How often do conditions match?

No opportunity windows are predicted in the next 10 days. Conditions can change quickly, so check back for updates.

More Dramatic Seascapes in Algarve, Portugal

Rule Dramatic Seascapes

Sintra - Dramatic Seascapes - Algarve, Portugal

Q: What conditions does Dramatic Seascapes look for?

Coastal Drama Score: ≥ 75.0%. Significant Wave Height: ≥ 1.5m. Visibility: ≥ 5000.0m. Wind Gusts: ≤ 22.0m/s. Precipitation Chance: ≤ 30.0%

Sintra, Lisbon, Portugal

Dramatic coastal photography conditions - powerful waves combined with atmospheric drama and good visibility for seascape shots.

No opportunities right now

Here’s what usually blocks matches

No Dramatic Seascapes opportunities in the next 14 days

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Rule requirements (key thresholds)

Coastal Drama Score · ≥ 75.0% Significant Wave Height · ≥ 1.5m Visibility · ≥ 5000.0m Wind Gusts · ≤ 22.0m/s

Tip: Scroll down to the 72-hour table to see exactly which condition fails hour by hour.

Most common blockers (next 72 hours)

Coastal Drama Score 100% failing

Significant Wave Height 100% failing

Precipitation Chance 1% failing

Currently

Real-time conditions

Coastal Drama Score

Wave Height0.2m

Swell Height0.2m

Wind Speed11.0m/s (moderate winds)

Cloud Cover0%

Upcoming Opportunities

When all conditions match, PhotoWeather marks an opportunity window.

Times shown in Europe/Lisbon

No opportunities in the next 10 days

See the blocker timeline below to understand which conditions are preventing matches.

What this forecast looks for

Plain-language explanation from the rule

The Algarve coastline combines powerful Atlantic wave action with soft limestone geology, creating one of Europe's most dramatic coastal landscapes. Centuries of erosion have carved spectacular sea caves, towering stacks, and natural arches that demand careful timing for optimal conditions.

Benagil's famous sea cave—with its collapsed roof creating a natural skylight—becomes most dramatic when Atlantic swells surge through the entrance, creating dynamic foreground motion. Ponta da Piedade near Lagos features a maze of golden limestone pillars, sea arches, and hidden grottos best captured during stormy conditions when waves crash against the formations.

What makes Algarve coastal drama exceptional:

Benagil Cathedral Cave - Iconic dome skylight with beach interior, best photographed by kayak or paddleboard
Ponta da Piedade stacks - Dozens of formations creating intricate composition opportunities
Sagres fortress cliffs - Europe's southwestern corner where Atlantic meets Mediterranean influence
Erosion patterns - Honeycomb weathering and tafoni creating unique cliff textures

Winter months (November-February) bring the most powerful Atlantic storms and dramatic wave action. Sunrise often provides calmer conditions for sea cave access, while afternoon westerly winds create more dramatic spray and wave patterns. Always respect safety—these cliffs are actively eroding.

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72-hour requirements breakdown

What passed or failed, hour by hour

0matching hours in the next 92 hours

AND logic: all conditions required

Meets requirement

Misses requirement

Time Europe/Lisbon	Coastal Drama Score ≥ 75.0%	Significant Wave Height ≥ 1.5m	Visibility ≥ 5000.0m	Wind Gusts ≤ 22.0m/s	Precipitation Chance ≤ 30.0%
Fri, May 15
05:00	3.8%	0.37m	24135m	15m/s	0%
06:00	12%	0.36m	24134m	15m/s	0%
07:00	13%	0.81m	24135m	15m/s	0%
08:00	7.4%	0.78m	24134m	15m/s	39%
09:00	9.8%	0.76m	24134m	15m/s	39%
10:00	8.3%	0.73m	24134m	14m/s	39%
11:00	4.5%	0.69m	24135m	14m/s	33%
12:00	4.5%	0.64m	24134m	15m/s	28%
13:00	5.6%	0.54m	24135m	15m/s	22%
14:00	5.6%	0.57m	24134m	15m/s	56%
15:00	5.6%	0.6m	24135m	14m/s	30%
16:00	6%	0.63m	24134m	14m/s	3.4%
17:00	7.3%	0.63m	24134m	14m/s	2.3%
18:00	8%	0.64m	24135m	14m/s	1.1%
19:00	8.2%	0.22m	24134m	14m/s	0%
20:00	9.9%	0.21m	24134m	14m/s	0%
21:00	11%	0.21m	24134m	14m/s	0%
22:00	3.2%	0.2m	24134m	14m/s	0%
23:00	3.2%	0.19m	24135m	14m/s	0%
Sat, May 16
24:00	3.2%	0.18m	24134m	14m/s	0%
01:00	2.9%	0.21m	24134m	14m/s	0%
02:00	2.9%	0.2m	24135m	14m/s	0%
03:00	2.6%	0.18m	24134m	13m/s	0%
04:00	2.6%	0.17m	24134m	13m/s	0%
05:00	2.6%	0.16m	24135m	12m/s	0%
06:00	8.3%	0.15m	24134m	12m/s	0%
07:00	9.4%	0.14m	24135m	12m/s	0%
08:00	7.2%	0.13m	24135m	12m/s	0%
09:00	7.2%	0.12m	24135m	12m/s	0%
10:00	6.1%	0.11m	24134m	11m/s	0%
11:00	5%	0.1m	24135m	11m/s	0%
12:00	5%	0.1m	24135m	11m/s	0%
13:00	5%	0.09m	24135m	12m/s	0%
14:00	5%	0.08m	24134m	12m/s	0%
15:00	5%	0.08m	24135m	12m/s	0%
16:00	5%	0.07m	24134m	12m/s	0%
17:00	6%	0.07m	24134m	12m/s	0%
18:00	6.5%	0.06m	24134m	12m/s	0%
19:00	6.5%	0.06m	24135m	12m/s	0%
20:00	7.8%	0.06m	24134m	12m/s	0%
21:00	8.4%	0.05m	24134m	12m/s	0%
22:00	2.6%	0.05m	24135m	12m/s	0%
