Surf Forecasts:
Bay of Plenty surf forecast from 18 Aug 2026:
- Best quality surf: Sunday 23 Aug, 2AM (local time) - 11ft (3.5m), 12s period, S swell with cross-shore winds.
- Most powerful swell: Sunday 23 Aug, 5AM (local time) - 15ft (4.5m), 12s period, SSW swell with 5,641 kJ wave energy.
- Next surfable swell (1★+): Tuesday 18 Aug, 11PM (local time) - 3.5ft (1.0m), 9s period with E swell.
Best Forecast Surf Conditions for Bay of Plenty this week:
The surf forecast for Bay of Plenty over the next 16 days: The first swell (rated 1 star or higher) is forecast to arrive on Tuesday (Aug 18) at 11PM. The primary swell is predicted to be 1.0m and 9s period with a secondary swell of 0.8m and 5s. The wind is predicted to be cross-offshore as the swell arrives.
The most powerful waves expected at Bay of Plenty in the next 16 days are 4.5m 12s and forecast to arrive on Sunday (Aug 23) at 5AM. Winds are predicted to be cross-offshore at the time the swell arrives. The largest open ocean swell (not directed at the beach) is 0.4m 2s period and expected on Tuesday (Aug 18) at 5AM.
| Wave Type | Time (SAST) & Date | Wave Height & Period |
|---|---|---|
| Next good surf (1 star+) | 11PM (Tue 18th Aug) | 3.5ft (1.0m) 9s |
| Best Surf | 2AM (Sun 23rd Aug) | 11ft (3.5m) 12s |
| Most Powerful | 5AM (Sun 23rd Aug) | 15ft (4.5m) 12s |
Table - best surf conditions forecast for Bay of Plenty over the next 16 days.
The Lowdown
Alright, Rusty here. Let’s talk about what’s on offer for the Bay of Plenty.
Right off the bat, for the next week and a half, this isn’t looking like a classic run. The first solid chance of a wave doesn't show up until Saturday the 22nd. Before that, it’s a messy mix of strong cross-shore winds and junky conditions, with that easterly wind really killing what little swell there is. There's a real gap in the action here, so if you're keen, you'll be waiting.
The standout of the entire 16-day window is actually pretty promising, but you have to be patient. The best bet is on Sunday, August 23rd. The Bay of Plenty picks up a solid, long-period groundswell from the south. We're talking 8ft to 8ft, which is expert territory, so leave the foam boards at home. The period is a very long 13 to 15 seconds, so look for it to wrap into the points and reefs rather than the beach. There's a ton of energy in the water – 2062 to 3016 on the energy scale – so expect powerful sets. The wind on Sunday afternoon turns light and cross-onshore, which will keep it from being perfect, but it’s the best size and power on the chart.
Following that, the following Sunday, August 30th, is worth a mention. The swell drops right back to around 4ft from the south, but it gets glassy. Absolutely flat calm wind in the morning and afternoon. That’s a rare treat. With 224 to 261 energy, it'll be small but clean. That’s a morning session for the logs or a mid-length if you’re happy to work for a few fun ones.
Between those two dates, the middle of the week from the 24th to the 29th is just a mess of onshore and cross-shore winds, or huge windswell that’s blown out. Not worth the drive unless you enjoy frustration.
So, to sum it up: the big, expert-level south groundswell on Sunday the 23rd is the real standout, but go in knowing it’s powerful and requires your A-game. The tiny, glassy day on August 30th is a sleeper pick for those who appreciate quality over quantity.
Rusty.
