
Surf Forecasts:
Bay of Plenty surf forecast from 2 Aug 2026:
- Best quality surf: Sunday 2 Aug, 5AM (local time) - 10ft (3.0m), 12s period, SE swell with cross-offshore winds.
- Most powerful swell: Sunday 9 Aug, 8AM (local time) - 13ft (4.0m), 10s period, SSW swell with 3,594 kJ wave energy.
- Next surfable swell (1★+): Sunday 2 Aug, 5AM (local time) - 10ft (3.0m), 12s period with SE 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 Sunday (Aug 02) at 5AM. The primary swell is predicted to be 3.0m and 12s period with a secondary swell of 0.1m and 16s. 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 4.0m 10s and forecast to arrive on Sunday (Aug 09) at 8AM. Winds are predicted to be cross-offshore at the time the swell arrives. The largest open ocean swell (not directed at the beach) is 1.2m 5s period and expected on Sunday (Aug 02) at 2PM.
| Wave Type | Time (SAST) & Date | Wave Height & Period |
|---|---|---|
| Next good surf (1 star+) | 5AM (Sun 2nd Aug) | 10ft (3.0m) 12s |
| Best Surf | 5AM (Sun 2nd Aug) | 10ft (3.0m) 12s |
| Most Powerful | 8AM (Sun 9th Aug) | 13ft (4.0m) 10s |
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 coming up for the Bay of Plenty.
Right off the bat, I gotta be straight with you – this 16-day window is a real mixed bag, and honestly, a frustrating one. We’ve got some serious size coming through, but for a spot like Bay of Plenty (beach/jetty), it’s almost too much of a good thing. The water’s sitting at about 72°, which is pretty normal for this time of year, so no surprises there.
For Sunday the 2nd, we’re looking at a solid 10 ft SE groundswell rolling in with a 12-second period, packing some serious punch with a combined energy of 2385 (moderate wave energy). That’s proper size, but here’s the kicker: the cross-shore wind is cranking at 16 mph from the SSW. That combo makes it a messy, lumpy affair. If you’re a strong paddler and you don’t mind a chop, you could find some juice, but for the average surfer, it’s just too big and messy.
By Tuesday the 4th, the swell drops to a more manageable 5 ft ESE, but the wind swings NE and stays cross-on, making for a choppy surface. The energy’s down to 542 (moderate wave energy). It’s not great.
Wednesday the 5th is small, with 3 ft waves and light cross-onshore winds. Not much to write home about.
Thursday the 6th is a write-off – tiny and messy.
Now, here’s a little glimmer. On Friday morning the 7th, we get a moment of glass. The swell is tiny at 2 ft from the E, but with glassy conditions and a combined energy of only 158 (weak wave energy). It’s surfable, but only if you’re on a longboard and want total peace and quiet. Don’t expect any power.
We then go into a weekend with some windswell. Saturday the 8th morning shows 5 ft from the ENE, but the period is a short 8 seconds and the NE breeze is cross. It’s marginal at best. Sunday the 9th is a monster day on paper – 12 ft S swell with a 12-second period, energy at 3663 – but the wind is howling at 19 mph from the SW, making it a cross-off that might clean it up a bit. Even then, 12 ft at a beach/jetty is expert-only territory and frankly, dangerous for most.
Monday the 10th is the biggest of the bunch: 13 ft from the SSW, 15-second period, and a combined energy of 9685 (strong wave energy). That’s a serious groundswell. The wind is light from the NE, so it might look cleaner, but that size is purely for the elite. For 99% of us, it’s a no-go.
After that, we drop back into smaller, wind-affected junk through the middle of the month. From the 11th onward, it’s mostly poor conditions with strong winds and lumpy seas. The swell energy stays in the moderate range down to weak, and the wind never really cooperates.
So, what’s the standout? If I have to pick, Friday the 7th morning is the only time you’ll get glassy conditions, but it’s small. For sheer power, Monday the 10th morning has the biggest, longest-period swell, but you’d better be an absolute charger. There’s no middle ground here – it’s either too big and messy, or too small and windy.
