Surf Forecasts:
Bells Beach - Bowl surf forecast from 27 Aug 2026:
- Best quality surf: Monday 31 Aug, 10AM (local time) - 4.5ft (1.4m), 15s period, SW swell with glassy winds.
- Most powerful swell: Wednesday 2 Sep, 7PM (local time) - 10ft (3.0m), 14s period, SW swell with 3,383 kJ wave energy.
- Next surfable swell (1★+): Friday 28 Aug, 4AM (local time) - 2ft (0.6m), 18s period with SW swell.
Best Forecast Surf Conditions for Bells Beach - Bowl this week:
The surf forecast for Bells Beach - Bowl over the next 16 days: The first swell (rated 1 star or higher) is forecast to arrive on Friday (Aug 28) at 4AM. The primary swell is predicted to be 0.6m and 18s period with a secondary swell of 0.8m and 13s. The wind is predicted to be offshore as the swell arrives.
The most powerful waves expected at Bells Beach - Bowl in the next 16 days are 3.0m 14s and forecast to arrive on Wednesday (Sep 02) at 7PM. Winds are predicted to be cross-offshore at the time the swell arrives. The largest open ocean swell (not directed at the beach) is 0.8m 4s period and expected on Friday (Sep 04) at 4AM.
| Wave Type | Time (AEST) & Date | Wave Height & Period |
|---|---|---|
| Next good surf (1 star+) | 4AM (Fri 28th Aug) | 2ft (0.6m) 18s |
| Best Surf | 10AM (Mon 31st Aug) | 4.5ft (1.4m) 15s |
| Most Powerful | 7PM (Wed 2nd Sep) | 10ft (3.0m) 14s |
Table - best surf conditions forecast for Bells Beach - Bowl over the next 16 days.
The Lowdown
G’day, this is Rusty. Let’s talk about what’s on the menu ahead.
The first couple of days are pretty average, but there’s a real gem coming Monday that I’d be circling, and then a big pulse early September that’s for the bold only.
We start Friday the 28th of August at Bells Beach – Bowl. Tiny 3ft SW swell with a very long 18-second period, cross-off wind, weak energy (681). Water temp is about average for the time of year. Not much to write home about. Friday afternoon picks up to 4ft but wind turns cross-shore.
Saturday the 29th morning cleans right up with a WNW offshore at 10 km/h and a 4ft SW swell, 14-second period, moderate energy (470) and good wave conditions. A solid, clean session. Saturday afternoon gets a cross-on, so morning wins.
Sunday the 30th morning offers a nice 5ft SSW swell, 13-second period, light WNW cross-off, moderate energy (767) and very good conditions. Clean and looking tidy.
Now the standout: Monday the 31st of August. Both morning and afternoon are glassy – NNW then S winds at just 3 mph, with 4ft to 5ft of SW swell and a 15-second period. Energy jumps to strong (1062–1099) and the wave comment says excellent for experienced surfers. The bowl will be running smooth and lined up. This is the call of the forecast. Crowds are possible, so beat the rush.
Tuesday the 1st of September through Thursday the 3rd sees a moderate breeze from the NW, keeping it offshore and clean. Swell holds 4ft to 5ft, mostly SW. Energy moderate to strong. Thursday morning has a fresh 18 mph offshore for clean but powering conditions.
Friday the 4th of September things go big. Morning hits 7ft, then Friday afternoon jumps to a solid 10ft from the SW, 14-second period. Energy is extreme (5984). This is expert territory – over 8ft and big. Fresh offshore wind from the NW keeps it clean but only for the brave. Saturday the 5th and Sunday the 6th stay 8ft to 10ft with strong offshore or cross-off winds, energy over 5000. This is serious groundswell – best for the experienced crew, or kite surfers.
Second week drops. Monday the 7th of September eases to 6ft, then Tuesday the 8th has 5ft SSW swell with clean cross-off winds, energy 700–883. Wednesday the 9th and Thursday the 10th are smaller again, 3ft to 4ft, clean but nothing special. Friday the 11th of September and Saturday the 12th bump back to 5ft to 7ft from the SW with 14 to 16-second periods and clean cross-off winds – decent energy (1485–1950) and excellent conditions for experienced surfers. A promising end if you’re patient.
Bottom line: Monday the 31st of August is your best bet for glassy, clean, and fun surf at Bells.
Rusty.
