
Surf Forecasts:
Big Ben surf forecast from 20 Jul 2026:
- Best quality surf: Wednesday 22 Jul, 6AM (local time) - 3.5ft (1.0m), 10s period, E swell with cross-offshore winds.
- Most powerful swell: Tuesday 21 Jul, 12AM (local time) - 4.5ft (1.3m), 11s period, E swell with 410 kJ wave energy.
- Next surfable swell (1★+): Wednesday 22 Jul, 6AM (local time) - 3.5ft (1.0m), 10s period with E swell.
Best Forecast Surf Conditions for Big Ben this week:
The surf forecast for Big Ben over the next 16 days: The first swell (rated 1 star or higher) is forecast to arrive on Wednesday (Jul 22) at 6AM. The primary swell is predicted to be 1.0m and 10s period with a secondary swell of 0.2m and 8s. Another secondary swell of 0.6m and 5s is also forecast. The wind is predicted to be cross-offshore as the swell arrives.
The most powerful waves expected at Big Ben in the next 16 days are 1.3m 11s and forecast to arrive on Tuesday (Jul 21) at 12AM. Winds are predicted to be cross-shore at the time the swell arrives. The largest open ocean swell (not directed at the beach) is 0.5m 4s period and expected on Tuesday (Jul 21) at 9AM.
| Wave Type | Time (JST) & Date | Wave Height & Period |
|---|---|---|
| Next good surf (1 star+) | 6AM (Wed 22nd Jul) | 3.5ft (1.0m) 10s |
| Best Surf | 6AM (Wed 22nd Jul) | 3.5ft (1.0m) 10s |
| Most Powerful | 12AM (Tue 21st Jul) | 4.5ft (1.3m) 11s |
Table - best surf conditions forecast for Big Ben over the next 16 days.
The Lowdown
Alright, let’s talk about Big Ben. It’s a beach and jetty break, exposed to the swell, but it’s inconsistent. We’ve got a 16-day window, and it’s mostly a slow start.
The first few days are no good. Monday the 20th through the end of July is mostly cross-shore wind and chop. Water temp is 78°F, about normal for this time of year.
The first real chance is Thursday morning, July 23rd. The wind goes glassy, and we’ve got a 3ft swell from the ENE with a 10-second period. The combined energy is moderate (205). It’s small, but it’ll be clean. This spot can get crowded sometimes, so expect a few heads.
Then we hit a dry spell. From Friday the 24th through the end of the month, it’s small, weak, and chopped up. Swells from 1ft to 2ft, but nothing worth paddling for.
The next good window is a week away, on Tuesday morning, July 28th. We get a 3ft SSW swell with a light cross-offshore NNE wind. The combined energy is 274, and the period is 11 seconds. Clean conditions and a little push.
Wednesday, July 29th, is the standout. The morning has 4ft from the SSW, with a 13-second groundswell. The combined energy is 579. The wind is cross-shore in the morning, but the afternoon turns cross-offshore for cleaner lines. The longer period means it’ll hold up better on the jetty, and the sets will be spaced out, making it easier to get out the back.
Thursday, July 30th, is also a winner. The morning is glassy with a 4ft SW swell at 11 seconds. The combined energy is 369. The afternoon stays glassy but drops to 3ft.
After that, it goes downhill. The 31st has a 5ft swell, but with a short 8-second period and cross-shore wind, it’s going to be a washing machine. The 1st of August through the 4th is all small, poor-quality surf with onshore or cross-shore winds. The last few days have 2ft to 3ft, but the wind is straight onshore, so it’s not worth it.
For a beginner spot that’s inconsistent, a quiet run like this is normal. Stick to the Thursday 23rd and the mornings of the 28th, 29th, and 30th for the cleanest waves.
Rusty.
