Each location is refreshed once every three hours. The hourly view, 7-day forecast, luck factor and packing notes come from the same stored update.
We compare the 7-day forecast with the version-matched historical observations available for the same time of year at Ericeira. The delta shows whether conditions look better, worse or about the same as a typical late July.
We score each day of the 7-day forecast using the same algorithm as the leaderboard, and highlight the highest scorer.
Open-Meteo's Marine API (swell height, period, water temperature) and Weather API (wind and conditions).
Slim pickings. Only worth it if you are gagging for a wave. Short-period chop. The waves lack any real push. Onshore wind making a mess of the surface. Best conditions early morning before the sea breeze arrives.
PeakWave scores are planning signals, not safety clearance. Check local authorities, official bulletins and on-site conditions before you go. Read our editorial policy.
Ericeira, specifically focusing on the renowned break of Ribeira d'Ilhas, is a highly consistent right-hand point and reef break located on the central coast of Portugal. The bathymetry is defined by a flat, highly striated limestone rock shelf interspersed with patches of sand. This stable structure expertly captures north-westerly Atlantic groundswells, forcing the wave to wrap predictably into the bay. An easterly offshore wind is required to groom the face, maintaining a steep, workable wall. The wave breaks relatively slowly compared to the hollower reefs in the region, offering an exceptionally long, tapering face that is highly conducive to multiple carving manoeuvres. Because the take-off is manageable and the rock bottom is relatively deep and flat on mid-tides, the wave is incredibly suitable for intermediate surfers. It serves as an outstanding natural amphitheatre for progressing high-performance turning mechanics, requiring solid leg endurance to fully exploit the extended length of the ride.
Heads up: jellyfish: peak season, and rip risk elevated.
Indicators derived from forecast data, not official warnings. Always check local lifeguard or official advice.
The air here is 52% cleaner than the average comparison city right now.
Noticeably cleaner air than a typical city. Good conditions for prolonged outdoor activity.
Not a pollutant. Ozone is naturally higher at altitude and near the coast, and lower in cities where traffic exhaust breaks it down. High readings here typically indicate clean air. Can cause short-term airway irritation during intense exercise but is not linked to the long-term health risks of particulate pollution.
Additive health score: each pollutant contributes points relative to its WHO 2021 guideline and long-term health impact (PM2.5 9, NO₂ 5, O₃ 3, PM10 2, SO₂ 1 at WHO limits). Data via Open-Meteo. City markers show live readings. Red line marks the WHO guideline. Updated 09:24
Moderate water clarity: ~4m visibility
Daily scores over the last 12 months at Ericeira
Historical quality only. Safety is not reconstructed for this view.
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Create Profile →Partly. The model uses stored spot geometry, swell ranges and tide preferences where configured. It cannot see changing banks, crowds, access, closures or everything visible on a local cam, so treat it as a starting point.
The best week for surf at Ericeira is the week of 16 November (score 3/5) with low crowds.
This guide was generated from conditions data. Know this spot? Submit your own tips below.
Ericeira is Europe's only World Surfing Reserve, a stretch of coast north of Lisbon with multiple world-class breaks. Ribeira d'Ilhas (point), Coxos (reef), Pedra Branca, Cave, and Crazy Left are all within walking distance. The variety is remarkable: from gentle points to heavy slabs. The fishing town retains its charm despite growing surf tourism. Consistent swell, warm water, and extraordinary wave quality make it one of Europe's premier surf destinations.
Different breaks work at different sizes. Ribeira d'Ilhas works from 3ft; Coxos needs 5ft+. North-westerly Atlantic groundswell is ideal. Mostly works on all tides (spot dependent). Consistent year-round but best October through April. The coast faces west-northwest.
Choose your break based on ability and conditions. Ribeira d'Ilhas (intermediate): mellow right-hand point. Coxos (advanced): powerful right barrel. Pedra Branca (intermediate): beach/reef peaks. Each has defined lineups.
Rocky reef at most breaks. Urchins (booties recommended at reef spots). Coxos is genuinely heavy and dangerous. Choose spots appropriate to your level. Currents at some breaks.
Various car parks at each break. Short walks to the water. The town is walkable with everything within 15 minutes. Full facilities including surf shops, schools, restaurants.
Busy. Ericeira's WSR status and proximity to Lisbon (45 minutes) bring big numbers. Good days at Ribeira d'Ilhas see 30-40 people. Coxos has a tighter, more aggressive lineup. The variety of breaks helps distribute people. Dawn patrol essential at popular spots.
Ericeira's variety means there is always something for your level. Do not paddle to Coxos unless you are genuinely experienced in heavy reef waves. Ribeira d'Ilhas is the most accessible world-class wave. The town's restaurants serve excellent seafood (try ouricos/sea urchin). The cliff paths between breaks make for excellent wave-checking walks.
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Combining historical conditions with school holiday crowd pressure to find the sweet spot.
The timing score combines two signals: historical conditions quality (how good the skiing or surfing typically is in a given week, based on 5 years of weather data) and crowd pressure (how many of this destination's feeder markets have school holidays that week).
Crowd pressure is weighted by each feeder country's share of visitors. If 40% of a resort's visitors come from France and France is on holiday, that contributes 0.40 to the crowd pressure score. Crowds can reduce the timing score by up to 35%, ensuring conditions still matter most.
Scores: 5 = great conditions with low crowds (the sweet spot). 4 = great conditions with moderate crowds, or good conditions with low crowds. 3 = average. 2 = below average conditions or very crowded. 1 = poor conditions or peak holiday chaos.
Last 30 days of logged conditions.
Based on historical weekly averages
Conditions at Ericeira tend to be best between 07:00 to 10:00 in July.
Average score during this window: 49/100
See timing scores, school holiday busyness, and lift pass pricing to find the best time to book.
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