Praia do Baleal Surf Forecast and Surf Reports (Peniche, Portugal) (2024)

FAQs

What time of year is best to surf Peniche? ›

October – March: Biggest swell, best waves, perfectly suited for intermediates and experts (depending on the spot).

Average swell size is around 8-10ft in winter and summer is usually in the 4-6ft range. Storms are pretty frequent, but the peninsulas give flexibility during different wind and swell combinations.

The best time of year for surfing Baleal Reef with consistent clean waves (rideable swell with light / offshore winds) is during Winter and most often the month of January. Clean surfable waves are typically found 34% of the time in January while 54% of the time it tends to be blown out.

Peniche is well known to most surfers. Peniche is suitable for beginners and for the world's best surfers. A great place to go and discover surfing in Portugal. The only drawback is that it can be busy.

The West coast of Portugal picks up the most swell, which means the Winter months can be too big at times, so from mid-May up until the end of October, is usually your best bet to catch good waves and warm weather.

The smells are almost as much of the surfing experience as the waves themselves. The Supertubes experience is no different, though inarguably far stinkier. There's a fish factory at the north end of the beach that pumps out the pungent odor of drying and decomposing fish bits and coats the lineup with a briny smoke.

Praia do Norte ('North Beach') is a beach located in Nazaré, portuguese Oeste region, which due to its giant white breaking waves is famed for its surfing conditions. Nazaré's waves were listed on the Guinness Book of Records for the biggest waves ever surfed.

1. Nazaré, Portugal. Nazaré, Portugal is famous for its record-breaking waves, particularly in the big wave surfing community. The waves at Nazaré are some of the biggest and most powerful in the world, attracting surfers from all over to tackle these massive swells.

Being a seaside city and one of the largest fishing ports of Portugal, Peniche is famous for its fish and seafood served straight from the sea to the tables of local restaurants. If you want more of a beach vibe just head to Baleal, where you can have a coffee or a beer in one of the many bars right on the beach!

Why is it cold in Peniche? ›

The dominant wind in Peniche is Nortada. As its name says, it blows along the coast somewhere from the north Atlantic and brings the cold air.

Most of the time you are surfing in Portugal you will need a full wetsuit. The sea temperature on the west coast varies from 12–15 °C in winter to 18–22 °C in summer, while on the south coast it ranges from 15 °C in winter to 23°C and higher in summer.

Peniche, a captivating coastal town in western Portugal, is renowned for two things: world-class surfing and stunning beaches. From the legendary Supertubos attracting pro surfers to the gentle waves of Praia do Baleal, Peniche offers something for all wave riders.

The length of stay in Peniche greatly depends on how much time is going to be spent on the beaches or surfing in the sea. The historic area of Peniche, including the harbour and fort, takes around half a day to explore while a full day is needed to visit the Berlengas islands.

The prime time for surfing in Portugal is from late September to April, with consistent swells and favourable weather conditions. However, the summer months (June to August) are also popular, especially for beginners, due to warmer water and smaller waves.

It's possible to visit Peniche, Portugal, all year round. However, the best time to go there is during the summer, from June to September. Although it's high season and the destination gets quite busy, it's worth taking advantage of the long days and the festivals that happen in town.

“In general, the best surfing conditions can be found during winter months, in each respective hemisphere, when the waves tend to get bigger and the swells are more reliable. Summer months are usually less consistent and with smaller waves,” Drughi said.

Perfect Surf Season in Portugal for Beginners

If you are still learning how to surf, then the months of June to September will be perfect for you as they are considered to be the best time to surf in Portugal. If you're a beginner, it is not wise to visit during the winter months.