Short Range ForecastMostly dry. Very mild (max 13°C on Fri morning, min 8°C on Fri night). Wind will be generally light. | Days 5-7 Weather SummaryMostly dry. Warm (max 20°C on Tue afternoon, min 9°C on Sun night). Winds increasing (calm on Mon afternoon, fresh winds from the NNW by Tue morning). | ||||||||||||||||||
Friday 28 | Saturday 29 | Sunday 30 | Monday 31 | Tuesday 1 | Wednesday 2 | ||||||||||||||
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 19 | SW 18 | SW 17 | SW 16 | SW 14 | SW 14 | SSW 13 | SSW 13 | SSW 13 | SSW 14 | SW 15 | SSW 15 | SW 16 | SW 16 | SW 15 | SW 14 | SW 15 | SW 15 | SW 14 |
Wave Graph | |||||||||||||||||||
234 | 442 | 907 | 710 | 466 | 476 | 465 | 649 | 745 | 895 | 905 | 711 | 1239 | 871 | 566 | 398 | 674 | 975 | 696 | |
Wind (km/h) | |||||||||||||||||||
Wind State on-shore cross-onshore cross-shore cross-offshore off-shore glassy | off | cross-off | cross | cross-off | off | cross-on | off | cross-off | cross-on | cross-off | glassy | glassy | cross-off | cross-off | off | off | off | cross-off | off |
High Tide | 10:46PM1.32m | 12:19PM1.63m | 11:57PM1.42m | 12:53PM1.70m | 00:50AM1.55m | 1:23PM1.76m | 1:34AM1.69m | 1:52PM1.81m | 2:14AM1.81m | 2:20PM1.83m | 2:52AM1.90m | 2:48PM1.85m | 3:31AM1.96m | ||||||
Low Tide | 5:20AM0.57m | 6:30PM0.86m | 6:15AM0.52m | 7:03PM0.71m | 7:00AM0.47m | 7:34PM0.55m | 7:40AM0.45m | 8:04PM0.40m | 8:17AM0.45m | 8:34PM0.26m | 8:53AM0.47m | 9:06PM0.15m | |||||||
— | 6:52 | — | — | 6:50 | — | — | 6:48 | — | — | 6:47 | — | — | 6:46 | — | — | 6:43 | — | — | |
— | — | 5:57 | — | — | 5:57 | — | — | 5:58 | — | — | 5:59 | — | — | 6:00 | — | — | 6:00 | — | |
mm | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
Temp °C | 12 | 13 | 13 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 11 | 13 | 12 | 11 | 14 | 15 | 13 | 19 | 20 | 16 | 17 | 13 | 9 |
Feels °C | 10 | 10 | 11 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 9 | 11 | 10 | 10 | 13 | 14 | 12 | 13 | 15 | 12 | 13 | 9 | 5 |
Swell 1 Height (m) Direction Period (s) | SW 14 | SW 18 | SW 17 | SW 16 | SW 14 | SW 14 | SSW 13 | SSW 13 | SSW 13 | SSW 14 | SW 15 | SSW 15 | SW 16 | SW 16 | SW 15 | SW 14 | SW 15 | SW 15 | SW 14 |
181 | 442 | 907 | 710 | 466 | 476 | 465 | 649 | 745 | 895 | 905 | 711 | 1239 | 871 | 566 | 398 | 674 | 975 | 696 | |
Swell 2 Height (m) Direction Period (s) | SW 19 | SW 13 | SE 10 | — | S 14 | E 9 | SW 22 | SW 20 | SSW 20 | — | SW 20 | SW 18 | SSW 15 | — | S 15 | SW 18 | SSW 15 | S 16 | S 14 |
234 | 235 | 4 | — | 4 | 2 | 18 | 60 | 39 | — | 138 | 388 | 79 | — | 19 | 150 | 45 | 20 | 36 | |
Swell 3 Height (m) Direction Period (s) | S 10 | SE 11 | — | — | — | S 23 | S 16 | S 14 | S 13 | — | S 16 | — | — | — | — | S 15 | — | — | — |
17 | 4 | — | — | — | 11 | 19 | 58 | 56 | — | 19 | — | — | — | — | 18 | — | — | — | |
Wind waves Height (m) Direction Period (s) | — | — | — | — | — | SW 5 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | N 3 | NW 4 | NNW 3 | WNW 3 | WSW 6 | — |
— | — | — | — | — | 47 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | 4 | 15 | 4 | 3 | 99 | — | |
Nearest Offshore or Glassy | |||||||||||||||||||
Distance (km) | 0 | 6 | 6 | 0 | 0 | 11 | 0 | 0 | 11 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 35 | 0 | 6 | 0 |
Best forecast wave conditions in Torquay | |||||||||||||||||||
Best forecast wave conditions in Australia | |||||||||||||||||||
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Information about the Bells Beach - Bowl Surf forecast
The above surf forecast table for Bells Beach - Bowl provides essential information for determining whether the surfing conditions will be good over the next 16 days. A general guide to surfing at Bells Beach - Bowl can be found by selecting the local surf guide option on the grey menu. Our Bells Beach - Bowl 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 (Bells Beach - Bowl) 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 Bells Beach - Bowl 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.
Bells Beach - Bowl is 26 km (16 miles) from the city of Geelong. If you plan a holiday in Torquay, look for hotels and other accommodation in Geelong. Geelong has rooms for a wide range of budgets as well as car hire and transport links.











