Surf Forecasts:
Apollo Bay surf forecast from 20 Aug 2026:
- Best quality surf: Friday 21 Aug, 1PM (local time) - 10ft (3.0m), 14s period, WSW swell with offshore winds.
- Most powerful swell: Saturday 22 Aug, 7AM (local time) - 15ft (4.5m), 15s period, WSW swell with 9,368 kJ wave energy.
- Next surfable swell (1★+): Thursday 20 Aug, 4PM (local time) - 2.5ft (0.7m), 14s period with WSW swell.
Best Forecast Surf Conditions for Apollo Bay this week:
The surf forecast for Apollo Bay over the next 16 days: The first swell (rated 1 star or higher) is forecast to arrive on Thursday (Aug 20) at 4PM. The primary swell is predicted to be 0.7m and 14s period with a secondary swell of 0.5m and 16s. The wind is predicted to be cross-offshore as the swell arrives.
The most powerful waves expected at Apollo Bay in the next 16 days are 4.5m 15s and forecast to arrive on Saturday (Aug 22) at 7AM. Winds are predicted to be offshore at the time the swell arrives. The largest open ocean swell (not directed at the beach) is 0.4m 3s period and expected on Friday (Aug 21) at 1AM.
| Wave Type | Time (AEST) & Date | Wave Height & Period |
|---|---|---|
| Next good surf (1 star+) | 4PM (Thu 20th Aug) | 2.5ft (0.7m) 14s |
| Best Surf | 1PM (Fri 21st Aug) | 10ft (3.0m) 14s |
| Most Powerful | 7AM (Sat 22nd Aug) | 15ft (4.5m) 15s |
Table - best surf conditions forecast for Apollo Bay over the next 16 days.
The Lowdown
Alright, mates, Rusty here. Let’s check out what Apollo Bay is serving up.
The forecast starts a bit flat, with a few days of small, weak surf before it really kicks off on Friday the 21st. From there, the week builds into a proper show, with a standout window over the weekend, then it settles into smaller, cleaner conditions through the next week.
The water temperature at Apollo Bay is 57°, which is about average for this time of year. No need for a thicker suit than usual.
Thursday 20th is a no-go. Tiny 2ft SW swell with weak energy and cross-off winds. Not worth the drive.
Friday 21st is where we get going. The morning brings a clean 4ft SW groundswell at 15 seconds, with offshore winds from the west. The energy is moderate (870). It’s a good warm-up. The afternoon is the real standout: a solid 10ft swell from the WSW, with a 14-second period, and clean offshore winds. The energy is pumping (4289). This is for experienced surfers only—it’s too big for beginners. The optimum swell direction matches the SW exposure, and the wind is howling offshore, giving you some serious, well-shaped waves. This is the session.
Saturday 22nd is for the hardcore crew. We’re looking at a 15ft swell from the WSW, with a very long 15-second period and howling offshore winds. The energy is massive (11235 in the morning, 10426 in the afternoon). This is paddle-surfing for experts only. The wind is so strong and the swell so raw, it’s going to be a wild, heavy day.
Sunday 23rd is a beautiful drop-off. Clean, light cross-off winds, with a 6ft to 7ft SW groundswell at 16 seconds. The energy is still strong (1986 to 1787). This is a much more manageable size, with clean conditions and perfect lines. A great day for a wider range of surfers, and the long period gives real power and shape, especially at the point.
Monday 24th through Wednesday 26th sees the swell settling. Expect 4ft to 5ft SW swell, clean conditions, but the energy is moderate (between 505 and 821). A good, consistent run of clean waves, but nothing too exciting.
Thursday 27th is a sneaky little gem. The morning is a bit cross-shore, but the afternoon goes glassy with a 4ft SW swell at 14 seconds and a combined energy of 706. Glassy conditions are a major positive, and you’ll get some clean, fun waves to yourself.
Friday 28th and Saturday 29th are a write-off. Onshore winds and poor conditions. The swell drops to 3ft to 5ft, but the wind is junk. Stay home.
Sunday 30th and Monday 31st see a return of some swell, but it’s short-period, wind-affected stuff. 5ft to 6ft S and SSW swell with a period of just 7 to 8 seconds, and cross-off winds. The energy is moderate (329 to 1397), but the short period means the waves will be a bit washed out and fat. Not a great showing.
Tuesday 1st September brings a fresh offshore breeze and a 4ft SW groundswell at 16 seconds, with moderate energy (977). The wind is offshore and clean, so it’s a solid, clean session if you’re keen for a mid-week paddle.
Wednesday 2nd September is similar: 4ft SW groundswell, 15 seconds, offshore winds, clean. A nice, gentle, fun day.
Thursday 3rd September is a dud. Strong cross-off winds and a messy 3ft to 5ft swell. Skip it.
Friday 4th September finishes the period with a solid 8ft SW groundswell at 16 seconds, cross-off winds, and strong energy (2516). This is a good, chunky winter swell for experienced surfers, though the wind is cross-off, so it’ll be a bit lined up. Worth a look if you’re in the water.
Best on offer: Friday 21st afternoon is the absolute standout—10ft of clean, offshore swell from the WSW, with that long period and perfect wind. Sunday 23rd is a close second for the lighter, cleaner, more manageable swell. Get out there.
Rusty.