Stay safe, and don’t get too attached to any one day until the forecast firms up. - Rusty
Short Range ForecastMostly dry. Warm (max 20°C on Sun afternoon, min 14°C on Sun morning). Wind will be generally light. | Days 4-6 Weather SummarySome drizzle, heaviest during Fri morning. Warm (max 22°C on Wed afternoon, min 17°C on Wed morning). Wind will be generally light. | ||||||||||||||||||||
Sunday 2 | Monday 3 | Tuesday 4 | Wednesday 5 | Thursday 6 | Friday 7 | Saturday 8 | |||||||||||||||
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) | SE 12 | SE 12 | SE 11 | SE 11 | SE 10 | ESE 10 | ESE 10 | ESE 10 | ESE 10 | ESE 10 | E 9 | E 10 | E 10 | E 10 | E 9 | E 9 | E 9 | NE 6 | ENE 8 | ENE 8 | S 7 |
Wave Graph | |||||||||||||||||||||
2373 | 2257 | 1654 | 1051 | 769 | 532 | 520 | 402 | 192 | 197 | 180 | 145 | 120 | 120 | 109 | 81 | 81 | 213 | 319 | 414 | 502 | |
Wind (km/h) | |||||||||||||||||||||
Wind State on-shore cross-onshore cross-shore cross-offshore off-shore glassy | cross | cross | off | cross-on | on | cross-off | cross-on | cross-on | cross-off | cross-on | cross | off | cross | cross | cross-off | glassy | cross-on | cross-off | cross | cross | cross |
High Tide | 6:02PM1.94m | 6:10AM1.79m | 6:34PM1.88m | 6:42AM1.71m | 7:10PM1.78m | 7:20AM1.60m | 7:53PM1.66m | 8:10AM1.47m | 8:52PM1.51m | 9:31AM1.34m | 10:33PM1.41m | 11:49AM1.33m | 00:34AM1.45m | ||||||||
Low Tide | 11:47AM0.23m | 00:11AM0.36m | 12:17PM0.28m | 00:44AM0.43m | 12:50PM0.37m | 1:21AM0.53m | 1:29PM0.50m | 2:09AM0.65m | 2:21PM0.65m | 3:21AM0.77m | 3:49PM0.80m | 5:21AM0.80m | 6:06PM0.81m | ||||||||
6:39 | — | — | 6:39 | — | — | 6:39 | — | — | 6:37 | — | — | 6:37 | — | — | 6:35 | — | — | 6:35 | — | — | |
— | 5:22 | — | — | 5:23 | — | — | 5:24 | — | — | 5:24 | — | — | 5:25 | — | — | 5:25 | — | — | 5:27 | — | |
mm | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | 1 | — | — | — | — | 3 |
Temp °C | 19 | 20 | 18 | 20 | 20 | 18 | 20 | 20 | 19 | 21 | 22 | 21 | 20 | 20 | 20 | 20 | 20 | 18 | 26 | 21 | 20 |
Feels °C | 14 | 16 | 17 | 19 | 19 | 19 | 18 | 18 | 19 | 18 | 19 | 19 | 17 | 18 | 18 | 21 | 20 | 17 | 23 | 17 | 16 |
Swell 1 Height (m) Direction Period (s) | SE 12 | SE 12 | SE 11 | SE 11 | SE 10 | ESE 10 | ESE 10 | ESE 10 | ESE 10 | ESE 10 | E 9 | E 10 | E 10 | E 10 | E 9 | E 9 | E 9 | ENE 6 | SSW 14 | SSW 14 | ENE 9 |
2373 | 2257 | 1654 | 1051 | 769 | 532 | 520 | 402 | 192 | 197 | 180 | 145 | 120 | 120 | 109 | 81 | 81 | 133 | 70 | 40 | 184 | |
Swell 2 Height (m) Direction Period (s) | SSW 11 | S 10 | S 10 | S 10 | S 10 | SSW 14 | SSW 13 | SSW 12 | ENE 5 | ENE 6 | ENE 6 | ENE 7 | ENE 6 | SSW 17 | S 5 | SSW 13 | SSW 13 | SSW 12 | — | SSW 12 | SSW 17 |
12 | 19 | 17 | 17 | 16 | 21 | 17 | 15 | 23 | 26 | 20 | 34 | 15 | 59 | 21 | 69 | 66 | 48 | — | 13 | 57 | |
Swell 3 Height (m) Direction Period (s) | — | S 14 | S 12 | SSW 16 | SSW 16 | S 10 | S 11 | — | E 11 | SW 11 | S 11 | SSW 15 | SSW 18 | NE 6 | SSW 15 | S 5 | SSW 16 | SSW 15 | — | — | SSW 18 |
— | 15 | 12 | 26 | 25 | 8 | 2 | — | 83 | 5 | 2 | 22 | 62 | 11 | 77 | 8 | 52 | 42 | — | — | 124 | |
Wind waves Height (m) Direction Period (s) | — | — | — | — | — | — | NNE 3 | ENE 4 | NE 5 | — | ENE 6 | — | S 6 | S 7 | — | — | ENE 3 | NE 6 | ENE 8 | ENE 8 | S 7 |
— | — | — | — | — | — | 3 | 12 | 65 | — | 46 | — | 64 | 89 | — | — | 3 | 213 | 319 | 414 | 502 | |
Nearest Offshore or Glassy | |||||||||||||||||||||
Distance (km) | 1 | 219 | 0 | 1 | 5 | 0 | 5 | 5 | 0 | 5 | 5 | 0 | 155 | 238 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 0 | 5 | 154 | 665 |
Best forecast wave conditions in Durban/KwaZulu-Natal South Coast | |||||||||||||||||||||
Best forecast wave conditions in South Africa | |||||||||||||||||||||
Header Global | |||||||||||||||||||||
- Map Icons:
Break
Live Wave Height (m)
Live Wind Speed (km/h)
Surf Rating (10 Max)
Ocean Swells (m)
Wind Speed (km/h)
Latest Updates
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.











