
Surf Forecasts:
Albatross surf forecast from 6 Aug 2026:
- Best quality surf: Friday 7 Aug, 2AM (local time) - 10ft (3.0m), 12s period, SW swell with cross-offshore winds.
- Most powerful swell: Sunday 9 Aug, 5AM (local time) - 11ft (3.5m), 13s period, SW swell with 4,767 kJ wave energy.
- Next surfable swell (1★+): Friday 7 Aug, 2AM (local time) - 10ft (3.0m), 12s 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 Friday (Aug 07) at 2AM. The primary swell is predicted to be 3.0m and 12s period. The wind is predicted to be cross-offshore as the swell arrives.
The most powerful waves expected at Albatross in the next 16 days are 3.5m 13s and forecast to arrive on Sunday (Aug 09) at 5AM. Winds are predicted to be offshore at the time the swell arrives. The largest open ocean swell (not directed at the beach) is 2.4m 7s period and expected on Wednesday (Aug 12) at 11PM.
| Wave Type | Time (SAST) & Date | Wave Height & Period |
|---|---|---|
| Next good surf (1 star+) | 2AM (Fri 7th Aug) | 10ft (3.0m) 12s |
| Best Surf | 2AM (Fri 7th Aug) | 10ft (3.0m) 12s |
| Most Powerful | 5AM (Sun 9th Aug) | 11ft (3.5m) 13s |
Table - best surf conditions forecast for Albatross over the next 16 days.
The Lowdown
Alright, Rusty here. Let’s take a look at what’s cooking at Albatross over the next couple of weeks.
It’s a bit of a mixed bag, to be honest. We’ve got a solid run of swell on the way, but the wind is going to be the main player deciding whether it’s game on or a total write-off. The first few days are a bit rough, but there are a couple of absolute gems hidden in there, especially for those who can wait it out.
The water temp is sitting about average for this time of year, so nothing too weird there. Just your standard wetsuit situation.
Friday the 7th is pretty average. The morning has a solid 10ft SW swell with a 13-second period, giving us plenty of energy (2445), but that ENE wind is blowing cross-onshore at 6 mph, so it’s going to be a bit bumpy and messy. Not worth paddling out for. The afternoon gets worse, with the wind picking up to 16 mph and the conditions turning choppy.
Saturday the 8th is a step in the right direction. The morning has 8ft SW swell with a 14-second period, and the wind shifts to a cross-offshore from the WSW at 19 mph. That’s clean, but the offshore breeze might be holding it up a bit. The afternoon cleans up nicely with a full offshore wind at 16 mph and 8ft swell. It’s not perfect, but it’s rideable.
Now, Sunday the 9th is where it gets interesting. The morning is the standout of the whole forecast. We’ve got a solid 12ft SW swell, 13-second period, and the combined energy is pumping at 3883. The wind is offshore from the SW at 16 mph, making for clean, powerful surf. This is for experienced surfers only – that size is no joke, and the power is serious. The afternoon sees the wind shift south and get a bit stronger, but it’s still a solid day.
Monday the 10th is a comedown. Swell drops to 8ft with a cross-offshore wind. It’s clean but not as punchy. The energy is still moderate at 2011, but it feels a bit average after the previous day.
Tuesday the 11th is a write-off. Cross-onshore winds kill it. Wednesday the 12th sees the swell drop right off, with a very long period (21 seconds) but tiny waves (3ft). The energy is weak (966), and the wind is rubbish. That long-period groundswell at a beach-and-reef setup like Albatross might look clean, but with those tiny heights, it’s not breaking properly.
Thursday the 13th has some strange conditions. A 4ft SSW swell with a 19-second period and a light onshore wind. The energy jumps to 2033, but the wind state is unknown, which makes it a gamble.
Friday the 14th afternoon is a hidden gem. The swell is 4ft from the SW with a 14-second period, but the wind goes completely glassy at 0 mph. Expect good surf conditions. It’s a small window, but if you can get out there, it’ll be clean and fun. The energy is only 736, so it’s not powerful, but it’ll be smooth.
The next big standout is Monday the 17th afternoon. We get a 7ft SW swell, 13-second period, and glassy conditions again. The energy is moderate (1346), but the forecast says “expect very good surf conditions.” This one is a must-check if you can.
Tuesday the 18th keeps that good run going with 7ft SW swell, 12-second period, and clean offshore winds. Both morning and afternoon look solid. The energy is around 1300, so it’s punchy but not crazy.
Then we hit a lull. Wednesday the 19th through Thursday the 20th are ruined by strong cross-onshore winds. Not worth looking at.
Finally, Friday the 21st afternoon turns it around. An 8ft SSW swell with a 10-second period and clean offshore wind from the SSW at 6 mph. The energy is back up to 1233, and it’s described as “expect very good surf conditions.” This is your second-week standout.
Saturday the 22nd morning wraps things up nicely with a 7ft SSW swell, 11-second period, and glassy conditions. A clean, fun way to end the outlook.
Best on offer: Sunday morning the 9th – massive 12ft SW swell, clean offshore wind, and big energy. That’s the one for the experienced crew. For the rest of us, Monday the 17th afternoon and Friday the 21st afternoon are the best bets for clean, fun waves.
Stay patient, keep an eye on the wind, and don’t bother paddling out when it’s cross-onshore and choppy.
