September is the month many locals wish visitors chose: after August heat, before cold bites, with returning NW swell and water still around 19–20°C. Afternoon Nortada can blow, but the coast feels calmer. Flat spells still happen—here is a grounded guide to surfing Aljezur in September.
September quick stats
| Factor | Typical September in Aljezur |
|---|---|
| Air temperature | About 18–26°C |
| Water temperature | 19–20°C |
| Wetsuit | 3/2mm |
| Swell | Building—more consistent than Jul–Aug; transitional toward autumn energy |
| Crowds | Busy early month, thinning as schools restart—often a sweet spot by mid-late Sept |
| Daylight | Roughly 12.5–13 hours |
| Best for | Intermediates wanting better waves than peak summer; anyone who likes warm water and more space |
Compare with summer surfing Aljezur and the broader best time to surf Aljezur.
Wave conditions
September marks a turn: North Atlantic systems send more frequent NW swell than in high summer. You will still see small, playful days, but head-high windows become more common, especially late in the month.
Nortada is historically strongest June–August, but afternoon wind can still chop exposed beaches. Morning sessions stay the reliable bet when the forecast shows onshore conditions later.
Tips:
- Watch period and size jumps—autumn swells carry more power than summer chop.
- Match the spot to your level; Arrifana is a reference point, not the only option.
- Board choice still matters: what surfboard should I rent.
What to wear
19–20°C water: a 3/2mm wetsuit through September for most surfers. Boots are optional unless you want reef comfort or long sessions in wind.
Thickness by season: wetsuit guide Portugal.
Crowds and accommodation
Early September can feel like August lite—families on last holiday weeks. Mid to late September usually drops noticeably: easier parking, shorter waits at cafés, friendlier lineups.
Rates often soften compared with July–August peaks—good value for the wave quality you gain.
Where to stay in Aljezur helps you pick a base without over-driving between breaks.
September is when many surfers start thinking about “one more warm-water trip before winter,” and Aljezur often delivers exactly that—without pretending the Atlantic has turned off. If you are driving down from northern Europe, the contrast in water feel versus home is still meaningful, even though locals are already talking about autumn like it is tomorrow. Bring a light jacket for windy cliff checks anyway—air temperature can swing when the sun drops, and being cold on land makes bad decisions in the water more tempting than they should be.
Beyond surfing
Golden-hour light on the cliffs is hard to beat. Hiking temperatures stay pleasant; evening dinners still feel like summer.
Ideas for rest days: non-surf activities around Aljezur, best restaurants in Aljezur. If you only have a few days, prioritize one great morning session over chasing every minor bump on the map—September rewards focus.
Light, schools, and the “second summer” feeling
September light is softer than July—golden hour stretches feel longer even as days shorten slightly. When schools restart in much of Europe, weekday beaches often shift overnight from family-heavy to surfer-heavy, which changes vibe and lineup dynamics. If you are here for two weeks, try splitting your stay: a few days near a main peak for convenience, then a quieter base for the back half when you know the coast better. It is not required, but it matches how people actually settle into the area once the first forecast obsession fades.
Why September might be right for you
Choose September if you want warmer water than winter, better swell odds than July, and fewer people than August. Skip it only if you need the absolute biggest waves—October through March delivers more consistently on size.
Surf Rental Aljezur delivers soft-top boards and 3/2mm wetsuits (Jun–Sep) with free delivery to Aljezur, Arrifana, Vale da Telha, and Monte Clérigo (broader Costa Vicentina — ask case-by-case). Packages: pricing. Questions: contact.
Is September crowded in Aljezur?
Early month: moderate to busy. Later: usually quieter than peak summer.
September vs July for surf?
September typically wins on swell consistency and power; July wins if your priority is peak holiday beach buzz.
Wetsuit for September surfing?
3/2mm for 19–20°C water.
Is September good for a first Portugal surf trip?
Often yes—good balance of warmth, waves, and crowd relief. Pair with first time surfing Portugal.