Surf Season in Portugal: The best time to go for beginners

If you’re dreaming of a surf trip to Portugal, one question comes up before anything else: when should I go? Portugal has great waves almost all year round, but “great waves” and “great for learning” are not the same thing. After a lot of time in the water here, we’re convinced there are two windows that beat all the others: spring (April to June) and autumn (September to November).

Why spring and autumn are the sweet spot for surfing

• The waves are friendlier. Beginners need waves that are playful, not powerful. In spring and autumn the Atlantic usually delivers smaller to medium, more forgiving swells, which means more time standing up and less time getting tumbled around.

• The weather is comfortable.You get plenty of sunshine without the intense midsummer heat. Mornings are fresh, afternoons are warm, and it’s perfect weather for a surf session followed by yoga outside.

• The water is manageable. In autumn the ocean has had all summer to warm up, and in spring it’s already on its way back up. It’s not tropical, but with a good wetsuit it’s very pleasant, and you won’t spend your lesson shivering.

• The beaches are calmer. Outside peak summer holidays, there’s more space in the lineup and on the sand. That makes a real difference when you’re learning: fewer crowds, less pressure, and more room to make mistakes.
  

What about summer and winter?

• Summer (July and August) is the busiest time of year. Beaches and lineups fill up, accommodation gets pricier, and the wind can make conditions less predictable. It’s fun for a holiday, but not the calmest setting for a first-timer.

• Winter (December to March) brings the biggest swells and the coldest water. It’s amazing for experienced surfers, but often too powerful and too cold for beginners to really enjoy and make progress.

The real reason we only host in spring and autumn

We could run retreats all year. Plenty of companies do. But On The Wayve was never about running as many trips as possible. We host our retreats in spring and autumn because that’s when we can give you the best possible experience: the right conditions, the right atmosphere, and the space to actually enjoy it. We’d rather run fewer retreats and get every single one right than fill a calendar for the sake of it. For us, small and well done beats big and rushed. Our groups are women-only and kept small, so you get real attention in the water, time to connect with the other women, and a week that feels relaxed instead of packed.

So, when should you come?

• Spring (April to June): fresh, bright, and energizing. Great if you want to kick off the season, start something new, or reset after a long winter.

• Autumn (September to November): warm water, golden light, and a slower pace. Perfect if you want to catch the last of the sun and recharge before the darker months.

  
  

You can’t go wrong with either. Both are the best of Portugal for learning to surf.

Ready to catch your first wave?

You don’t need any experience, just a bit of curiosity and the will to try. We’ll take care of the rest: the lessons, the yoga, the good food, and a group of women who are all there for the same reason. [Take a look at our upcoming retreats →]