
Surf Forecasts:
Bonza Bay surf forecast from 5 Sep 2026:
- Best quality surf: Monday 7 Sep, 2AM (local time) - 10ft (3.0m), 17s period, S swell with cross-shore winds.
- Most powerful swell: Sunday 6 Sep, 11PM (local time) - 8ft (2.5m), 18s period, S swell with 4,585 kJ wave energy.
- Next surfable swell (1★+): Monday 7 Sep, 2AM (local time) - 10ft (3.0m), 17s period with S swell.
Best Forecast Surf Conditions for Bonza Bay this week:
The surf forecast for Bonza Bay over the next 16 days: The first swell (rated 1 star or higher) is forecast to arrive on Monday (Sep 07) at 2AM. The primary swell is predicted to be 3.0m and 17s period with a secondary swell of 0.7m and 9s. Another secondary swell of 1.0m and 5s is also forecast. The wind is predicted to be cross-shore as the swell arrives.
The most powerful waves expected at Bonza Bay in the next 16 days are 2.5m 18s and forecast to arrive on Sunday (Sep 06) at 11PM. Winds are predicted to be cross-shore at the time the swell arrives. The largest open ocean swell (not directed at the beach) is 2.4m 8s period and expected on Tuesday (Sep 08) at 5AM.
| Wave Type | Time (SAST) & Date | Wave Height & Period |
|---|---|---|
| Next good surf (1 star+) | 2AM (Mon 7th Sep) | 10ft (3.0m) 17s |
| Best Surf | 2AM (Mon 7th Sep) | 10ft (3.0m) 17s |
| Most Powerful | 11PM (Sun 6th Sep) | 8ft (2.5m) 18s |
Table - best surf conditions forecast for Bonza Bay over the next 16 days.
The Lowdown
Alright, folks. Rusty here. Let’s take a look at what’s shaping up for Bonza Bay.
Initially, it’s pretty grim. The first few days are a write-off with messy cross-shore winds and lumpy conditions, so don’t bother paddling out for a while. The wait stretches right through the first week. There’s a glimmer of hope on the horizon, but you’ll need to be patient.
The real standout comes on Sunday, the 13th of September. The morning is still a bit rough with a 8ft east swell and cross-shore wind, but the afternoon is where it’s at. The wind swings light and cross-offshore, cleaning things right up. You’ve got a solid 6ft easterly swell rolling in with a moderate period of 10 seconds, and the combined energy is pumping at 1208. It’s going to be clean, and the water temp is sitting around 66°, which is pretty normal for this time of year. This is the best session on offer, no question.
Another option to keep an eye on is Tuesday the 15th of September. The morning brings a 6ft south-southwest swell with a longer 13-second period, pushing a combined energy of 1376. The wind is light and cross-shore, so it’s not perfect, but there’s plenty of push. It’s a decent backup for experienced surfers, but the 13th is the real winner.
The 20th of September looks like it’s going to be too big for most, with an 8ft south-southeast swell and strong cross-shore winds. That’s expert territory, and even then, it’s going to be lumpy and messy.
Bonza Bay is a river mouth, so keep in mind that long-period swells can sometimes break a bit straight. But for the 13th, with a clean offshore wind, it’s going to be worth the wait.
Rusty.
Short Range ForecastLight rain (total 5mm), mostly falling on Sat morning. Warm (max 20°C on Mon afternoon, min 16°C on Sat morning). Winds increasing (light winds from the ENE on Sat night, fresh winds from the NE by Mon afternoon). | Days 4-6 Weather SummarySome drizzle, heaviest during Thu night. Warm (max 31°C on Wed morning, min 18°C on Thu night). Wind will be generally light. | ||||||||||||||||||||
Saturday 5 | Sunday 6 | Monday 7 | Tuesday 8 | Wednesday 9 | Thursday 10 | Friday 11 | |||||||||||||||
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 8 | S 11 | S 11 | SSW 23 | SSW 20 | S 17 | S 15 | S 12 | S 11 | E 8 | E 8 | E 9 | E 9 | SSE 10 | E 9 | E 9 | E 9 | SSW 16 | SSW 14 | S 7 | SE 8 |
