
Surf Forecasts:
Boneyards surf forecast from 18 Jul 2026:
- Best quality surf: Thursday 23 Jul, 8PM (local time) - 15ft (4.5m), 16s period, SSW swell with glassy winds.
- Most powerful swell: Thursday 23 Jul, 8PM (local time) - 15ft (4.5m), 16s period, SSW swell with 9,772 kJ wave energy.
- Next surfable swell (1★+): Sunday 19 Jul, 8PM (local time) - 7ft (2.1m), 11s period with SW swell.
Best Forecast Surf Conditions for Boneyards this week:
The surf forecast for Boneyards over the next 16 days: The first swell (rated 1 star or higher) is forecast to arrive on Sunday (Jul 19) at 8PM. The primary swell is predicted to be 2.1m and 11s period with a secondary swell of 0.7m and 10s. The wind is predicted to be glassy as the swell arrives.
The most powerful waves expected at Boneyards in the next 16 days are 4.5m 16s and forecast to arrive on Thursday (Jul 23) at 8PM. Winds are predicted to be glassy at the time the swell arrives. The largest open ocean swell (not directed at the beach) is 1.4m 5s period and expected on Saturday (Jul 25) at 8AM.
| Wave Type | Time (SAST) & Date | Wave Height & Period |
|---|---|---|
| Next good surf (1 star+) | 8PM (Sun 19th Jul) | 7ft (2.1m) 11s |
| Best Surf | 8PM (Thu 23rd Jul) | 15ft (4.5m) 16s |
| Most Powerful | 8PM (Thu 23rd Jul) | 15ft (4.5m) 16s |
Table - best surf conditions forecast for Boneyards over the next 16 days.
The Lowdown
Alright, it’s Rusty again, but I’ll switch it up for the imperial crew.
So, we’ve got a bit of a slow start to the forecast window. The first few days don’t look too flash, but don’t stress, because the real juice is coming next week. Water temp is about 60°F, which is pretty normal for this time of year.
The first real chance to get wet comes on Tuesday, July 21st in the morning. The swell is a solid 7ft from the SW, with a period around 14 seconds. That’s proper groundswell, and with the wind going glassy, it’s going to be a dream. The combined energy is 1835 – that’s a healthy, moderate-strong pulse. This is a reef break, so that long period swell will wrap in and give you clean lines. This is the best clean surf on offer for the early part of the week.
The absolute standout, though, is Thursday, July 23rd. The afternoon session is going to be absolutely firing. You’re looking at an 12ft swell from the SSW, with a period of 17 seconds – that’s very long-period groundswell. The combined energy is a massive 7117, which is strong. The wind is glassy, dead calm. This is exceptional surf, but it’s big. Over 8ft, so this is for the experts only. The swell will be holding a ton of power, so you better be on it.
The rest of that week and into the weekend holds decent size. Friday the 24th has a 10ft SW swell with offshore winds, keeping it clean. Saturday the 25th is also good, with 8ft SW swell and offshore winds. The combined energy sits around 2429 and 1848, so plenty of juice.
After that, things get messy. From Sunday the 26th onwards, the winds start to junk it up. The swell sticks around, but it’s crossed up and choppy for the most part. There’s a pulse of 7ft+ swell, but the wind is onshore or cross-onshore, making it lumpy. Not what you want for a clean surf.
The first week of August looks small. By the 1st and 2nd, we’re down to around 4ft, which is weak and not really worth the effort. The energy is low, under 675. Give it a pass.
So, the pick of the bunch is clear: Thursday, July 23rd afternoon is the one to circle on the calendar. It’s the biggest, cleanest, and most powerful. For a more manageable, but still excellent session, Tuesday, July 21st morning is your go-to.
Rusty.
