Surf Forecasts:
Albatross surf forecast from 18 Aug 2026:
- Best quality surf: Sunday 23 Aug, 2PM (local time) - 11ft (3.5m), 13s period, SW swell with offshore winds.
- Most powerful swell: Sunday 23 Aug, 2AM (local time) - 15ft (4.5m), 12s period, SW swell with 6,070 kJ wave energy.
- Next surfable swell (1★+): Tuesday 18 Aug, 5PM (local time) - 8ft (2.5m), 13s period with SW swell.
Best Forecast Surf Conditions for Albatross this week:
The surf forecast for Albatross over the next 16 days: The first swell (rated 1 star or higher) is forecast to arrive on Tuesday (Aug 18) at 5PM. The primary swell is predicted to be 2.5m and 13s period. The wind is predicted to be offshore as the swell arrives.
The most powerful waves expected at Albatross in the next 16 days are 4.5m 12s and forecast to arrive on Sunday (Aug 23) at 2AM. Winds are predicted to be cross-offshore at the time the swell arrives. The largest open ocean swell (not directed at the beach) is 1.5m 6s period and expected on Wednesday (Aug 19) at 11PM.
| Wave Type | Time (SAST) & Date | Wave Height & Period |
|---|---|---|
| Next good surf (1 star+) | 5PM (Tue 18th Aug) | 8ft (2.5m) 13s |
| Best Surf | 2PM (Sun 23rd Aug) | 11ft (3.5m) 13s |
| Most Powerful | 2AM (Sun 23rd Aug) | 15ft (4.5m) 12s |
Table - best surf conditions forecast for Albatross over the next 16 days.
The Lowdown
Alright, this is Rusty, and I’ve got a look at what’s coming up for Albatross. It’s a beach and reef setup, sheltered from the swell, so it needs a good push from the right direction. Right now, we’ve got a solid run of south-west groundswell heading our way, and the water is sitting at 54.3°F, which is a massive 11.5° colder than usual for this time of year—that’s seriously unusual, so you’ll want a thick wetsuit.
We kick off on Tuesday, August 18th, with some morning clouds but a clean 7.5ft SW swell at 13 seconds. The wind is light offshore from the WSW, so it’ll be smooth right from the start. The combined energy is already pumping at 1804, and by the afternoon it jumps to 2356 with the swell pushing 8.2ft. That’s decent size, but it’s starting to get into the territory where beginners might want to sit this one out.
Wednesday, August 19th, is where things get serious. Morning glass with a 9.8ft SW swell at 13 seconds and barely a breath of wind—clean as a whistle. The energy is up at 2536. This is excellent for experienced surfers. The afternoon holds the same size, but the wind picks up to 18.6 mph from the WSW, which is still offshore but will make it a bit more of a handful.
Thursday, August 20th, is the standout. Morning brings a 13.1ft SW swell at 13 seconds, light offshore breeze, and the energy is roaring at 5309. This is big, powerful, and clean. Afternoon drops slightly to 11.5ft but still holds 4527 of energy with a light cross-off breeze. This is heavy, expert-only territory—over 8.2ft is for the crew who know what they’re doing.
Friday, August 21st, fades a bit. The swell drops to 7.9ft, but the wind turns cross-on from the east, putting some chop on it. Energy drops to 1638. It’s not a write-off, but it’s nowhere near as good as the last few days.
Saturday, August 22nd, is a mess. Morning has a tiny 4.6ft SSW swell with a 21.7 mph cross-off wind, but the energy is only 887, and the quality is poor. The afternoon sees a massive jump to 14.8ft SW, but with a 28 mph wind, it’s going to be blown out and chaotic—more of a kitesurfing show than a paddle session.
Sunday, August 23rd, cleans up nicely. Morning has a 13.1ft SW swell at 13 seconds, with a gentle cross-off breeze and energy at 4861. That’s big and clean. The afternoon drops to 11.5ft, but with a light cross-off wind and 3727 of energy, it’s still excellent for the experienced crew.
