Balnakiel Bay surfForecast / Scot – North Coast / UK

information circle16 Day Weather and Surf, issued 6 pm Monday 13 Apr 2026 BST
Forecast update in hr  min  s Forecast update imminent
Balnakiel Bay surf forecast is for near shore open water. Breaking waves will often be smaller at less exposed spots.
Today's Balnakiel Bay sea temperature is
7.7° C
(Which is normal for this time of year)

Best Forecast Surf Conditions for Balnakiel Bay this week:

The surf forecast for Balnakiel Bay over the next 16 days: The first swell (rated 1 star or higher) is forecast to arrive on Tuesday (Apr 14) at 10AM. The primary swell is predicted to be 1.1m and 9s period. The wind is predicted to be offshore as the swell arrives.

The most powerful waves expected at Balnakiel Bay in the next 16 days are 2.5m 15s and forecast to arrive on Thursday (Apr 16) at 4PM. Winds are predicted to be cross-onshore at the time the swell arrives. The largest open ocean swell (not directed at the beach) is 1.8m 6s period and expected on Wednesday (Apr 15) at 4AM.

Wave TypeTime (BST) & Date Wave Height & Period
Next good surf (1 star+)10AM (Tue 14th Apr)3.5ft (1.1m) 9s
Best Surf 4PM (Mon 20th Apr)4.5ft (1.3m) 16s
Most Powerful 4PM (Thu 16th Apr)8ft (2.5m) 15s

Table - best surf conditions forecast for Balnakiel Bay over the next 16 days.


Updates in  hr  min  s Forecast update imminent

Short Range Forecast Moderate rain (total 15mm), heaviest on Wed night. Very mild (max 14°C on Wed afternoon, min 6°C on Mon afternoon). Winds increasing (calm on Mon afternoon, strong winds from the SSW by Thu morning).

Days 3-6 Weather Summary Mostly dry. Very mild (max 13°C on Fri morning, min 7°C on Sat night). Winds decreasing (strong winds from the SW on Thu afternoon, calm by Sat night).

Mon
13
Tuesday
14
Wednesday
15
Thursday
16
Friday
17
Saturday
18
Sunday
19
PMNightAMPMNightAMPMNightAMPMNightAMPMNightAMPMNightAMPMNightAM
Rating
(10 max)
3
1
1
0
0
0
0
1
0
0
2
1
0
0
0
0
0
1
2
2
1
Swell
Height Map
Wave Height (m) & direction (?)
1.9
W
1.4
W
1.1
W
1
W
0.8
W
0.3
W
0.6
W
0.8
W
0.9
W
2.5
WSW
1.1
W
1
W
0.8
W
0.7
WSW
0.5
W
0.7
WSW
0.5
W
0.7
W
0.9
WNW
1.6
WNW
1.1
WNW
Period(s) (?)101099815131215151312111111121111141211
Wave
Graph
(?)Metric surfscale
Energy kJ (?)738363188155913812518437628134212841541175815064110294694297
Wind
(km/h)
5
WSW
10
S
10
E
20
ESE
25
SE
25
SE
25
SSE
15
ESE
40
SSW
50
SW
15
SSE
15
SE
15
SSE
15
SE
35
SSW
35
W
15
WNW
10
NNE
15
ENE
20
ESE
20
ESE
Wind State (?)
onshore
cross-onshore
cross-shore
cross-offshore
offshore
glassy
glasscrossoffcross-
off
cross-
off
cross-
off
cross-
off
offcross-
on
cross-
on
cross-
off
cross-
off
cross-
off
cross-
off
cross-
on
ononcross-
off
offcross-
off
cross-
off
High Tide
/ height (m)
Low Tide
/ height (m)
Mon
13
Tuesday
14
Wednesday
15
Thursday
16
Friday
17
Saturday
18
Sunday
19
Sunrise--6:11--6:07--6:05--6:01--6:00--5:56--5:54
Sunset8:27--8:29--8:30--8:32--8:36--8:37--8:39--
light rain
part cloud
clear
part cloud
rain showers
part cloud
cloud
mod rain
light rain
clear
part cloud
cloud
cloud
part cloud
part cloud
part cloud
clear
part cloud
clear
clear
clear
Rain (mm)
4---2--81------------
Temp. °C881012101314910109131311109888710
Feels °C (?)556639960-1510982135325
  • Map Icons:
  • Break
  • Live Wave Height (m)
  • Live Wind Speed (km/h)
  • Surf Rating (10 Max)
  • Ocean Swells (m)
  • Wind Speed (km/h)
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Information about the Balnakiel Bay Surf forecast

The above surf forecast table for Balnakiel Bay provides essential information for determining whether the surfing conditions will be good over the next 16 days. A general guide to surfing at Balnakiel Bay can be found by selecting the local surf guide option on the grey menu. Our Balnakiel 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 (Balnakiel 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 Balnakiel 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.

Are you planning a holiday in Scotland - North Coast? If you are looking for accommodation near Balnakiel Bay, camping, hotels and holiday cottages in Scotland - North Coast, consider staying in Scrabster which is 72 km (45 miles) away. Alternatively, find information about places to stay and car hire in Wick which is 99 km (61 miles) away

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