Short Range ForecastLight rain (total 2mm), mostly falling on Sun morning. Very mild (max 16°C on Sat afternoon, min 13°C on Sun night). Wind will be generally light. | Days 4-6 Weather SummaryLight rain (total 2mm), mostly falling on Wed night. Very mild (max 15°C on Tue afternoon, min 13°C on Tue night). Winds increasing (calm on Tue morning, fresh winds from the NNW by Wed afternoon). | ||||||||||||||||||||
Saturday 18 | Sunday 19 | Monday 20 | Tuesday 21 | Wednesday 22 | Thursday 23 | Friday 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) | SW 9 | SW 13 | SW 12 | WSW 12 | SW 9 | SW 10 | SW 9 | SW 8 | SSW 15 | SW 14 | SW 14 | SW 13 | SW 12 | WSW 12 | WSW 11 | SW 11 | SSW 17 | SW 15 | SW 14 | SW 14 | SW 14 |
Wave Graph | |||||||||||||||||||||
328 | 352 | 772 | 1119 | 686 | 1028 | 481 | 201 | 451 | 1748 | 2233 | 2682 | 2711 | 2381 | 1635 | 1256 | 6784 | 7128 | 3913 | 4042 | 3743 | |
Wind (km/h) | |||||||||||||||||||||
Wind State on-shore cross-onshore cross-shore cross-offshore off-shore glassy | cross-on | cross-on | cross-on | cross-on | cross-on | glassy | cross-on | cross-on | glassy | glassy | cross-on | cross-on | cross-on | cross-on | cross-on | off | glassy | glassy | cross-off | cross-off | cross-off |
High Tide | 6:19PM1.52m | 6:37AM1.28m | 7:00PM1.42m | 7:22AM1.17m | 7:44PM1.31m | 8:13AM1.07m | 8:36PM1.19m | 9:20AM1.00m | 9:43PM1.11m | 10:47AM0.97m | 11:05PM1.08m | 12:11PM1.01m | 00:19AM1.11m | ||||||||
Low Tide | 12:00PM0.16m | 00:39AM0.24m | 12:39PM0.27m | 1:24AM0.34m | 1:20PM0.39m | 2:13AM0.43m | 2:08PM0.51m | 3:14AM0.51m | 3:12PM0.60m | 4:33AM0.55m | 4:46PM0.64m | 5:57AM0.53m | 6:15PM0.61m | ||||||||
7:48 | — | — | 7:48 | — | — | 7:48 | — | — | 7:47 | — | — | 7:47 | — | — | 7:46 | — | — | 7:45 | — | — | |
— | 5:57 | — | — | 5:57 | — | — | 5:58 | — | — | 5:58 | — | — | 5:59 | — | — | 6:00 | — | — | 6:00 | — | |
mm | — | — | — | 1 | 1 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | 2 | — | — | — | — | — | — |
Temp °C | 15 | 16 | 16 | 14 | 15 | 14 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 15 | 14 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 14 | 15 | 15 | 14 | 15 | 16 |
Feels °C | 14 | 14 | 14 | 11 | 13 | 13 | 12 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 13 | 13 | 9 | 8 | 10 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 13 |
Swell 1 Height (m) Direction Period (s) | SW 9 | WSW 9 | SW 12 | WSW 12 | SW 9 | SW 10 | SW 9 | SW 8 | SSW 15 | SW 14 | SW 14 | SW 13 | SW 12 | WSW 12 | WSW 11 | SW 11 | SSW 17 | SW 15 | SW 14 | SW 14 | SW 14 |
328 | 270 | 772 | 835 | 686 | 1028 | 481 | 201 | 451 | 1748 | 2233 | 2682 | 2711 | 2381 | 1635 | 1256 | 6784 | 7128 | 3913 | 4042 | 3743 | |
Swell 2 Height (m) Direction Period (s) | S 11 | SW 13 | W 11 | W 11 | W 10 | W 10 | W 10 | SW 11 | SW 12 | SE 11 | W 9 | SE 11 | ESE 11 | SE 11 | SE 14 | WSW 12 | WSW 12 | SE 12 | ESE 12 | ESE 11 | — |
163 | 352 | 191 | 143 | 75 | 94 | 121 | 155 | 169 | 44 | 24 | 19 | 12 | 5 | 8 | 237 | 333 | 22 | 13 | 12 | — | |
Swell 3 Height (m) Direction Period (s) | SW 14 | S 11 | S 10 | SSE 10 | SSE 10 | SE 9 | SE 9 | W 10 | SW 8 | WSW 11 | SE 12 | — | — | SE 15 | SE 11 | SW 21 | SE 12 | — | — | — | — |
228 | 151 | 138 | 83 | 33 | 22 | 30 | 90 | 69 | 25 | 34 | — | — | 8 | 4 | 17 | 38 | — | — | — | — | |
Wind waves Height (m) Direction Period (s) | — | NW 3 | NNW 3 | WSW 12 | — | — | — | — | — | WNW 9 | WNW 4 | NW 5 | — | — | N 3 | — | — | — | — | — | SE 5 |
— | 2 | 4 | 1119 | — | — | — | — | — | 62 | 12 | 91 | — | — | 1 | — | — | — | — | — | 89 | |
Nearest Offshore or Glassy | |||||||||||||||||||||
Distance (km) | 1 | 10 | 10 | 12 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 10 | 32 | 14 | 14 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 15 | 25 |
Best forecast wave conditions in Cape Town | |||||||||||||||||||||
Best forecast wave conditions in South Africa | |||||||||||||||||||||
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Information about the Boneyards Surf forecast
The above surf forecast table for Boneyards provides essential information for determining whether the surfing conditions will be good over the next 16 days. A general guide to surfing at Boneyards can be found by selecting the local surf guide option on the grey menu. Our Boneyards 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 (Boneyards) 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 Boneyards 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 Cape Town? If you are looking for accommodation near Boneyards, camping, hotels and holiday cottages in Cape Town, consider staying in Cape Town which is 26 km (16 miles) away. Other places in and around Cape Town where you can find information about places to rent, and car hire include Robben Island which is 37 km (23 miles) away, Bellville, Kayamnandi and Stellenbosch.










