When is the best time to visit Nazaré to watch the big waves? How do you know when an XXL swell is hitting Praia do Norte? Here’s a guide to Portugal’s ultimate big wave surfing break.
The sound of the giant waves breaking just below the iconic lighthouse is as impressive as their size.
The thunderous roar of the massive detonating walls of water crashing a few meters from us is definitely a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
People from all corners of Planet Earth plan a visit to Nazaré. They come from Asia, the Americas, and even Portugal’s antipode, New Zealand.
The big waves of Nazaré are a natural wonder of the world, but also the arena for surfing’s most extreme discipline.
Fear and adrenaline go hand in hand at Praia do Norte, the exact beach where Guinness World Records are set and broken.
To witness the showdown at its best, careful planning (and a pinch of luck) increases the chances of being part of an unforgettable experience.
Believe us – we know Nazaré and its waves before they made the headlines in 2011 and became one of Portugal’s most treasured tourism destinations.
So, follow our advice and check out what you should consider before planning a trip to one of the world’s biggest waves.
What Makes Nazaré’s Big Waves Unique
Nazaré sits on Portugal’s rugged Atlantic coast.
Every winter, Praia do Norte puts on a show unlike anywhere else, thanks to the Nazaré Canyon, a giant underwater trench that funnels raw ocean energy straight toward shore.
When the right storm systems line up across the North Atlantic, those swells can triple as they hit the canyon, creating walls of water the size of inland mountains.
We’re not exaggerating here with the words.
The Big Wave Season
The big-wave season runs from October through March, with the core months of November, December, January, and February offering the highest probability of seeing giant surf.
February, in particular, tends to deliver a high frequency of swells over two meters in the open ocean – often translating into 10-story building faces at Praia do Norte.
Storms traveling across the Atlantic during winter generate the long-period swells Nazaré thrives on, especially those coming from the west or northwest.
If the forecast shows a swell period of 13 seconds or more, the local underwater canyon will likely work its magic.
October and March are border months. They still have big wave potential, though perhaps slightly less frequent or consistent. Nevertheless, if you are flexible, it might still be worth planning.
September and April are fringe months. Some large swells happen, but more are hit-or-miss. If you go during these, you need to watch the forecasts very closely.
May through August is generally not good for giant waves. Swells are smaller, winds are more unfavorable, and wave energy is lower. This period is more suited to smaller surf or general tourism.
The chart below shows the swell size probability distribution for Nazaré throughout the year based on thousands of NOAA WaveWatch III predictions collected since 2006.
It will help you decide when to plan your visit to Portugal to watch big wave surfing at its finest and in the most spectacular conditions.
| Month/Size | No Swell | 0.5-1.3 meters | 1.3-2 meters | 2-3 meters | > 3 meters |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 9% | 4% | 15% | 39% | 33% |
| February | 9% | 5% | 15% | 39% | 31% |
| March | 16% | 7% | 17% | 43% | 17% |
| April | 15% | 13% | 29% | 33% | 11% |
| May | 26% | 9% | 36% | 28% | 1,2% |
| June | 24% | 21% | 35% | 19% | 0,5% |
| July | 30% | 22% | 34% | 13% | 0,3% |
| August | 39% | 18% | 31% | 11% | 0,4% |
| September | 22% | 17% | 34% | 24% | 2% |
| October | 10% | 15% | 31% | 33% | 11% |
| November | 25% | 10% | 16% | 30% | 18% |
| December | 13% | 7% | 16% | 40% | 24% |
The Problem of Shifting Winds
But catching the waves at their best is more complicated than circling a month on the calendar.
At Nazaré, conditions can swing from spectacular to unsurfable depending on wind and tide.
Light offshore winds from the east or southeast are ideal, grooming the waves into clean, surfable faces.
Strong onshore winds, by contrast, can ruin even the largest swell.
Tide also plays a role, with a mid-incoming tide often giving the most dramatic sets.
Forecasting is never perfect, so flexibility is key.
Wave models become reliable only a few days in advance, so many seasoned wave hunters wait until a week before a promising swell to book flights.
Getting to Praia do Norte
Lisbon Airport is the most practical entry point for travelers flying abroad.
From the Portuguese capital, it’s about a 90-minute drive to Nazaré, and renting a car is the easiest way to get there.
Buses also run from Lisbon Oriente station, but having a car makes it easier to navigate between viewpoints.
Porto Airport is another option, though the trip down takes longer – around two hours.
Once in Nazaré, most visitors stay near the town center or close to Praia do Norte (Sítio da Nazaré).
In winter, prices are lower and availability is better than during summer, but when a giant swell is forecast, the town fills up quickly, so booking ahead is wise.
Where to Watch the Big Waves
The best viewing spot is the iconic lighthouse at the Fort of São Miguel Arcanjo, perched on the cliff above Praia do Norte.
On the biggest days, it feels like the entire surf world gathers here – photographers with telephoto lenses, curious travelers, and pro surfers contemplate Nature’s fury in liquid state.
Parking might be harder, access roads up to viewpoints can be busy.
To enjoy it comfortably, pack like you would for a chilly coastal hike.
Winter in Nazaré is windy and damp, with temperatures often in the single digits Celsius. And the northern wind – Nortada – makes it even more unpleasant.
A waterproof jacket, layers, sturdy shoes, and gloves will make the hours spent on the cliff more comfortable.
Binoculars or a camera with good zoom power help bring the action closer, since many waves break far offshore.
The Timeframe Strategy
If you’re planning a trip specifically to see giant waves, the best strategy is to allow time.
A stay of two to three weeks during the core season maximizes your chances of catching at least one day of truly massive surf.
Even if the wind spoils a swell, the raw power of the Atlantic is always on display, and just standing at the edge of the cliff as 50-foot-plus breakers unload on Praia do Norte is worth the journey.
Obviously, not everyone has two weeks to spare.
So, for those who can only stay for five days, the best thing to do is monitor the swell size forecast and then overlap the wind forecast.
Ideally, you want a sizeable incoming storm powering a swell hitting Nazaré from W-NW with light to moderate E-SE wind.
Ultimately, if you’re a traveler wishing to catch Praia do Norte in full force, make sure to consider all the variables above to increase your chances of success.
Words by Luís MP | Founder of SurferToday.com
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