The Nazaré big wave season runs October–March, with November–February the prime window—especially for long-period W–NW swells, NE–E winds, and clean mornings. Below is a practical, month-by-month guide so you can time your trip, avoid off days, and know exactly where to watch.
New to the “why”? Read Nazaré Waves Explained (plain-English science of the canyon, refraction and shoaling).
- At a Glance
- Quick Travel Planner – Nazaré
- How to read “big-day” potential in 10 seconds
- Nazare big wave season, month-by-month
- Where to watch safely (and smart)
- Essential tools & official info
- Things to Do in Nazaré (Beyond Surfing)
- Where to Stay in Nazaré
- How to Get to Nazaré
- Why Nazaré Should Be on Your Bucket List
- FAQ: Nazaré Waves (season & timing)
- Related Nazaré Guides
Some of the links on this website are affiliate links — if you book through them, we may earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). This helps us keep the site running and create even more useful content for travelers like you.
If you’ve found our work helpful and wish to support us further, you can also make a small donation via PayPal. Every bit counts — thank you!
Spread the word about Nazaré
- Why it gets huge: The Nazaré Canyon funnels Atlantic swell into Praia do Norte; on the shallow bar the energy stacks (shoaling) and two refracted wave trains can merge into a taller wedge.
- Prime months: Nov–Feb (broader Oct–Mar).
- Where to watch: Forte de São Miguel Arcanjo (lighthouse) terraces above Praia do Norte.
- Live tools: Windy (Waves / Swell 1 / Wind), IPMA (significant wave height), Praia do Norte webcams.
- Open now: Nazare Surf Forecast: Today’s Waves, Webcams & Big-Wave Days
Book early (crucial for Sep–Nov & Summer): Sagres is small and the best spots fill up fast. Prime swell season (Sep–Nov) and peak summer (Jul–Aug) see high demand. Don’t wait to book—lock in your lessons and secure those top-rated rooms before they’re gone.
- Flights: Find the Best Flight Deals to Lisbon
- Car Rental: Book Your Car Rental in Nazaré
- Hotels: Check Hotels & Stays in Nazaré
- Surf Camps: Find Your Ideal Surf Camp in Nazaré
- Activities: Book Fun Activities in Nazaré (boat tours, viewpoints)
- Tours: Discover Tours & Day Trips from Nazaré
Fast links: Nazaré Surf Trip Guide • Nazare Surf Forecast
How to read “big-day” potential in 10 seconds
- Period: 16–20 s is the classic range (≥14 s can still be impressive).
- Direction: W–NW into the canyon axis.
- Wind: NE–E (light–moderate) grooms faces; strong W–SW makes it messy.
- Map signal: Clear Hs gradient feeding Praia do Norte. Then confirm on webcams.
Learn the “why” behind this in plain English: Nazaré Waves Explained (canyon + refraction + shoaling).
Nazare big wave season, month-by-month
September (early season teasers)
- How it feels: First proper W/NW pulses occasionally line up late in the month. Water’s warmer, crowds lighter.
- Odds of a show: Low–moderate; think teasers, not XXL.
- Watchouts: Forecasts still volatile; book flexible stays.
- What to do: Use Windy + IPMA to track any long-period spikes; webcams at dawn.
October (season starts)
- Pattern: Autumn storms begin sending longer-period W–NW swells.
- Odds of big days: Increasing—expect several impressive days if winds cooperate.
- Travel note: First big alerts can jam roads to the lighthouse—arrive early.
November (prime begins)
- Pattern: Stronger, more frequent North Atlantic systems.
- Odds of big days: High. Multiple event-worthy windows possible.
- Local tip: Light NE/E mornings can turn on clean pyramids under the fort.
December (peak consistency)
- Pattern: Deep lows + long nights = frequent long-period W–NW.
- Odds of big days: Very high if winds don’t blow it out.
- Reality check: Fog/rain can reduce visibility. Always confirm on webcams.
January (raw power, weather roulette)
- Pattern: Big energy, bigger mood swings—storms, wind shifts, and magic mornings.
- Odds of big days: High, but plan for flex days.
- Pro move: Compare ECMWF / ICON / GFS on Windy; re-check at sunrise.
February (still prime, slightly fewer crowds)
- Pattern: Fewer holiday visitors, still plenty of punch.
- Odds of big days: High—late-season canyon fireworks happen.
- Bonus: Crisp NE winds can groom faces beautifully.
March (shoulder of the season)
- Pattern: Fewer classic pulses, but surprises still pop up.
- Odds of big days: Moderate—front-loaded; fades as spring sets in.
- Good for: Flexible travelers who’ll take a solid swell over guaranteed XXL.
April–May (spring shift)
- Pattern: Shorter period, more variable wind.
- Odds of big days: Low—you might get a rogue long-period blast, but don’t bank on it.
- Travel angle: Great for town life, viewpoints, and day trips.
June–August (summer)
- Pattern: Small surf, onshore phases common.
- Odds of big days: Very low.
- Do instead: Beach days at Praia da Nazaré, sunset at Sítio, coastal hikes, boat tours.
Where to watch safely (and smart)
- Best vantage: Forte de São Miguel Arcanjo (lighthouse) terraces above Praia do Norte.
- Arrive early on hyped swells; expect traffic control/closures near the fort.
- Bring: layers, sturdy shoes, water, patience for parking.
- Respect barriers and rescue zones—give teams space to work.
Open this next: Nazare Surf Forecast: Today’s Waves, Webcams & Big-Wave Days
Essential tools & official info
- Windy — Waves / Swell 1 / Wind, spot card, meteogram.
- IPMA — Portugal’s significant wave height maps & coastal bulletins (look for Nazaré & Peniche refs).
- Instituto Hidrográfico — background on the Nazaré Canyon & bathymetry.
- Câmara Municipal da Nazaré — seasonal safety notices and access controls near the fort.
- WSL event hub (in season) — status & highlights for the TUDOR Nazaré Big Wave Challenge.
Things to Do in Nazaré (Beyond Surfing)
Nazaré is more than heavy water—there’s a whole coastline to explore between swells.
Ride with a big-wave team (Jet Ski)
Skim along the canyon line and feel the scale of Praia do Norte from sea level.
Dolphin & coastline boat tour
Glide past cliffs and sea caves while scanning for pods just offshore.
Paragliding tandem flight
Launch from the headland and float above the lighthouse and bay.
4×4 buggy tracks
Bump over pine trails and sandy backroads to hidden lookouts.
Jeep safari
Reach remote viewpoints and learn local stories with a driver-guide.
Guided walking tour
Stroll the old lanes, markets and Sítio viewpoints with a local.
E-bike coastal loop
Cruise the clifftops and hear tales from the big-wave scene.
Want more ideas? See 12 Best Reasons to Visit Nazaré, Top Things to Do Near Nazaré , or open the full Nazaré Travel Guide here.
Where to Stay in Nazaré
From cliff-top views to easy beach access, there’s a base for every plan.
Stylish, light-filled apartment near the headland—great for sunrise viewpoints and quick lighthouse walks.
Cabins, pools and space to unwind after long cliff sessions; easy drive back to the bay.
Social vibe, pool and bar—ideal if you want community a short hop from the terraces.
How to Get to Nazaré
Where it is: About 120 km (75 mi) north of Lisbon on Portugal’s Silver Coast.
By Plane
Fly into Lisbon (LIS). From the airport, continue by bus, car or transfer to Nazaré.
By Car
Lisbon → Nazaré via A8 (≈ 1h30). From Porto: A1 → A17/A8 (≈ 2h30).
By Bus
Direct services from Lisbon Sete Rios or Campo Grande take 1.5–2 h.
By Taxi or Ride-Sharing
Private transfer Lisbon–Nazaré typically €120–€150; compare local ride-share quotes.
Why Nazaré Should Be on Your Bucket List
Few places mix raw ocean power with easy town living like Nazaré. Watch record-class peaks from the lighthouse, surf friendlier beaches in the bay, then wander to seafood dinners as the cliffs turn gold. It’s the kind of trip you tell stories about for years.
Found this guide helpful? Share it with friends who’d love Nazaré too.
FAQ: Nazaré Waves (season & timing)
Related Nazaré Guides
How Big Are Nazaré Waves? Wave Height Explained + All-Time Records
Nazaré’s “big” isn’t just hype—faces can tower 20–25+ meters on the very biggest days. But…
Where to Watch Nazaré Big Waves: Best Viewpoints, Timing & Safety
If you’re wondering where to watch Nazaré big waves, the short answer is: from the…
Best Restaurants in Nazaré, Portugal
Looking for the best restaurants in Nazaré, Portugal? Whether you’re here for the big waves…
Best Hotels in Nazaré, Portugal
Planning a trip to Nazaré, Portugal? Get ready for an incredible experience! Famous for its…
Things to Do Near Nazaré, Portugal – Top Activities
Already marveled at the legendary waves and cliffside views of Nazaré? If you’ve read our…
Best Places to Visit Near Nazaré, Portugal
Already explored the captivating beaches, thrilling surf spots, and dramatic coastal cliffs of Nazaré itself?…
Is Nazaré, Portugal Worth Visiting?
Is Nazaré worth visiting? Absolutely! Nazaré, Portugal’s most famous fishing village, is a must-visit destination….
Nazaré Waves Explained: Why They Get So Big (Canyon + Best Time to See Them)
Nazaré’s giant waves happen because a deep submarine canyon focuses powerful Atlantic swell straight toward Praia do…