23:00	3.4%	0.05m	24134m	12m/s	13%
Sun, May 17
24:00	3%	0.06m	24135m	11m/s	26%
01:00	2.6%	0.06m	24135m	11m/s	39%
02:00	2.3%	0.07m	24135m	11m/s	28%
03:00	2.6%	0.09m	24135m	11m/s	18%
04:00	2.4%	0.1m	24135m	11m/s	7%
05:00	2.6%	0.11m	24135m	10m/s	4.7%
06:00	9.8%	0.13m	24135m	9.9m/s	2.3%
07:00	7.2%	0.14m	24134m	9.7m/s	0%
08:00	5.9%	0.16m	24134m	9.6m/s	0%
09:00	7.1%	0.17m	24134m	9m/s	0%
10:00	5%	0.19m	24135m	8.7m/s	0%
11:00	4.2%	0.19m	24134m	8.4m/s	0%
12:00	5%	0.2m	24134m	8.5m/s	0%
13:00	5.4%	0.2m	24134m	9m/s	0%
14:00	4.6%	0.2m	24135m	9m/s	0%
15:00	4%	0.19m	24135m	8.9m/s	0%
16:00	3.6%	0.19m	24134m	8m/s	0%
17:00	5.1%	0.18m	24134m	8m/s	0%
18:00	5.1%	0.18m	24135m	7.7m/s	0%
19:00	6.6%	0.17m	24135m	8.4m/s	0%
20:00	8.6%	0.16m	24135m	8.2m/s	0%
21:00	7.4%	0.15m	24134m	8.7m/s	0%
22:00	2.3%	0.14m	24135m	9.1m/s	0%
23:00	2.3%	0.13m	24134m	9.8m/s	0%
Mon, May 18
24:00	2.3%	0.11m	24134m	10m/s	0%
01:00	2.3%	0.1m	24135m	9.5m/s	0%
02:00	2.3%	0.09m	24134m	8.7m/s	0%
03:00	2%	0.09m	24134m	8.2m/s	0%
04:00	3.6%	0.08m	24134m	8.7m/s	0%
05:00	2%	0.08m	24134m	8.6m/s	0%
06:00	6.8%	0.08m	24135m	8m/s	0%
07:00	6.6%	0.08m	24135m	7.6m/s	0%
08:00	7.1%	0.08m	24135m	6.9m/s	0%
09:00	10%	0.08m	24135m	6.2m/s	0%
10:00	9.4%	0.08m	24135m	5.5m/s	0%
11:00	7.7%	0.08m	24135m	5.7m/s	0%
12:00	6%	0.07m	24135m	5.9m/s	0%
13:00	4.1%	0.07m	24135m	6.1m/s	0%
14:00	4.1%	0.07m	24135m	6.4m/s	0%
15:00	4.1%	0.06m	24135m	6.7m/s	0%
16:00	4.1%	0.06m	24135m	7.1m/s	0%
17:00	4.2%	0.06m	24135m	6.4m/s	0%
18:00	5.3%	0.06m	24135m	5.7m/s	0%
19:00	5%	0.06m	24135m	5.1m/s	0%
20:00	10%	0.06m	24135m	4.8m/s	0%
21:00	11%	0.06m	24135m	4.5m/s	0%
22:00	2%	0.06m	24135m	4.2m/s	0%
23:00	2.8%	0.06m	24135m	4.4m/s	0%
Tue, May 19
24:00	2.4%	0.05m	24135m	4.6m/s	0%