Monday, August 24th, brings a smaller but still fun 7.5ft SW swell in the morning, offshore wind, and energy at 1317. The afternoon is 5.2ft SSW, still clean. It’s a good day for a wider range of surfers.
Then we hit another standout on Tuesday, August 25th. Morning sees a 9.8ft SW swell with a 14-second period—long period groundswell that will really wrap in nicely at this reef setup. The wind is light offshore, and energy is at 2918. Afternoon holds 8.2ft with the same long period. This is a proper session.
There’s a quiet patch from Wednesday, August 26th, through to Friday, August 28th morning. The swell drops, and onshore winds make it poor. But hold on—Friday afternoon, August 28th, comes back with a 7.9ft SW swell at 14 seconds, gentle offshore wind, and energy at 2466. That’s excellent again.
Saturday, August 29th, is mixed. The morning has onshore wind, but the afternoon brings a 6.6ft SW swell with offshore wind and clean lines. Energy is 1266.
Sunday, August 30th, has a nice morning with 5.2ft SSW at 14 seconds and offshore wind, but the afternoon is the real gem: 6.2ft SSW swell, but the period jumps to 19 seconds—that’s a very long period groundswell. The energy rockets to 3845, and it’s glassy with light offshore wind. This will be pure, clean, and punchy. Best for the reef or point.
Monday, August 31st, is another cracker. Morning with 8.2ft SW at 14 seconds, offshore wind, energy 2630. The afternoon goes glassy with 8.2ft SW and 2536 of energy—perfect conditions.
Tuesday, September 1st, is the biggest of the lot. The morning
Short Range ForecastMostly dry. Very mild (max 18°C on Wed afternoon, min 12°C on Tue night). Winds decreasing (fresh winds from the WSW on Wed afternoon, calm by Thu night). | Days 4-6 Weather SummaryMostly dry. Very mild (max 18°C on Fri afternoon, min 12°C on Sun night). Winds decreasing (near gales from the WSW on Sat afternoon, calm by Sun night). | ||||||||||||||||||||
Tuesday 18 | Wednesday 19 | Thursday 20 | Friday 21 | Saturday 22 | Sunday 23 | Monday 24 | |||||||||||||||
AM | PM | Night | AM | PM | Night | AM | PM | Night | AM | PM | Night | AM | PM | Night | AM | PM | Night | AM | PM | Night | |
Swell Height Map | |||||||||||||||||||||
Wave Height (m) Direction Period (s) | SW 13 | SW 13 | SW 13 | SW 13 | SW 12 | SW 12 | SW 13 | SW 13 | SW 13 | SW 12 | SW 12 | SSW 11 | SSW 11 | SW 10 | SW 12 | SW 13 | SW 13 | SW 12 | SW 11 | SSW 11 | SW 12 |
Wave Graph | |||||||||||||||||||||
1804 | 2356 | 3165 | 2536 | 2373 | 1292 | 5309 | 4527 | 2672 | 1638 | 1346 | 477 | 466 | 4306 | 6070 | 4861 | 3727 | 2010 | 1317 | 575 | 1472 | |
Wind (km/h) | |||||||||||||||||||||
Wind State on-shore cross-onshore cross-shore cross-offshore off-shore glassy | off | off | on | off | off | cross-off | off | cross-off | on | cross-on | cross | cross-off | cross-off | cross-off | cross-off | cross-off | cross-off | glassy | off | off | glassy |
High Tide | 6:59PM1.39m | 7:09AM1.19m | 7:31PM1.24m | 7:46AM1.06m | 8:17PM1.09m | 9:08AM0.94m | 10:35PM1.00m | 12:36PM0.96m | 00:52AM1.07m | 1:40PM1.10m | 1:44AM1.20m | 2:15PM1.24m | 2:18AM1.33m | ||||||||
Low Tide | 12:39PM0.33m | 1:12AM0.45m | 1:09PM0.48m | 1:49AM0.58m | 1:47PM0.62m | 2:53AM0.70m | 3:08PM0.75m | 5:54AM0.72m | 6:33PM0.74m | 7:28AM0.60m | 7:41PM0.62m | 8:04AM0.46m | 8:16PM0.49m | ||||||||
6:56 | — | — | 6:54 | — | — | 6:54 | — | — | 6:52 | — | — | 6:52 | — | — | 6:50 | — | — | 6:48 | — | — | |
— | 5:52 | — | — | 5:52 | — | — | 5:52 | — | — | 5:53 | — | — | 5:53 | — | — | 5:54 | — | — | 5:55 | — | |
mm | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
