Lagos – Meia Praia
Portugal · Windsurf · Surfing · SUP
- Best winds W, SW
- Level Beginner · Intermediate
- Water Waves
- Best months Apr–Oct
About this spot
A long, gently sloping sandy beach in the bay of Lagos, in the southwest Algarve. Meia Praia is a fairly sheltered beach break that only fires with the right swell – it works best when a south-to-southeast swell meets offshore northwest wind. In summer the waves are mostly small and forgiving, making the beach a relaxed learning and longboard zone; winter brings the stronger, rarer wave days.
Is Meia Praia worth it for windsurfing too? Yes – the bay benefits from the Nortada, a thermal northwest wind driven by the temperature difference between the hot Alentejo plains inland and the cooler Atlantic, reaching 18–22 knots on good afternoons. That makes the long, shallow-sloping beach a solid windsurf and SUP zone as well. Lagos, with its old town, marina and full infrastructure, sits right at the western end.
Last updated:
Location
Wind & weather through the year
According to model data for 2021–2025, January is the windiest month: on 15 % of days the wind blows at 12 knots or more from a direction that works at this spot for at least three daytime hours. It then mostly blows from the west. The least wind is in July (3 %). The water ranges from about 15 to 18 °C over the year.
| Month | Wind days ≥ 12 kn | Avg wind | Direction | Air | Water |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January |
15 %
| 9 kn | W | 15 °C | 17 °C |
| February |
9 %
| 9 kn | W | 15 °C | 16 °C |
| March |
15 %
| 10 kn | W | 15 °C | 15 °C |
| April |
10 %
| 10 kn | W | 17 °C | 16 °C |
| May |
6 %
| 10 kn | NW | 19 °C | 16 °C |
| June |
9 %
| 10 kn | NW | 21 °C | 18 °C |
| July |
3 %
| 11 kn | NW | 23 °C | 18 °C |
| August |
4 %
| 10 kn | NW | 23 °C | 18 °C |
| September |
5 %
| 9 kn | SW | 21 °C | 17 °C |
| October |
12 %
| 8 kn | SW | 21 °C | 18 °C |
| November |
7 %
| 8 kn | W | 18 °C | 18 °C |
| December |
9 %
| 8 kn | SW | 15 °C | 17 °C |
Wind day = at least 3 hours at ≥ 12 kn in daylight (09:00–19:00 local time). Only hours with wind from W, SW (usable according to the spot info) are counted. Model data (ECMWF IFS, approx. 9 km grid) – local venturi and thermal effects can be stronger. Weather data: Open-Meteo.com (CC BY 4.0)
Insider tips
For wave surfing wait for a south/SE swell with offshore NW wind – otherwise it is often too small. For windsurf and wing use the afternoon thermal Nortada.
⚠︎ Hazards
Offshore northwest wind pushes gear and SUPs out to sea – keep an eye on your distance. Stronger current on the more exposed beach sections in winter.
All information without guarantee. Please check locally whether kiting, windsurfing, winging or surfing is currently allowed here – protected areas, swimming zones and seasonal closures change. You go on the water at your own risk.
Nearby surf schools
Frequently asked questions
Is Lagos – Meia Praia suitable for beginners?
Yes. According to the spot info, Lagos – Meia Praia suits these levels: Beginner · Intermediate (water: Waves). There is one surf school nearby.
Which wind works at Lagos – Meia Praia?
Best with wind from W, SW. In the windiest month (January), model data show the wind mostly blowing from the west.
When is the best time for Lagos – Meia Praia?
The best months are considered to be Apr–Oct. According to the wind statistics, January has the most wind days (15 % of days).
How warm is the water at Lagos – Meia Praia?
Over the year about 15 °C in March to 18 °C in August (model data).
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