Surfing Weather Guide — Reading Swell, Wind, and Tides

What Makes Good Surf?

Factor	Ideal	Why
Swell height	1-2.5m	Manageable for most levels
Swell period	10-16 seconds	Longer period = more powerful, organised waves
Wind	Offshore (from land)	Holds wave faces up, creates clean barrels
Tide	Mid-tide	Many breaks work best at mid-tide
Water temp	18-26°C	Comfortable without a thick wetsuit

Reading a Surf Forecast

Swell Direction

The angle the swell approaches from. Different breaks need different swell directions. A beach facing west needs westerly swell; a south-facing point break needs south swell.

Swell Period

The time between wave crests. Short period (below 8 seconds) means choppy, wind-driven waves. Long period (12+ seconds) means powerful groundswell from distant storms.

Wind Direction

Offshore (blowing from land to sea): Best — holds wave faces up cleanly
Onshore (sea to land): Worst — creates bumpy, crumbly waves
Cross-shore: Mixed — one side of the break may still work
Glassy (no wind): Perfect — early morning sessions are often glass

Wetsuit Guide by Water Temperature

Water Temp	What to Wear
Above 24°C	Boardshorts/bikini
20-24°C	Spring suit (2mm) or vest
16-20°C	Full suit 3/2mm
12-16°C	Full suit 4/3mm + boots
Below 12°C	Full suit 5/4mm + boots, gloves, hood

Best Surf Destinations by Season

Season	Destination	Wave Type
Winter (N. Hemisphere)	Hawaii, Portugal, Morocco	Big groundswell
Summer (N. Hemisphere)	Bali, California, France	Consistent, moderate
Year-round	Costa Rica, Sri Lanka	Warm water, reliable swell

Check coastal conditions on Weather Tomorrow.