Temp °C | 17 | 17 | 15 | 17 | 18 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 14 | 16 | 18 | 16 | 18 | 17 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 13 | 16 | 16 | 13 |
Feels °C | 14 | 13 | 15 | 16 | 15 | 11 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 15 | 10 | 7 | 9 | 13 | 14 | 13 | 14 | 13 | 13 |
Swell 1 Height (m) Direction Period (s) | SW 13 | SW 13 | SW 13 | SW 13 | SW 12 | SW 12 | SW 13 | SW 13 | SW 13 | SW 12 | SW 12 | SSW 11 | SSW 11 | ENE 8 | SW 12 | SW 13 | SW 13 | SW 12 | SW 11 | SSW 11 | SW 12 |
1804 | 2356 | 3165 | 2536 | 2373 | 1292 | 5309 | 4527 | 2672 | 1638 | 1346 | 477 | 466 | 22 | 6070 | 4861 | 3727 | 2010 | 1317 | 575 | 1472 | |
Swell 2 Height (m) Direction Period (s) | E 10 | E 10 | E 10 | E 9 | E 9 | E 9 | E 8 | E 9 | E 8 | E 8 | E 8 | SW 11 | E 7 | — | — | — | — | — | E 9 | WSW 11 | WSW 12 |
100 | 69 | 48 | 44 | 27 | 26 | 23 | 13 | 6 | 6 | 5 | 439 | 27 | — | — | — | — | — | 2 | 504 | 193 | |
Swell 3 Height (m) Direction Period (s) | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | E 5 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | E 10 | S 13 |
— | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | 16 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | 2 | 32 | |
Wind waves Height (m) Direction Period (s) | — | — | — | — | — | SW 7 | — | — | — | — | — | — | WSW 6 | SW 10 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
— | — | — | — | — | 342 | — | — | — | — | — | — | 421 | 4306 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | |
Nearest Offshore or Glassy | |||||||||||||||||||||
Distance (km) | 0 | 0 | 52 | 0 | 140 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 52 | 30 | 140 | 0 | 143 | 595 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Best forecast wave conditions in Eastern Cape (South) | |||||||||||||||||||||
Best forecast wave conditions in South Africa | |||||||||||||||||||||
Header Global | |||||||||||||||||||||
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Information about the Albatross Surf forecast
The above surf forecast table for Albatross provides essential information for determining whether the surfing conditions will be good over the next 16 days. A general guide to surfing at Albatross can be found by selecting the local surf guide option on the grey menu. Our Albatross surf forecast is unique since it includes wave energy (power) that defines the real feel of the surf rather than just the height or the period. If you surf the same spot (Albatross) regularly then make a mental note of the wave energy from the surf forecast table each time you go. Very soon you may start to choose your surf days based on the wave energy alone combined with our forecast of favourable offshore wind conditions. Our star ratings will help here and of course you will also find the usual wave height and period predictions on our surf forecasts as well as a full break down of the swell components under our advanced users option (to reveal that, click the little Einstein character under the tide times).
Further information to help with frequently asked questions about our surf forecast for Albatross may be found under the help tab on the top menu and also by moving your mouse over the question marks on the surf forecast table itself. Please always bear in mind that the forecast is for near-shore open water and local factors at each surf break influence the actual breaking wave height, such as the beach / reef profile, water depths offshore and shelter.
Albatross is 18 km (11 miles) from the city of Kruisfontein. If you plan a holiday in Eastern Cape (South), look for hotels and other accommodation in Kruisfontein. Kruisfontein has rooms for a wide range of budgets as well as car hire and transport links.











