Azores Surf Forecast: Conditions, Best Spots, Surf Level, Seasons & Types of Waves

The Azores, a remote volcanic archipelago in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, has become one of Europe’s hidden gems for surfing. Whether you’re a beginner looking for your first lesson or an experienced surfer chasing Atlantic swells, the Azores deliver diverse waves and unique surf conditions all year round.

🌦️ Surf Conditions in the Azores

Surf conditions vary greatly, but here are some important points:

Water Temperature:
Ranges from 16°C in winter to 24°C in summer.
Most surfers wear a 3/2mm wetsuit in spring and autumn, and some locals go with just a board shorts in summer.
Wind Patterns:
The islands often experience 3 variable winds that are the most consistent: Offshore in the south coast is N or NW; Offshore in the north coast is S, SE, SW. The side shore that works well in the north coast is E.Tides:

Tides: can strongly affect wave quality. Some spots work better on low tide (south coast) , others on mid or high (north coast).
Wave Height:
Winter waves can reach up to 2–4 meters (6–12 feet) on exposed spots.
Summer waves are often 0.5 to 1.5 meters (2–5 feet) – great for all levels.

🏖️Summer Surf in Azores

The best season for a surf trip to Azores is during mid summer and here is why: South swells are often happening wich is called Inchas. It has strong energy, solid size and offers long rides. North swells are all year breaking but during summer time it’s much more gentle for all level of surfers.

📍 Best Surf Spots in the Azores - São Miguel Island

Santa Bárbara Beach (Ribeira Grande)

Type: Beach break
Best for: All levels (depending on swell size you can have wedge barrels or solid bigger waves with long rides)
Notes: The most famous and consistent spot.

Monte Verde (next to Santa Barbara)

Type: Beach break
Best for: Beginners and Intermediates
Notes: Peaky waves with long rides on small-to-medium days and very consistent

Praia do Populo (Ponta Delgada area)

Type: Beach break
Best for: Beginners and longboarders
Notes: Small and fun waves, perfect for first-timers and intermediate

Santa Iria

Type: Point break, rocky
Best for: Intermediate and Advanced
Notes: Long lefts on big swell days, it must be over 2 meters NW swell. The wind doesn’t really affect much but it’s better with no wind

Agua Dalto

Type: Beach break
Best for: all surfers
Notes: That can be an alternative of the crowd, long rides, fun and calm. It’s good with the Inchas type of swell and also E wind It is ok to surf.

📅 When is the Best Time to Surf in the Azores?

Season	Conditions	Best For
Summer (Jun-Sep)	Small, clean waves, warm water	Beginners, Intermediates &Longboarders
Autumn (Oct-Nov)	Consistent swells, still mild temperatures	Intermediates & Advanced
Winter (Dec-Feb)	Big swells, cold water, heavier waves	Advanced surfers
Spring (Mar-May)	Transition period, mix of conditions	Intermediates

Shark Safety Tips for Surfing in the Azores:
What You Need to Know

The fishermen of the Azores are used to catching big tunas and merlyns, nevertheless, they had caught a great white shark in Caloura [article pic]. It was a long time ago and nobody ever hooked any sharks nowadays.

People ask about it sometimes, there is a common saying for this: Sharks are there, they have preferences of spots to eat and in the Azores is not the one they like because of the water’s temperature.

Beginner’s Guide to Surfing in the Azores:
Tips, Spots and Rentals

Beginners Surf:

The waves are powerful in the island, choose a day with mild wind and small waves to go surf (0.5m)
Don’t rent boards if you can’t read the conditions well. Book surf lessons to improve faster.
Relax, the Azores is the best choice for learning how to surf.

Surf Rentals in Azores:

You can rent surfboards at Populo Surf shop. They are located in front of the best surf spot in the south and you can get a proper surf consulting right there!