Against the Portuguese Atlantic coast, they almost always break, and Portugal is, in fact, one of the most wave-consistent countries in the world. However, there are certain times of the year when the waves are bigger than usual. During the winter months, for example, people from all over the world flock to witness surfers attempt to master a monster wave that nearly swallows up the entire small Portuguese fishing village of Nazaré. So, the world’s largest “Big wave” surfing is just over half an hour from Baleal.
Winter surfing – an abundance of waves
You who hesitate about whether it’s possible to surf in Portugal during winter can stop wondering. In fact, there are several advantages to planning your surfing trip during the winter months. Firstly, the waves are bigger. Yes, they can indeed become astonishingly large. However, there are always naturally sheltered beaches where smaller waves find their way in, perfect for beginners. Secondly, you’ll avoid the crowds of surfers vying for waves at popular surf spots during the summer, especially in July and August.
We won’t pretend like it’s raining. Because the truth is, the sun often makes an appearance and warms both body and soul, even during winter. Sure, the risk of rain is higher during this period, but there are good chances of blue skies and sunshine for several days, even weeks, in a row. And surfing, of course, is perfectly fine even if it’s raining. After all, you’re already in the water.
Surfing in spring or autumn – beautiful weather and perfect waves
Many would argue that spring and autumn are the absolute best times to surf in Portugal. Few surfers in the water, plenty of sun, and world-class waves are three factors that provide the best possible conditions for an unforgettable surfing success. Additionally, the winds during these periods are often weak enough to give the waves a perfect shape. In surf slang, they’re called ‘glassy waves,’ and that’s precisely what every surfer dreams of.
Surf in the summer – more people and smaller waves
Most people choose to travel to Portugal during the summer. Then both surfers and sunbathing tourists flock to the beaches, and the vibrant energy in Baleal is almost touchable. The local bars and restaurants are filled to the brim, just like apartments, hostels, and surf schools. The waves are smaller, making them beginner-friendly, and some days in July or August, you might think there are more surfers than fish in the water. It’s simply peak season in Portugal, with all that it entails.
The wind – crucial for the shape of the waves
For surfers, it’s not only the size of the waves that matters but also how much and in which direction the wind is blowing. The wind significantly affects the quality of the waves, and ideally, we don’t want it blowing towards the shore, known as ‘on-shore.’ This is because the wind simply ruins the quality of the waves and makes them more difficult to handle. No wind at all – or a gentle ‘offshore’ wind – is always preferable.
The clever thing about Baleal is that you can always find shelter from both wind and huge waves. This is thanks to Baleal Island, the peninsula that stretches out towards the west and calmly faces the winter storms. Hidden on the inside of the peninsula are fantastic surf spots – perfect for beginners.
Surfing in Fuerteventura – temperature and hours of sunshine
Fuerteventura, located just off the coast of West Africa, offers a warm and pleasant climate year-round. In fact, it’s the most southern point in Europe. The island has daytime temperatures ranging from 20-28 degrees Celsius, and in the evenings, we can enjoy cooler temperatures between 15-20 degrees Celsius. Unlike other parts of Europe, the water here is always pleasant, with temperatures ranging from 18-23 degrees Celsius year-round. This means we can surf in a thin wetsuit and enjoy cooling off in the water during a hot day at the beach.
Fuerteventura has the driest climate of all the Canary Islands. This dry climate, combined with the refreshing sea breezes, makes the island a perfect destination for an active holiday filled with adventures and relaxing days by the pool. Fuerteventura not only offers fantastic weather but also outstanding waves that make surfers’ hearts beat faster. With its renowned surf spots, the island has become a dream destination for surfers from all over the world.
Average temperatures