Short Range ForecastMostly dry. Warm (max 31°C on Tue morning, min 25°C on Mon night). Wind will be generally light. | Days 5-7 Weather SummaryLight rain (total 5mm), mostly falling on Sun morning. Warm (max 31°C on Thu afternoon, min 24°C on Sat night). Wind will be generally light. | |||||||||||||||||||
Mon 20 | Tuesday 21 | Wednesday 22 | Thursday 23 | Friday 24 | Saturday 25 | Sunday 26 | ||||||||||||||
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 8 | E 11 | ENE 11 | ENE 10 | E 10 | E 10 | ENE 10 | ENE 10 | ENE 10 | E 9 | E 9 | E 9 | SE 11 | SE 16 | SE 16 | SE 16 | SE 15 | SE 11 | SE 14 | SE 10 |
Wave Graph | ||||||||||||||||||||
116 | 410 | 337 | 281 | 204 | 208 | 167 | 163 | 125 | 85 | 83 | 59 | 57 | 91 | 90 | 87 | 78 | 76 | 74 | 72 | |
Wind (km/h) | ||||||||||||||||||||
Wind State on-shore cross-onshore cross-shore cross-offshore off-shore glassy | cross | cross | cross | cross | cross | cross | cross | cross | glassy | cross-on | glassy | cross | cross-on | cross-off | cross | cross-on | cross | cross | on | cross-on |
High Tide | 8:26PM1.41m | 8:37AM1.20m | 8:54PM1.39m | 9:58AM1.10m | 9:25PM1.38m | 12:17PM1.05m | 10:06PM1.36m | 3:23PM1.15m | 11:05PM1.35m | 4:08PM1.27m | 00:24AM1.35m | 4:36PM1.36m | 1:40AM1.39m | |||||||
Low Tide | 2:46AM0.65m | 2:25PM0.68m | 3:46AM0.60m | 2:55PM0.85m | 5:01AM0.55m | 3:28PM1.01m | 6:26AM0.47m | 4:56PM1.15m | 7:40AM0.36m | 7:43PM1.20m | 8:39AM0.25m | 9:04PM1.17m | ||||||||
— | — | 4:39 | — | — | 4:39 | — | — | 4:41 | — | — | 4:41 | — | — | 4:41 | — | — | 4:43 | — | — | |
6:52 | — | — | 6:51 | — | — | 6:50 | — | — | 6:50 | — | — | 6:49 | — | — | 6:47 | — | — | 6:47 | — | |
mm | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | 2 | — | — | 1 | — | — | — | 2 | 3 | — |
Temp °C | 30 | 26 | 31 | 30 | 26 | 30 | 30 | 27 | 31 | 31 | 27 | 29 | 28 | 26 | 27 | 27 | 25 | 26 | 26 | 25 |
Feels °C | 33 | 30 | 34 | 33 | 31 | 33 | 34 | 32 | 36 | 36 | 34 | 33 | 31 | 31 | 29 | 29 | 28 | 30 | 30 | 29 |
Swell 1 Height (m) Direction Period (s) | E 8 | E 11 | ENE 11 | ENE 10 | E 10 | E 10 | ENE 10 | ENE 10 | ENE 10 | E 9 | E 9 | E 9 | E 9 | E 9 | E 8 | E 8 | E 8 | E 8 | E 8 | SE 10 |
116 | 410 | 337 | 281 | 204 | 208 | 167 | 163 | 125 | 85 | 83 | 59 | 57 | 39 | 37 | 68 | 65 | 48 | 46 | 69 | |
Swell 2 Height (m) Direction Period (s) | ENE 14 | SSE 8 | SSE 8 | SSE 8 | SSE 8 | SSE 8 | SSE 7 | SSE 11 | SSW 5 | SSW 5 | SSE 10 | SE 9 | SE 11 | SE 10 | SE 10 | SE 10 | SE 10 | SE 11 | SE 11 | SSW 9 |
64 | 13 | 13 | 12 | 6 | 6 | 5 | 11 | 17 | 15 | 38 | 23 | 57 | 53 | 48 | 49 | 52 | 73 | 55 | 29 | |
Swell 3 Height (m) Direction Period (s) | SE 8 | SE 11 | ESE 11 | SE 11 | ESE 11 | ESE 11 | ESE 11 | SSE 7 | SE 10 | SE 10 | SW 5 | SE 18 | SE 16 | SE 16 | SE 16 | SE 16 | SE 15 | SE 15 | SE 14 | SE 14 |
18 | 5 | 13 | 19 | 12 | 11 | 11 | 5 | 25 | 25 | 7 | 49 | 43 | 91 | 90 | 87 | 78 | 76 | 74 | 72 | |
Wind waves Height (m) Direction Period (s) | SW 3 | SW 4 | SW 4 | SW 4 | SW 5 | SW 5 | SW 4 | SSW 5 | SW 5 | — | — | NE 4 | ENE 4 | E 4 | E 4 | — | SE 3 | SE 4 | S 4 | SSE 4 |
5 | 4 | 7 | 12 | 17 | 18 | 16 | 17 | 38 | — | — | 7 | 5 | 11 | 13 | — | 4 | 3 | 9 | 27 | |
Nearest Offshore or Glassy | ||||||||||||||||||||
Distance (km) | 35 | 35 | 30 | 1453 | 30 | 30 | 35 | 30 | 0 | 30 | 0 | 22 | 35 | 0 | 35 | 35 | 6 | 22 | 30 | 30 |
Best forecast wave conditions in Chiba | ||||||||||||||||||||
Best forecast wave conditions in Japan | ||||||||||||||||||||
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Information about the Big Ben Surf forecast
The above surf forecast table for Big Ben provides essential information for determining whether the surfing conditions will be good over the next 16 days. A general guide to surfing at Big Ben can be found by selecting the local surf guide option on the grey menu. Our Big Ben 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 (Big Ben) 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 Big Ben 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.
Big Ben is 3 km (2 miles) from Kawaguchi. If you plan a holiday in Chiba, look for hotels and other accommodation in Kawaguchi. Kawaguchi has rooms for a wide range of budgets as well as car hire and transport links.