Wave Graph | |||||||||||||||||||||
403 | 291 | 326 | 623 | 1786 | 4518 | 1920 | 690 | 242 | 368 | 368 | 395 | 348 | 57 | 364 | 235 | 240 | 424 | 175 | 124 | 531 | |
Wind (km/h) | |||||||||||||||||||||
Wind State on-shore cross-onshore cross-shore cross-offshore off-shore glassy | cross | cross | cross-on | cross-on | cross-on | cross | cross | cross | cross | cross-on | cross | cross | cross-on | cross | cross | cross | cross-on | cross-off | cross-on | on | cross |
High Tide | 9:44AM1.36m | 10:55PM1.43m | 12:10PM1.43m | 00:47AM1.52m | 1:25PM1.62m | 1:47AM1.67m | 2:12PM1.81m | 2:31AM1.81m | 2:51PM1.97m | 3:07AM1.91m | 3:25PM2.08m | 3:40AM1.98m | 3:57PM2.13m | 4:11AM2.00m | |||||||
Low Tide | 3:53PM0.97m | 5:44AM0.92m | 6:35PM0.89m | 7:13AM0.77m | 7:44PM0.71m | 8:01AM0.60m | 8:28PM0.54m | 8:38AM0.45m | 9:04PM0.41m | 9:11AM0.34m | 9:36PM0.32m | 9:42AM0.27m | 10:06PM0.29m | ||||||||
6:20 | — | — | 6:20 | — | — | 6:18 | — | — | 6:16 | — | — | 6:16 | — | — | 6:13 | — | — | 6:13 | — | — | |
— | 5:52 | — | — | 5:52 | — | — | 5:53 | — | — | 5:54 | — | — | 5:54 | — | — | 5:55 | — | — | 5:57 | — | |
mm | 2 | — | 2 | 1 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | 1 | — | — | 6 |
Temp °C | 17 | 17 | 17 | 17 | 17 | 17 | 19 | 20 | 18 | 25 | 24 | 22 | 31 | 28 | 24 | 21 | 21 | 20 | 19 | 20 | 19 |
Feels °C | 13 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 14 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 24 | 22 | 21 | 30 | 27 | 25 | 20 | 20 | 20 | 20 | 20 | 18 |
Swell 1 Height (m) Direction Period (s) | SE 8 | S 11 | S 11 | S 10 | SSW 20 | S 17 | S 15 | S 12 | S 11 | E 8 | E 8 | E 9 | E 9 | E 9 | E 9 | E 9 | E 9 | E 9 | ENE 9 | S 7 | SSE 7 |
403 | 291 | 326 | 204 | 1786 | 4518 | 1920 | 690 | 242 | 368 | 368 | 395 | 348 | 355 | 364 | 235 | 240 | 203 | 141 | 124 | 259 | |
Swell 2 Height (m) Direction Period (s) | S 12 | E 10 | SE 7 | SSW 23 | S 10 | E 9 | — | S 14 | SSW 13 | S 11 | SSE 10 | SSE 10 | SSE 10 | SSE 10 | SSE 10 | SE 12 | SSW 16 | SSW 16 | SSW 7 | ENE 9 | ENE 9 |
150 | 33 | 64 | 623 | 198 | 81 | — | 429 | 229 | 253 | 141 | 82 | 31 | 57 | 18 | 37 | 97 | 424 | 73 | 108 | 106 | |
Swell 3 Height (m) Direction Period (s) | E 10 | S 15 | S 28 | SSE 13 | S 13 | — | — | — | — | SW 13 | SSW 12 | SSW 12 | SSE 11 | SSW 15 | SW 13 | SSW 12 | SE 12 | SW 6 | SSW 14 | SSW 13 | SSW 12 |
32 | 17 | 15 | 18 | 126 | — | — | — | — | 109 | 30 | 27 | 25 | 22 | 46 | 29 | 36 | 10 | 175 | 96 | 50 | |
Wind waves Height (m) Direction Period (s) | ENE 5 | ESE 8 | E 10 | E 7 | E 10 | E 5 | ENE 6 | ENE 7 | ENE 8 | ENE 8 | ENE 8 | ENE 9 | ENE 9 | ENE 9 | — | SW 4 | SW 5 | SW 6 | — | — | SE 8 |
42 | 232 | 125 | 120 | 239 | 44 | 173 | 423 | 461 | 606 | 567 | 666 | 566 | 554 | — | 5 | 5 | 38 | — | — | 531 | |
Nearest Offshore or Glassy | |||||||||||||||||||||
Distance (km) | 455 | 455 | 34 | 187 | 455 | 455 | 435 | 435 | 99 | 19 | 249 | 54 | 19 | 19 | 0 | 23 | 4 | 0 | 52 | 173 | 19 |
Best forecast wave conditions in Eastern Cape - Wild Coast | |||||||||||||||||||||
Best forecast wave conditions in South Africa | |||||||||||||||||||||
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Information about the Bonza Bay Surf forecast
The above surf forecast table for Bonza Bay provides essential information for determining whether the surfing conditions will be good over the next 16 days. A general guide to surfing at Bonza Bay can be found by selecting the local surf guide option on the grey menu. Our Bonza Bay 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 (Bonza Bay) 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 Bonza Bay 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.
Bonza Bay is 7 km (4 miles) from the city of East London. If you plan a holiday in Eastern Cape - