Surf Forecasts:
Albatross surf forecast from 21 Aug 2026:
- Best quality surf: Tuesday 25 Aug, 2AM (local time) - 8ft (2.5m), 12s period, SW swell with cross-offshore winds.
- Most powerful swell: Tuesday 25 Aug, 11AM (local time) - 10ft (3.0m), 14s period, SW swell with 3,469 kJ wave energy.
- Next surfable swell (1★+): Saturday 22 Aug, 8PM (local time) - 5ft (1.6m), 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 Saturday (Aug 22) at 8PM. The primary swell is predicted to be 1.6m and 12s period with a secondary swell of 2.2m and 8s. 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 3.0m 14s and forecast to arrive on Tuesday (Aug 25) at 11AM. Winds are predicted to be cross-offshore at the time the swell arrives. The largest open ocean swell (not directed at the beach) is 3.0m 8s period and expected on Thursday (Aug 27) at 5PM.
| Wave Type | Time (SAST) & Date | Wave Height & Period |
|---|---|---|
| Next good surf (1 star+) | 8PM (Sat 22nd Aug) | 5ft (1.6m) 12s |
| Best Surf | 2AM (Tue 25th Aug) | 8ft (2.5m) 12s |
| Most Powerful | 11AM (Tue 25th Aug) | 10ft (3.0m) 14s |
Table - best surf conditions forecast for Albatross over the next 16 days.
The Lowdown
Alright, let's get to it.
The next couple of weeks are a real mixed bag, but there are definitely a couple of windows where it's going to fire. We've got a slow start, but don't sleep on it, because some proper swell is lining up down the track.
The wait isn't too bad. We're looking at a couple of slow days until Sunday the 23rd, when things start to get interesting. That's a gap of about a day and a half from Friday afternoon, so nothing too painful.
Let's break it down day by day.
Friday the 21st and Saturday the 22nd are a bit of a write-off. The swell is there on Friday morning at 8.2ft from the SW, but the wind is a light cross-shore out of the SE, and the whole thing is looking a bit messy and inconsistent. The swell energy is substantial (1742), but the quality is just not there. The water is an incredibly cold 56.7°, which is a massive 9.4° colder than normal for this time of year, so bring the thickest suit you own. Saturday is a no-go, with strong WSW cross-off winds making things blown out.
Sunday the 23rd is where the turnaround begins. The morning sees clean 8.2ft SW swell with a light offshore wind. The wave energy is moderate (1570). Albatross is a sheltered beach and reef break, so this is looking like a proper session. The afternoon cleans up even more with light winds and 7.5ft swell, still from the SW. This is the first real standout of the period. It's a long period swell (11 seconds), which is good for the reef sections here.
Monday the 24th keeps the fun rolling with clean 6.6ft SW swell in the morning and moderate offshore winds. The energy drops a touch (1098), but it's still a great day for a paddle. The conditions are clean and the consistency is there.
Tuesday the 25th is a big one. The swell jumps to 9.8ft from the SW with a long 14-second period. The energy is strong (3653). This is excellent surf for anyone who knows what they're doing. The wind is light and cross-off, keeping it clean. This is a standout, but at 9.8ft, it's pushing it for beginners. Weigh it up.
Wednesday the 26th is a reality check. The wind swings onshore from the E and strengthens, making a mess of the 8.2ft SSW swell. It's choppy and blown out. Skip it.
Thursday the 27th sees the swell drop to 6.6ft from the S, but it's still not great. Onshore winds and a long period swell that's breaking a bit too straight for the beach breaks makes it a tough one. It's marginal at best. The period is 16 seconds in the afternoon, which is very long, and it's better suited to reefs and points than this setup.
Friday the 28th is smaller, with 5.2ft S swell, but the wind goes glassy in the morning. This could be a sneaky fun one with clean conditions, even if the energy is weak (868). It's worth a look if you're keen.
Saturday the 29th starts small and windy, but the afternoon is the story. The wind goes offshore, and the swell builds back up to a solid 9.8ft from the SW. The period drops a bit to 10 seconds, but it's clean and has some push. This is a good one.
Sunday the 30th is when it gets serious. The swell cranks up to 18ft in the morning from the SW, with a massive energy reading (10045). This is a strong, powerful swell. The wind is a fresh cross-off, so it's going to be big and clean. It's a real beast, with 14.8ft still on offer in the afternoon with offshore winds (6813). This is for experts only. The size is well over the 8.2ft mark. It's a proper paddle out.
Monday the 31st is a mess. The wind is onshore and the swell is dropping, leaving behind choppy, poor conditions. A clean-up day for sure.
Tuesday the 1st of September is small and weak. The swell is down to just over 3.6ft and onshore winds are making it a write-off. A good day for boat maintenance.
Wednesday the 2nd is a return to form. The wind goes glassy in the morning with a clean 7.5ft SW swell (1885). It's a solid, clean day. The afternoon gets a bit gusty with offshore winds, but the morning is the pick.
