Balnakiel Bay surfForecast / Scot – North Coast / UK

information circle16 Day Weather and Surf, issued 12 am Wednesday 15 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 Wednesday (Apr 15) at 10PM. The primary swell is predicted to be 0.7m and 12s period. The wind is predicted to be glassy as the swell arrives.

The most powerful waves expected at Balnakiel Bay in the next 16 days are 2.5m 14s and forecast to arrive on Sunday (Apr 19) at 10PM. Winds are predicted to be offshore at the time the swell arrives. The largest open ocean swell (not directed at the beach) is 2.1m 6s period and expected on Tuesday (Apr 21) at 7PM.

Wave TypeTime (BST) & Date Wave Height & Period
Next good surf (1 star+)10PM (Wed 15th Apr)2.5ft (0.7m) 12s
Best Surf 4PM (Sun 19th Apr)6ft (1.8m) 15s
Most Powerful10PM (Sun 19th Apr)8ft (2.5m) 14s

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


Updates in  hr  min  s Forecast update imminent

Short Range Forecast Light rain (total 8mm), mostly falling on Wed afternoon. Very mild (max 13°C on Wed morning, min 8°C on Tue night). Winds increasing (calm on Wed night, fresh winds from the SW by Thu afternoon).

Days 3-6 Weather Summary Some drizzle, heaviest during Fri night. Very mild (max 11°C on Mon afternoon, min 7°C on Sat night). Winds decreasing (fresh winds from the WSW on Fri night, light winds from the NW by Sun morning).

Wednesday
15
Thursday
16
Friday
17
Saturday
18
Sunday
19
Monday
20
Tue
21
NightAMPMNightAMPMNightAMPMNightAMPMNightAMPMNightAMPMNightAMPM
Rating
(10 max)
0
0
0
1
1
0
2
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
4
3
2
2
2
2
1
Swell
Height Map
Wave Height (m) & direction (?)
0.7
W
0.3
W
0.6
W
0.8
W
1.3
W
1.4
W
1.3
WSW
0.8
WSW
0.8
WSW
1
W
2.1
W
2.4
W
1.7
WNW
1.5
WSW
1.8
W
2.3
WNW
1.8
WNW
2
W
1.5
W
1.2
W
1.3
W
Period(s) (?)91513121514131211118119915131212111112
Wave
Graph
(?)Metric surfscale
Energy kJ (?)713812518078479159918616426050113264403441390180410091141576358472
Wind
(km/h)
25
SE
25
SE
15
SSW
15
ESE
15
SW
30
SW
15
SE
20
SE
15
SSE
25
SSW
35
WSW
25
WSW
20
WSW
10
W
10
NNE
20
ESE
25
ESE
30
ESE
20
ESE
20
ESE
25
E
Wind State (?)
onshore
cross-onshore
cross-shore
cross-offshore
offshore
glassy
cross-
off
cross-
off
crossoffcross-
on
cross-
on
cross-
off
cross-
off
cross-
off
crossononcross-
on
oncross-
off
cross-
off
cross-
off
offoffoffoff
High Tide
/ height (m)
Low Tide
/ height (m)
Wednesday
15
Thursday
16
Friday
17
Saturday
18
Sunday
19
Monday
20
Tue
21
Sunrise-6:07--6:05--6:01--6:00--5:56--5:54--5:50-
Sunset--8:30--8:32--8:36--8:37--8:39--8:43--8:45
rain showers
light rain
light rain
rain showers
cloud
clear
part cloud
light rain
part cloud
rain showers
part cloud
part cloud
part cloud
part cloud
part cloud
part cloud
clear
clear
clear
clear
clear
Rain (mm)
1132---1-1-----------
Temp. °C10131299119101210999887101171111
Feels °C (?)489854658412245243144
  • Map Icons:
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  • 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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