Nazaré - Praia do Norte surf forecast
Nazaré, Portugal
Nazaré is chest to head high at 15 seconds with almost no wind - marginal. São Pedro do Moel is scoring better today.
The nearest breaks today, best first
Worth knowing
Watch for extreme size, powerful current, cold water.
Best from October to February for size.
Praia do Norte is watched from the fort headland; the town beach is separate.
Common questions
How big are the waves at Nazaré?
On its biggest days, over 20 metres - the largest waves ever ridden. Most winter days are far smaller, and summer is small and often closed out.
Why are the waves so big at Nazaré?
An underwater canyon five kilometres deep runs almost to the beach, funnelling Atlantic swell and focusing it into one peak. Nowhere else has that geometry so close to shore.
Can a normal surfer surf Nazaré?
Not Praia do Norte. Even on a modest day the shorebreak and current are dangerous. The town beach south of the headland is an ordinary beach break, and São Martinho do Porto is the sheltered bay for learners.
When is the best time to see big waves at Nazaré?
October to February, on north-west groundswell from Atlantic storms. The fort on the headland is the viewing spot; days over ten metres are forecast well in advance and draw a crowd.