Portugal's water is colder than its weather suggests. Here is exactly what to pack by season, what your camp will provide and what to leave at home.
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People pack for Portugal as if it were the Mediterranean. Then they paddle out in the Atlantic. The air can be 28°C while the water sits below 18°C, so the wetsuit decision is the one that matters.
TL;DR: A 3/2mm full suit from May to October, a 4/3mm with booties from November to April. If you are staying at a camp, the suit and board are almost always included, so pack the small stuff.
| Months | Water | Wetsuit | Extras |
|---|---|---|---|
| May – October | About 17–20°C | 3/2mm full suit | Rash guard under the suit if you chafe |
| November – April | About 14–16°C | 4/3mm full suit | 3mm booties; a hood on windy days |
Buying your own? These two cover both seasons. More options are in our wetsuit guide.
A long-running entry suit with sealed seams on the 4/3. Easy back-zip entry and a forgiving cut for a first wetsuit.
Proper wetsuit booties for winter water. These are for warmth, not just protection.
A zinc-based stick is easier to apply on the beach and holds up better in the water than regular lotion.
Keeps a wet wetsuit away from everything else in your bag on the way home.
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For a one-week trip it is rarely worth the airline fee. Rental quality in Ericeira and Peniche is good. If you do fly with a board, use a padded travel bag, and take soft racks if you are renting a car.
Thicker padding for flying with one board. Wrap the nose, tail and rails with towels or pipe insulation as well.
Strap-through racks that fit most cars without roof bars. They pack small enough for a suitcase.
Our tested pick
7 nights from €420
Check availabilityAll three Portuguese camps in our directory include boards and wetsuits: Salty Souls Lodge Ericeira for beginners, Peniche Pro Surf House for progression and Algarve Wave Retreat for winter sun. Confirm the details when you book.
For seasons, towns and costs, read the full Portugal surf guide, and check the best time to surf matrix before you pick dates.
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7 nights from €560
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7 nights from €495
Check availabilityMaya Torres
Founder & Surf Travel Editor
Maya has surfed in 34 countries over 15 years, reviewed 60+ surf camps in person, and now leads the Surfstore.com editorial team. Her mission: zero bad surf trips.
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