As you plan your trip, one of the first questions you might ask is “When is the best time to visit Ericeira?” The answer, of course, depends on what you like to do and what kind of travel experiences you enjoy.
Ericeira in summer (high season)
Summer is considered Ericeira’s “high season.” Technically this means June, July, and August, but this past year, the crowd started to pick up around Easter weekend and things didn’t quiet down until late October.
The weather during the summer months is hot and sunny during the day but it cools off at night. Sunscreen is a must during the day since the sun is very strong here, and the breeze makes it easy to feel like you’re not getting as much sun as you are.
That said, you’ll see people swimming in the ocean and sunbathing from early spring to late fall, so don’t feel like you have to come in peak summer to enjoy the beaches. My family visited in September last year and we spent plenty of time at the beach.
During the high season, there’s more going on in town and the days are longer so you’ll have more daylight hours for beach-lounging and surfing. There are parties most nights of the week at rotating locations, and you can check out live music, pop-up markets, or the summer Ericeira Surf Film Festival.
On the flip side, there’s a lot more traffic and parking can be tough near the beaches and town center. Accommodation prices are highest in the summer, and you’ll likely need to make dinner reservations in advance, especially on weekends.
Best time to visit Ericeira for surf
The best time to come to Ericeira for surfing is September and October. This is when the waves, weather, and winds give the best conditions, and the water is still (relatively) warm.
The waves are small in the summer and get too big and wild during winter — for context, the infamous 100-foot wave in Nazare usually likes to make an appearance in January and February. So September and October are the sweet spots for most surfers, regardless of ability level.
Ericeira is also the host of a World Surf League surf competition at Ribeira D’Ilhas Beach during the first week of October. Pro surfers from around the world come to town for the event, and you may bump into your favorite surfer in the grocery store or out in town in the weeks before and after the event.
Ericeira in winter (low season)
Things start to slow down in Ericeira around November, and December, January, and February are much quieter than the summer months. There are far fewer people and a noticeable difference in traffic, but the weather can be a bit more unpredictable. January and February are the most likely to have unideal weather.
Days are a mix of sunny, rainy, and overcast, and the wind adds an extra chill to the air. I went for a short run a few days ago and I started in a jacket because there was a super cold breeze, then the sun came out, then it started pouring rain, and the run ended in a strange humid fog, so safe to say you should prepare for any weather conditions when visiting in the winter!
The days are much shorter with the sun setting around 5:30 pm in the heart of winter, so this can be limiting if you want to do lots of outdoor activities. You might also notice that some Ericeira restaurants and cafes close for a few weeks during the winter for their holidays, so it’s good to have a backup plan in mind when you venture out.
That said, the Ericeira hotels are the least expensive this time of year and the crowds are much smaller. If you do come in the winter, December is a special time to do it because you’ll get to see the town decorated for the holidays. There’s a little Christmas market in the center of town and a huge street party at Praia dos Pescadores for New Year’s Eve.
When should I visit Ericeira?
- If you want to visit the beach, June, July, and August are the hottest months and most popular for beachgoers. But it’s still quite warm starting around Easter weekend and going until early October.
- If you want to surf, come in September or October. This is when the wave and wind conditions are best. September and October also have warm weather.
- If you want to avoid the crowds (and summer heat), come during the winter or shoulder months. December is the nicest because the town has holiday decorations and there’s a little Christmas market. There’s also a New Year festival at Praia dos Pescadores.
Up next, we’ll cover where to stay in Ericeira.