How to read: colored cells show whether each predicate requirement is met; highlighted rows mean the full rule matched (an opportunity).

What does Coastal Drama Score mean?

Inputs that drive the score

This derived score summarizes multiple raw weather signals. The table below shows the supporting inputs hour by hour, so you can see what's pushing the score up or down.

Time Europe/Lisbon	High Clouds %	Low Clouds %	Mid-Level Clouds %	Primary Swell Height m	Primary Wave Direction °	Sea Salt AOD (550nm)	Solar Elevation °	Total Cloud Coverage %	Wind Direction °	Wind Speed m/s	Wind Wave Height m	Wind Wave Period s
Sat, May 16 Sunrise 06:24 Sunset 20:43
03:00 ☾	0%	0%	0%	0.17m	16°	0.04	-29°	0%	1°	11m/s	0.21m	3.9s
04:00 ☾	0%	0%	0%	0.15m	16°	0.04	-23°	0%	1°	11m/s	0.25m	3.9s
05:00 ☾	5%	0%	0%	0.14m	15°	0.03	-15°	5%	0°	11m/s	0.22m	3.9s
06:00 ☾	3%	0%	0%	0.13m	15°	0.03	-5°	3%	360°	11m/s	0.19m	3.9s
07:00	0%	0%	0%	0.12m	14°	0.03	5.7°	0%	357°	11m/s	0.16m	3.8s
08:00	0%	0%	0%	0.11m	14°	0.03	17°	0%	359°	11m/s	0.13m	3.8s
09:00	0%	0%	0%	0.1m	14°	0.02	28°	0%	0°	11m/s	0.1m	3.7s
10:00	0%	0%	0%	0.09m	13°	0.02	40°	0%	1°	10m/s	0.07m	3.7s
11:00	0%	0%	0%	0.09m	13°	0.02	51°	0%	357°	11m/s	0.08m	3.6s
12:00	0%	0%	5%	0.08m	13°	0.02	62°	5%	355°	11m/s	0.09m	3.6s
13:00	2%	0%	7%	0.08m	13°	0.02	69°	7%	353°	11m/s	0.1m	3.5s
14:00	0%	0%	5%	0.07m	13°	0.02	70°	5%	353°	11m/s	0.1m	3.4s
15:00	0%	0%	5%	0.07m	12°	0.02	63°	5%	351°	11m/s	0.11m	3.4s
16:00	0%	0%	0%	0.06m	12°	0.02	53°	0%	348°	11m/s	0.11m	3.3s
17:00	0%	0%	0%	0.06m	12°	0.03	42°	0%	349°	10m/s	0.1m	3.3s
18:00	0%	5%	0%	0.05m	11°	0.04	30°	5%	347°	11m/s	0.08m	3.2s
19:00	5%	7%	0%	0.05m	11°	0.04	18°	8%	347°	11m/s	0.07m	3.1s
20:00	5%	0%	0%	0.05m	11°	0.05	7.2°	5%	349°	11m/s	0.09m	3.1s
21:00 ☾	8%	0%	0%	0.05m	11°	0.05	-3.5°	8%	350°	11m/s	0.11m	3s
22:00 ☾	100%	0%	0%	0.05m	10°	0.05	-13°	100%	350°	11m/s	0.13m	3s
23:00 ☾	100%	0%	93%	0.05m	121°	0.05	-22°	100%	349°	10m/s	0.11m	2.4s
Sun, May 17 Sunrise 06:24 Sunset 20:43
24:00 ☾	100%	1%	100%	0.06m	232°	0.05	-28°	100%	345°	10m/s	0.09m	1.8s
01:00 ☾	100%	6%	94%	0.06m	343°	0.06	-31°	100%	343°	10m/s	0.07m	1.1s
02:00 ☾	100%	5%	76%	0.06m	229°	-	-32°	100%	340°	9.9m/s	0.08m	1.4s
03:00 ☾	100%	11%	100%	0.06m	115°	-	-28°	100%	339°	9.9m/s	0.08m	1.6s
04:00 ☾	100%	4%	100%	0.06m	1.3°	-	-23°	100%	344°	9.5m/s	0.09m	1.9s
05:00 ☾	100%	1%	100%	0.09m	2.1°	-	-14°	100%	345°	8.9m/s	0.1m	1.9s
06:00 ☾	100%	12%	100%	0.12m	3°	-	-4.8°	100%	343°	8.9m/s	0.1m	2s
07:00	100%	2%	100%	0.15m	3.8°	-	5.8°	100%	347°	8.3m/s	0.11m	2.1s
08:00	100%	11%	100%	0.14m	10°	-	17°	100%	346°	7.9m/s	0.1m	2.5s
09:00	56%	13%	100%	0.14m	16°	-	29°	100%	344°	7.6m/s	0.09m	3s
10:00	88%	5%	100%	0.13m	23°	-	40°	100%	339°	7.6m/s	0.08m	3.4s
