Winter surfing in Aljezur means powerful Atlantic swell (6-12ft), cold water (14-16°C), thick wetsuits, and lineups so empty you'll question whether surfing is actually popular. It's not for everyone. But the calm days between storms — clean overhead waves, offshore wind, golden low-angle light, and maybe three other people in the water — are the best sessions of the year.
The reality
Winter on the Costa Vicentina runs roughly December through February. Atlantic low-pressure systems track across the ocean, sending large NW and W swells into the coast every few days. Between these systems, high pressure settles in and produces 2-3 days of clean, powerful surf.
The pattern is fairly predictable: storm, swell, calm, repeat. The trick is timing your sessions for the calm windows. This isn't hard with modern forecasting — you'll know 3-5 days in advance when the good windows are coming.
What catches people off guard isn't the cold or the swell. It's the downtime. You might get two incredible sessions and then three days of onshore storm. Winter surfing requires patience and a willingness to do other things — hike the cliffs, explore Aljezur town, cook long meals, read — while you wait for the next window.
Water temperature and wetsuits
Water ranges from 14-16°C through winter. That's cold, but manageable with the right rubber.
- December-January: A 5/3mm wetsuit with boots is the standard. Gloves are appreciated for longer sessions when water drops below 15°C.
- February: Similar to January, though late February starts to feel like the corner is turning. Still 4/3mm or 5/3mm territory.
We carry 5/3mm wetsuits sized for winter visitors. A good wetsuit makes winter surfing comfortable for 2-3 hour sessions. A bad one makes it miserable in 30 minutes — fit matters more than thickness.
After the session is when you feel the cold most. Bring warm layers to change into, a thermos of something hot, and a changing mat (included with our Premium package). Standing in a wet car park in January is the least glamorous part of winter surfing.
Best winter spots
Not all of Aljezur's beaches handle winter swell equally.
Arrifana is the go-to winter spot. The bay faces south-southwest and is sheltered by tall cliffs on either side. When a big NW swell is running, Arrifana's right-hand point break lights up — long, walling rides along the cliff. Even the main beach break in the centre of the bay stays more manageable than the exposed beaches because the cliff reduces swell energy.
Monte Clérigo works on smaller winter days (4-6ft). The beach is more enclosed than the open breaks and handles moderate swell well. When the swell drops between storms, this is often the first spot to clean up.
Spots to respect: Vale Figueiras and Amoreira are fully exposed to open ocean swell. On solid winter days they can be powerful and dangerous — heavy shorebreak, strong currents, and no shelter. These are for experienced surfers who know how to read the conditions. If in doubt, stick to Arrifana.
What you need
| Essential | Nice to have |
|---|---|
| 4/3mm or 5/3mm wetsuit | Gloves (below 15°C) |
| Boots (5mm neoprene) | Hood (for dawn sessions) |
| Board suited to your level | Ear plugs (surfer's ear prevention) |
| Leash in good condition | Thermos for after |
| Changing mat and warm clothes | Waterproof jacket for the drive |
We provide the wetsuit, board, leash, and wax. Our Premium package adds a changing mat and roof rack pads. You bring the warm clothes and the willingness to get cold for a while.
Practical tips
Check forecasts obsessively. In winter, conditions change fast. Use Windguru or Surfline to track incoming swells. The 3-day forecast is generally reliable; beyond that, take it as a rough guide.
Surf the lulls. The 24-48 hours after a storm passes often produce the cleanest conditions — residual swell with offshore wind. These windows are short and precious. Be ready to go when they open.
Don't surf alone. Winter lineups are empty, which is wonderful until something goes wrong. Surf with a buddy, tell someone where you're going, and stick to beaches you know. Lifeguards are not on duty in winter.
Respect your limits. Winter swell is powerful. A 6ft day in January hits much harder than 6ft in September — the water is denser, the swell period is longer, and there's more energy in each wave. If the conditions look intimidating from the car park, they probably are. There's no shame in watching from the cliff and waiting for a smaller day.
Beyond the surf
Winter in Aljezur is quiet and beautiful. The landscape turns green after the autumn rains. The cliffs glow in low winter light. Restaurants and cafes in Aljezur town stay open year-round, and you'll eat alongside locals rather than tourists.
The Sweet Potato Festival in late November (technically the transition into winter) is worth timing your trip around — the Aljezur area is famous for its sweet potatoes, and the festival fills the town with food stalls, music, and local culture.
Winter accommodation is at its cheapest. A villa that costs €1,500/week in August might be €400-600 in January. The value is exceptional for surfers willing to handle the cold.
Who winter is for
Winter surfing in Aljezur suits experienced surfers who are comfortable in powerful conditions, can read ocean hazards, and don't mind cold water. You should be confident in overhead surf, familiar with rip currents and strong currents, and own (or rent) appropriate cold-water gear.
It's not the right season for beginners or early intermediates. The swell is too powerful, the conditions too variable, and the safety margin too thin when beaches are unguarded. If you're earlier in your surfing journey, the shoulder seasons or summer are better bets.
Frequently asked questions
How cold does it actually feel?
In a good 5/3mm wetsuit with boots, you'll be comfortable for 2+ hours. The first duck-dive is a shock. After five minutes, you stop noticing. After your session, you'll feel it — change into warm clothes quickly and have a hot drink ready. Most winter surfers say the cold is far more manageable than they expected.
Can I rent winter wetsuits locally?
We carry 4/3mm and 5/3mm wetsuits year-round, along with boots. We'll match the thickness to your dates and deliver everything to your accommodation. If conditions are colder than expected, we can swap gear during your stay.
Are there flat days in winter?
Yes. Winter isn't non-stop swell. Between storm systems, there can be 2-4 days of small or flat conditions. This is actually a good thing — it gives your body a break and lets you explore the area. But it does mean winter trips benefit from being a week or longer, so you catch multiple swell windows.
Is it worth coming for just a long weekend in winter?
It's a gamble. You might arrive during a clean swell window and have the sessions of your life. You might arrive during a storm and watch rain from your window. A full week gives you much better odds of scoring. If you only have a few days, watch the forecast and be flexible with your travel dates if possible.
What's the best winter month?
December is often the mildest entry point — the water hasn't fully cooled yet and the swell is building but not at its biggest. January and February have the most powerful conditions. If you want serious winter surf, February often delivers the biggest swells of the year.
Planning a winter trip? Let us know your dates and we'll set up a thick wetsuit, the right board, and honest advice on what to expect. We'll also share current conditions when you arrive — we surf these beaches daily.