The Peniche region is known for great consistency in swell. There are not many occasions when you will be unable to get good enough waves. However, and as it is the case for the rest of the Portuguese coast, surfing conditions improve considerably during autumn, winter, and spring. Depending on the condition of the ocean on a particular day, there are potentially about 20 surf spots available within a 15-km radius and, therefore, it is almost always possible to find a wave that is adequate for your particular level of surfing skill.

A short description of surfing conditions according to the various seasons of the year follows.

Summer is holiday time and features ideal conditions for beginners. In fact, the waves are smaller and softer in summer. Reef breaks do not arise in most instances and therefore you get beach-break waves that you can surf. Given an extensive coastline, northwards and southwards, featuring predominantly beach-break waves, you can always find a beach that features ideal conditions for both beginners and intermediate surfers. Even at this time crowds are not a problem, since there is a beach available – the “Cantinho da Baía” – that is exclusively reserved for our surf camp. Water temperature is around 20º Celsius and therefore, a 3/2 wetsuit or even just bathing shorts are adequate for surfing.

During autumn, the Atlantic Ocean awakens and starts forming ordered wave lines, creating perfect and powerful days that are a blessing for surfers who cannot bear to live without being permanently in touch with waves. Water temperature remains relatively warm (a 3/2 wetsuit is good enough). At this time, winds are moderate and soft, creating many days of glassy or offshore wind conditions. Most of the summer crowds are gone.

Now in winter, conditions become more demanding. The wind blows stronger and waves will often exceed 3 to 4 metres at the spots that are more exposed to swell. But then again this is where Peniche makes a difference relative to other surfing destinations throughout Europe. Given the particular shape of its coastline, featuring several bays and sheltered inlets, it is always possible to find a surf spot where you can surf easier waves, such as at Molhe Leste or at Cerros, for instance.

While water temperature in Spain, France, and the United Kingdom drops to about 8 to 10º Celsius during this season, it never drops below 15º Celsius at Peniche and, therefore, a 4/3 mm wetsuit and possibly boots and a cap can get you going comfortably enough.
Best of all, the crowds are entirely gone and you will have plenty of space for line-up.