11:00	97%	3%	100%	0.12m	22°	-	52°	100%	338°	7.5m/s	0.11m	3.5s
12:00	24%	4%	100%	0.1m	22°	-	62°	100%	341°	7.9m/s	0.13m	3.6s
13:00	0%	5%	24%	0.09m	22°	-	69°	25%	349°	9m/s	0.16m	3.7s
14:00	0%	5%	1%	0.11m	21°	-	70°	5%	345°	9.2m/s	0.14m	3.7s
15:00	0%	0%	0%	0.14m	21°	-	63°	0%	349°	8.9m/s	0.12m	3.8s
16:00	0%	0%	0%	0.16m	20°	-	53°	0%	347°	7.7m/s	0.1m	3.8s
17:00	0%	0%	0%	0.16m	19°	-	42°	0%	342°	7.7m/s	0.08m	3.8s
18:00	1%	0%	0%	0.15m	18°	-	30°	1%	341°	7.4m/s	0.07m	3.8s
19:00	1%	7%	0%	0.15m	17°	-	19°	7%	340°	8.1m/s	0.05m	3.7s
20:00	0%	22%	0%	0.14m	16°	-	7.3°	22%	345°	7.9m/s	0.06m	3.7s
21:00 ☾	0%	0%	0%	0.13m	15°	-	-3.4°	0%	343°	8.6m/s	0.07m	3.7s
22:00 ☾	0%	0%	0%	0.12m	14°	-	-13°	0%	339°	8.3m/s	0.08m	3.7s
23:00 ☾	3%	1%	0%	0.11m	13°	-	-21°	4%	347°	9.1m/s	0.11m	3.7s
Mon, May 18 Sunrise 06:23 Sunset 20:44
24:00 ☾	1%	1%	0%	0.1m	13°	-	-28°	1%	350°	9.7m/s	0.14m	3.6s
01:00 ☾	0%	0%	0%	0.09m	12°	-	-31°	0%	353°	8.8m/s	0.17m	3.6s
02:00 ☾	2%	0%	0%	0.08m	12°	-	-31°	2%	355°	8m/s	0.17m	3.6s
03:00 ☾	7%	0%	0%	0.08m	11°	-	-28°	7%	353°	7.5m/s	0.17m	3.5s
04:00 ☾	65%	0%	0%	0.07m	11°	-	-22°	65%	345°	8m/s	0.17m	3.5s
05:00 ☾	98%	0%	0%	0.07m	12°	-	-14°	98%	348°	7.8m/s	0.16m	3.4s
06:00 ☾	91%	0%	0%	0.07m	13°	-	-4.7°	91%	352°	7.2m/s	0.16m	3.4s
07:00	100%	0%	0%	0.07m	14°	-	6°	100%	349°	6.9m/s	0.15m	3.3s
08:00	79%	0%	4%	0.07m	15°	-	17°	79%	341°	6.3m/s	0.14m	3.3s
09:00	59%	0%	9%	0.08m	17°	-	29°	59%	334°	5.7m/s	0.14m	3.3s
10:00	38%	0%	13%	0.08m	19°	-	40°	38%	327°	5.1m/s	0.13m	3.2s
11:00	59%	0%	41%	0.08m	18°	-	52°	59%	328°	5.3m/s	0.12m	3.2s
12:00	79%	0%	69%	0.07m	18°	-	62°	79%	328°	5.4m/s	0.12m	3.1s
13:00	100%	0%	97%	0.07m	18°	-	69°	100%	329°	5.5m/s	0.11m	3.1s
14:00	100%	0%	98%	0.07m	17°	-	70°	100%	332°	5.7m/s	0.13m	3.1s
15:00	100%	0%	99%	0.06m	17°	-	63°	100%	334°	5.8m/s	0.14m	3.1s
16:00	100%	0%	100%	0.06m	16°	-	53°	100%	337°	6m/s	0.16m	3s
17:00	68%	1%	98%	0.06m	15°	-	42°	98%	342°	5.3m/s	0.15m	3.1s
18:00	36%	2%	97%	0.06m	14°	-	30°	97%	346°	4.7m/s	0.14m	3.1s
19:00	4%	3%	95%	0.06m	13°	-	19°	95%	351°	4.1m/s	0.13m	3.1s
20:00	4%	3%	65%	0.06m	13°	-	7.5°	65%	352°	3.8m/s	0.12m	3.1s
21:00 ☾	3%	4%	35%	0.05m	13°	-	-3.2°	35%	352°	3.6m/s	0.11m	3.1s
22:00 ☾	2%	5%	5%	0.05m	13°	-	-13°	5%	353°	3.4m/s	0.1m	3.2s
23:00 ☾	2%	4%	3%	0.05m	13°	-	-21°	4%	236°	3.5m/s	0.1m	3.1s
Tue, May 19 Sunrise 06:23 Sunset 20:45
24:00 ☾	1%	4%	2%	0.06m	13°	-	-27°	4%	119°	3.7m/s	0.09m	3.1s
01:00 ☾	0%	3%	0%	0.06m	14°	-	-31°	3%	2°	3.8m/s	0.08m	3.1s
02:00 ☾	2%	4%	0%	0.06m	13°	-	-31°	4%	2°	4m/s	0.07m	3s

How to read: these inputs help produce the derived score; they are not requirements by themselves.

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