Thursday the 3rd of September is another big one. The swell is back up to 14.8
Short Range ForecastMostly dry. Very mild (max 17°C on Sun morning, min 13°C on Sun night). Winds decreasing (strong winds from the W on Sat morning, calm by Sun night). | Days 5-7 Weather SummaryMostly dry. Warm (max 22°C on Thu morning, min 12°C on Mon night). Winds increasing (calm on Tue night, fresh winds from the E by Wed afternoon). | |||||||||||||||||||
Fri 21 | Saturday 22 | Sunday 23 | Monday 24 | Tuesday 25 | Wednesday 26 | Thursday 27 | ||||||||||||||
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 12 | SSW 11 | SW 11 | SW 12 | SW 11 | SW 11 | SW 11 | SW 13 | SW 12 | SW 12 | SW 12 | SW 14 | SW 14 | SW 13 | S 16 | SSW 12 | SSW 12 | S 16 | S 15 | S 14 |
Wave Graph | ||||||||||||||||||||
1324 | 650 | 1466 | 2602 | 1562 | 1542 | 1183 | 1545 | 1094 | 897 | 1968 | 3469 | 2866 | 1568 | 2534 | 1033 | 976 | 1927 | 1697 | 1191 | |
Wind (km/h) | ||||||||||||||||||||
Wind State on-shore cross-onshore cross-shore cross-offshore off-shore glassy | cross-on | cross-on | cross-off | cross-off | cross-off | off | cross-off | glassy | off | off | cross-off | cross-off | cross | cross-on | cross-on | cross-on | on | cross-on | glassy | cross-off |
High Tide | 10:35PM1.00m | 12:36PM0.96m | 00:52AM1.07m | 1:40PM1.10m | 1:44AM1.20m | 2:15PM1.24m | 2:18AM1.33m | 2:43PM1.39m | 2:47AM1.44m | 3:10PM1.52m | 3:15AM1.54m | 3:36PM1.63m | 3:42AM1.60m | |||||||
Low Tide | 3:08PM0.75m | 5:54AM0.72m | 6:33PM0.74m | 7:28AM0.60m | 7:41PM0.62m | 8:04AM0.46m | 8:16PM0.49m | 8:32AM0.33m | 8:46PM0.36m | 8:58AM0.21m | 9:14PM0.25m | 9:23AM0.11m | 9:41PM0.15m | |||||||
— | — | 6:52 | — | — | 6:50 | — | — | 6:48 | — | — | 6:48 | — | — | 6:47 | — | — | 6:46 | — | — | |
5:53 | — | — | 5:53 | — | — | 5:54 | — | — | 5:55 | — | — | 5:57 | — | — | 5:57 | — | — | 5:58 | — | |
mm | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
Temp °C | 16 | 15 | 16 | 16 | 15 | 17 | 17 | 14 | 17 | 18 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 15 | 17 | 17 | 15 | 22 | 26 | 21 |
Feels °C | 14 | 13 | 9 | 9 | 12 | 15 | 14 | 14 | 16 | 15 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 15 | 12 | 12 | 10 | 21 | 25 | 19 |
Swell 1 Height (m) Direction Period (s) | SW 12 | SSW 11 | SSW 14 | E 8 | E 8 | SW 11 | SW 11 | SW 13 | SW 12 | SW 12 | SW 12 | SW 14 | SW 14 | SW 13 | S 16 | SSW 12 | SSW 12 | S 16 | S 15 | E 10 |
1324 | 650 | 362 | 5 | 5 | 1542 | 1183 | 1545 | 1094 | 897 | 1968 | 3469 | 2866 | 1568 | 2534 | 1033 | 976 | 1927 | 1697 | 1043 | |
Swell 2 Height (m) Direction Period (s) | E 8 | WSW 11 | E 4 | — | E 8 | E 8 | SW 14 | E 8 | E 9 | SSW 14 | SW 12 | E 10 | E 9 | S 15 | SW 13 | SSW 16 | WSW 12 | WSW 12 | WSW 12 | S 14 |
5 | 329 | 2 | — | 5 | 5 | 336 | 1 | 6 | 301 | 37 | 7 | 7 | 1258 | 816 | 860 | 255 | 98 | 81 | 1191 | |
Swell 3 Height (m) Direction Period (s) | — | E 8 | E 8 | — | — | — | E 9 | — | SE 11 | E 9 | E 10 | — | — | E 9 | — | WSW 13 | S 16 | — | — | WSW 12 |
— | 5 | 5 | — | — | — | 1 | — | 4 | 7 | 2 | — | — | 2 | — | 437 | 246 | — | — | 88 | |
Wind waves Height (m) Direction Period (s) | — | E 4 | SW 11 | SW 12 | SW 11 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | E 4 | E 5 | E 7 | E 8 | E 8 | — |
— | 10 | 1466 | 2602 | 1562 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | 14 | 77 | 417 | 535 | 1034 | — | |
Nearest Offshore or Glassy | ||||||||||||||||||||
Distance (km) | 514 | 30 | 257 | 140 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 19 | 172 | 198 | 198 | 140 | 30 | 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.











