Photo: Luís Ascenso · CC BY 3.0 · via Wikimedia Commons
Praia do Norte
The Nazaré big-wave canyon. Holds the largest paddle-surfed waves on the planet. Travel here to watch — surfing it is a life-defining commitment.
Surf outlook
We don't have a forecast outlook for Praia do Norte yet. The seasonal guidance below is based on long-run averages, not on this week.
Live conditions
We don't have a current forecast for Praia do Norte. The seasonal guidance below is based on long-run averages, not on today.
Surf Snapshot
Estimated seasonal guidance — not a live forecast.
When to surf Praia do Norte, month by month
Estimated from our authored seasonality — not a live forecast.
Peak season: Jan, Feb, Nov, Dec (All-time).
| Month | Surf consistency | Wetsuit |
|---|---|---|
| Janpeak | All-time | 4/3 fullsuit |
| Febpeak | All-time | 4/3 fullsuit |
| Mar | High | 3/2 fullsuit |
| Apr | Inconsistent | 3/2 fullsuit |
| May | Rare | Spring suit |
| Jun | Rare | Spring suit |
| July | Rare | Boardshorts |
| Aug | Rare | Boardshorts |
| Sept | Inconsistent | Spring suit |
| Oct | High | 3/2 fullsuit |
| Novpeak | All-time | 3/2 fullsuit |
| Decpeak | All-time | 4/3 fullsuit |
Does this wave fit your level?
Rated for Levels 6-7 · Best at Level 7.
Take the 2-minute quiz to see if Praia do Norte fits you today.
Find my Level →Beginner notes
Hard no for anyone under Level 6. Currents are unsurvivable in size. The town beach (Praia do Sul) is the only beginner option in Nazaré.
Hazards
- big-wave hazard
- currents
- closeouts
Nearby spots
The closest graded spots to Praia do Norte, straight-line distance.
- Baleal~35 km · Levels 1-5
- São Lourenço~74 km · Levels 5-7
- Cave~76 km · Level 7
- Pedra Branca~76 km · Levels 5-7
- Coxos~77 km · Levels 4-7
Best months to surf here
In-season months for Portugal, from our editors’ season calendar.
How this spot is sourced
Cross-checked against 4 sources from 2 independent lineages, last checked June 2026.
Two or more independent sources agree on wave type.