Short Range ForecastMostly dry. Warm (max 21°C on Wed morning, min 17°C on Thu night). Winds decreasing (strong winds from the SSW on Wed night, calm by Thu night). | Days 4-6 Weather SummaryMostly dry. Warm (max 32°C on Sat morning, min 16°C on Sun night). Winds decreasing (strong winds from the SSW on Sat night, light winds from the WNW by Sun night). | ||||||||||||||||||||
Tuesday 18 | Wednesday 19 | Thursday 20 | Friday 21 | Saturday 22 | Sunday 23 | Monday 24 | |||||||||||||||
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) | E 9 | E 9 | E 9 | E 9 | SSW 15 | SSW 15 | S 8 | S 8 | S 16 | S 13 | S 12 | NE 7 | ENE 7 | S 6 | S 12 | SSW 13 | S 15 | S 14 | S 12 | S 11 | S 11 |
Wave Graph  | |||||||||||||||||||||
 kJ | 246 | 164 | 159 | 121 | 121 | 331 | 608 | 338 | 1078 | 503 | 251 | 331 | 104 | 136 | 3017 | 5020 | 2720 | 1304 | 544 | 298 | 229 |
Wind (km/h) | |||||||||||||||||||||
Wind State on-shore cross-onshore cross-shore cross-offshore off-shore glassy | cross | cross | off | cross | cross | cross | cross | cross | glassy | cross | cross | cross-off | cross-off | cross | cross | cross | cross-on | off | cross-on | cross | off |
High Tide | 6:58PM1.71m | 7:05AM1.52m | 7:27PM1.56m | 7:37AM1.37m | 8:04PM1.40m | 8:28AM1.22m | 9:28PM1.25m | 12:11PM1.16m | 00:48AM1.27m | 1:47PM1.32m | 1:52AM1.40m | 2:22PM1.50m | 2:28AM1.55m | ||||||||
Low Tide | 12:42PM0.46m | 1:08AM0.59m | 1:09PM0.61m | 1:41AM0.74m | 1:39PM0.78m | 2:29AM0.89m | 2:31PM0.94m | 5:06AM0.97m | 6:20PM1.00m | 7:26AM0.86m | 7:49PM0.85m | 8:07AM0.70m | 8:27PM0.69m | ||||||||
 |  |  | | | | | |  | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
 | 6:26 | — | — | 6:26 | — | — | 6:24 | — | — | 6:22 | — | — | 6:22 | — | — | 6:20 | — | — | 6:20 | — | — |
 | — | 5:32 | — | — | 5:32 | — | — | 5:34 | — | — | 5:34 | — | — | 5:35 | — | — | 5:35 | — | — | 5:36 | — |
mm | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
Temp °C | 19 | 20 | 20 | 21 | 21 | 21 | 20 | 19 | 18 | 20 | 20 | 20 | 32 | 25 | 19 | 18 | 19 | 18 | 18 | 20 | 19 |
Feels °C | 15 | 16 | 20 | 19 | 19 | 21 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 17 | 16 | 17 | 29 | 21 | 12 | 12 | 14 | 17 | 15 | 17 | 19 |
Swell 1 Height (m) Direction Period (s) | E 9 | E 9 | E 9 | E 9 | E 8 | E 7 | E 8 | E 8 | S 16 | S 13 | S 12 | ENE 7 | ENE 7 | ENE 7 | ENE 8 | S 14 | S 15 | S 14 | S 12 | S 11 | S 11 |
| kJ | 246 | 164 | 159 | 117 | 89 | 142 | 33 | 22 | 1078 | 503 | 251 | 158 | 104 | 48 | 24 | 2299 | 2720 | 1304 | 544 | 298 | 229 |
Swell 2 Height (m) Direction Period (s) | S 18 | SW 16 | SSE 5 | SSW 15 | SSW 15 | — | SSW 14 | SSW 14 | E 8 | E 8 | E 8 | S 10 | S 10 | — | — | E 9 | ENE 9 | ENE 9 | ENE 9 | S 15 | ENE 6 |
| kJ | 6 | 11 | 27 | 121 | 121 | — | 73 | 62 | 21 | 21 | 12 | 47 | 30 | — | — | 6 | 8 | 15 | 16 | 40 | 30 |
Swell 3 Height (m) Direction Period (s) | — | SSW 11 | SW 17 | SE 5 | — | — | NE 7 | NE 7 | — | — | — | SSW 12 | SSW 14 | — | — | NE 7 | — | — | — | E 9 | E 9 |
| kJ | — | 11 | 11 | 6 | — | — | 12 | 2 | — | — | — | 30 | 38 | — | — | 2 | — | — | — | 6 | 6 |
Wind waves Height (m) Direction Period (s) | SSW 6 | S 6 | — | — | ENE 4 | SSW 15 | S 8 | S 8 | — | NE 3 | ENE 5 | NE 7 | WNW 2 | S 6 | S 12 | SSW 13 | — | — | NE 6 | ENE 3 | — |
| kJ | 176 | 102 | — | — | 24 | 331 | 608 | 338 | — | 3 | 80 | 331 | 1 | 136 | 3017 | 5020 | — | — | 2 | 4 | — |
Nearest Offshore or Glassy | |||||||||||||||||||||
Distance (km) | 209 | 155 | 0 | 5 | 5 | 120 | 405 | 330 | 0 | 696 | 721 | 0 | 0 | 155 | 2 | 330 | 286 | 0 | 5 | 5 | 0 |
Best forecast wave conditions in Durban/KwaZulu-Natal South Coast | |||||||||||||||||||||
Best forecast wave conditions in South Africa | |||||||||||||||||||||
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Information about the Bay of Plenty Surf forecast
The above surf forecast table for Bay of Plenty provides essential information for determining whether the surfing conditions will be good over the next 16 days. A general guide to surfing at Bay of Plenty can be found by selecting the local surf guide option on the grey menu. Our Bay of Plenty 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 (Bay of Plenty) 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 Bay of Plenty 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 Durban/KwaZulu-Natal South Coast? If you are looking for accommodation near Bay of Plenty, camping, hotels and holiday cottages in Durban/KwaZulu-Natal South Coast, consider staying in Durban which is 6 km (4 miles) away. Other places in and around Durban/KwaZulu-Natal South Coast where you can find information about places to rent, and car hire include Glenwood which is 6 km (4 miles) away, Kwamashu, Umhlanga and Mount Edgecombe.
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