Rusty.
Short Range ForecastHeavy rain (total 24mm), heaviest during Sun afternoon. Very mild (max 18°C on Fri afternoon, min 11°C on Sun afternoon). Winds increasing (calm on Fri morning, fresh winds from the S by Sun afternoon). | Days 5-7 Weather SummaryLight rain (total 9mm), mostly falling on Sun night. Very mild (max 18°C on Wed afternoon, min 10°C on Tue night). Mainly fresh winds. | ||||||||||||||||||
Friday 7 | Saturday 8 | Sunday 9 | Monday 10 | Tuesday 11 | Wednesday 12 | ||||||||||||||
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 12 | SW 13 | SW 14 | SW 14 | SW 14 | SW 13 | SW 14 | SW 13 | SSW 13 | SSW 12 | SW 12 | SSW 11 | SSW 14 | SSW 13 | SSW 12 | SSW 11 | SSW 21 | SSW 19 | SSW 17 |
Wave Graph | |||||||||||||||||||
2418 | 2445 | 2862 | 3517 | 2462 | 1810 | 4565 | 3883 | 4051 | 3210 | 1871 | 1789 | 3715 | 2138 | 1455 | 603 | 567 | 913 | 1367 | |
Wind (km/h) | |||||||||||||||||||
Wind State on-shore cross-onshore cross-shore cross-offshore off-shore glassy | cross-off | cross-on | cross-on | cross-on | cross-off | off | cross-off | off | cross-off | cross-off | cross-off | cross-off | cross-on | cross-on | cross-on | on | cross-on | cross-on | on |
High Tide | 8:59PM1.29m | 9:50AM1.06m | 10:46PM1.22m | 11:59AM1.09m | 00:33AM1.28m | 1:24PM1.24m | 1:44AM1.41m | 2:20PM1.42m | 2:35AM1.53m | 3:04PM1.59m | 3:18AM1.63m | 3:44PM1.72m | 3:57AM1.68m | ||||||
Low Tide | 3:39AM0.54m | 3:54PM0.59m | 5:36AM0.55m | 6:00PM0.57m | 7:09AM0.43m | 7:29PM0.44m | 8:08AM0.28m | 8:27PM0.28m | 8:52AM0.14m | 9:13PM0.15m | 9:31AM0.03m | 9:54PM0.07m | |||||||
— | 7:07 | — | — | 7:07 | — | — | 7:05 | — | — | 7:05 | — | — | 7:03 | — | — | 7:03 | — | — | |
5:43 | — | 5:44 | — | — | 5:45 | — | — | 5:45 | — | — | 5:45 | — | — | 5:46 | — | — | 5:46 | — | |
mm | 1 | — | — | — | — | — | 3 | 7 | 13 | 3 | 2 | 2 | 2 | — | — | — | — | — | — |
Temp °C | 14 | 15 | 18 | 15 | 16 | 16 | 14 | 12 | 12 | 14 | 13 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 16 | 13 | 13 | 18 | 15 |
Feels °C | 11 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 6 | 5 | 6 | 8 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 10 | 8 | 8 | 12 | 10 |
Swell 1 Height (m) Direction Period (s) | SW 12 | SW 13 | SW 14 | SW 14 | SW 14 | SW 13 | E 9 | SW 13 | E 10 | SSW 12 | SW 12 | SSW 11 | SSW 14 | SSW 13 | SSW 12 | SSW 11 | SSW 11 | SSW 19 | SSW 17 |
2418 | 2445 | 2862 | 3517 | 2462 | 1810 | 55 | 3883 | 31 | 3210 | 1871 | 1789 | 3715 | 2138 | 1455 | 603 | 340 | 913 | 1367 | |
Swell 2 Height (m) Direction Period (s) | E 10 | E 10 | SSE 6 | ESE 6 | E 7 | E 8 | — | E 10 | — | E 10 | E 10 | E 10 | — | WSW 11 | SSE 9 | SSW 24 | SSW 21 | SW 11 | SW 10 |
66 | 45 | 22 | 50 | 83 | 82 | — | 48 | — | 29 | 16 | 16 | — | 24 | 28 | 110 | 567 | 172 | 68 | |
Swell 3 Height (m) Direction Period (s) | — | — | E 10 | E 9 | — | — | — | — | — | E 10 | — | SSW 15 | — | — | — | SW 24 | S 9 | S 10 | S 10 |
— | — | 66 | 42 | — | — | — | — | — | 47 | — | 21 | — | — | — | 143 | 59 | 48 | 31 | |
Wind waves Height (m) Direction Period (s) | — | — | E 10 | — | W 4 | WSW 6 | SW 14 | — | SSW 13 | S 8 | SE 7 | SE 7 | SE 8 | ESE 8 | ESE 8 | E 7 | E 7 | E 7 | E 8 |
— | — | 116 | — | 35 | 193 | 4565 | — | 4051 | 522 | 140 | 156 | 238 | 238 | 240 | 366 | 380 | 440 | 599 | |
Nearest Offshore or Glassy | |||||||||||||||||||
Distance (km) | 0 | 171 | 198 | 2 | 143 | 140 | 1 | 0 | 3045 | 143 | 198 | 198 | 172 | 172 | 198 | 140 | 140 | 180 | 140 |
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.