Short Range ForecastLight rain (total 9mm), mostly falling on Thu afternoon. Very mild (max 14°C on Thu morning, min 9°C on Thu afternoon). Wind will be generally light. | Days 4-6 Weather SummaryLight rain (total 2mm), mostly falling on Mon afternoon. Very mild (max 17°C on Mon morning, min 8°C on Tue night). Wind will be generally light. | ||||||||||||||||||||
Thursday 20 | Friday 21 | Saturday 22 | Sunday 23 | Monday 24 | Tuesday 25 | Wednesday 26 | |||||||||||||||
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 17 | WSW 14 | WSW 16 | SW 15 | WSW 14 | WSW 16 | WSW 15 | SW 14 | SW 14 | SW 14 | SW 16 | SW 15 | SW 14 | SW 14 | SW 13 | SW 13 | SW 16 | SW 14 | SW 14 | WSW 13 | SW 13 |
Wave Graph | |||||||||||||||||||||
188 | 166 | 452 | 657 | 3420 | 7341 | 9056 | 8107 | 2263 | 1307 | 1787 | 1171 | 821 | 721 | 690 | 746 | 729 | 1299 | 424 | 309 | 495 | |
Wind (km/h) | |||||||||||||||||||||
Wind State on-shore cross-onshore cross-shore cross-offshore off-shore glassy | cross-off | cross-off | cross-off | off | off | cross-off | off | off | off | cross-off | cross-off | cross-off | cross-off | cross-off | cross-off | cross-off | cross-off | cross-off | off | cross-off | cross |
High Tide | 5:46PM2.00m | 4:59AM1.78m | 6:35PM1.86m | 5:23AM1.65m | 7:37PM1.74m | 5:45AM1.53m | 9:07PM1.67m | 6:06AM1.41m | 10:43PM1.71m | 7:14AM1.29m | 11:50PM1.81m | 10:52AM1.33m | 00:32AM1.91m | ||||||||
Low Tide | 11:01AM0.24m | 11:30PM0.95m | 11:34AM0.32m | 00:08AM1.11m | 12:11PM0.44m | 00:56AM1.26m | 12:56PM0.56m | 3:19AM1.37m | 2:08PM0.69m | 6:21AM1.29m | 4:01PM0.74m | 6:44AM1.17m | 5:21PM0.71m | ||||||||
7:05 | — | — | 7:03 | — | — | 7:03 | — | — | 7:01 | — | — | 7:00 | — | — | 6:58 | — | — | 6:56 | — | — | |
— | 5:52 | — | — | 5:52 | — | — | 5:52 | — | — | 5:53 | — | — | 5:54 | — | — | 5:55 | — | — | 5:57 | — | |
mm | — | 8 | — | — | — | — | 1 | — | — | — | — | — | — | 1 | 1 | — | — | — | — | — | — |
Temp °C | 14 | 14 | 11 | 13 | 13 | 12 | 14 | 13 | 10 | 15 | 14 | 12 | 17 | 15 | 11 | 13 | 12 | 10 | 11 | 11 | 8 |
Feels °C | 11 | 11 | 7 | 9 | 9 | 7 | 8 | 7 | 6 | 12 | 11 | 8 | 14 | 13 | 9 | 8 | 7 | 5 | 8 | 8 | 6 |
Swell 1 Height (m) Direction Period (s) | SW 17 | WSW 14 | WSW 16 | SW 15 | WSW 14 | SW 16 | SW 16 | SW 14 | SW 14 | SW 14 | SW 16 | SW 15 | SW 14 | SW 14 | SW 13 | SW 13 | SSW 13 | SW 14 | SW 14 | WSW 13 | SW 13 |
188 | 166 | 452 | 657 | 701 | 1144 | 2157 | 2247 | 2263 | 1307 | 1787 | 1171 | 821 | 721 | 690 | 746 | 555 | 1299 | 424 | 309 | 495 | |
Swell 2 Height (m) Direction Period (s) | WSW 13 | SW 16 | E 7 | WSW 20 | SW 18 | SW 8 | SW 24 | SW 21 | SW 20 | SW 18 | — | S 14 | — | SW 20 | SW 18 | WSW 16 | SW 16 | S 13 | SSW 12 | SSW 12 | — |
68 | 132 | 1 | 149 | 168 | 102 | 22 | 72 | 306 | 679 | — | 16 | — | 15 | 83 | 475 | 729 | 3 | 256 | 196 | — | |
Swell 3 Height (m) Direction Period (s) | WSW 7 | E 8 | — | — | — | — | — | — | S 15 | — | — | — | — | — | — | SW 13 | — | — | — | — | — |
11 | 5 | — | — | — | — | — | — | 4 | — | — | — | — | — | — | 88 | — | — | — | — | — | |
Wind waves Height (m) Direction Period (s) | NNW 3 | — | WNW 3 | WSW 6 | WSW 14 | WSW 16 | WSW 15 | SW 14 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
1 | — | 2 | 64 | 3420 | 7341 | 9056 | 8107 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | |
Nearest Offshore or Glassy | |||||||||||||||||||||
Distance (km) | 19 | 0 | 19 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 74 | 57 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 19 | 0 | 0 | 79 | 240 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 18 |
Best forecast wave conditions in Cape Otway | |||||||||||||||||||||
Best forecast wave conditions in Australia | |||||||||||||||||||||
Header Global | |||||||||||||||||||||
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Information about the Apollo Bay Surf forecast
The above surf forecast table for Apollo Bay provides essential information for determining whether the surfing conditions will be good over the next 16 days. A general guide to surfing at Apollo Bay can be found by selecting the local surf guide option on the grey menu. Our Apollo Bay 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 (Apollo Bay) 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 Apollo Bay 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.
Apollo Bay is 91 km (57 miles) from the city of Geelong West. If you plan a holiday in Cape Otway, look for hotels and other accommodation in Geelong West. Geelong West has rooms for a wide range of budgets as well as car hire and transport links.











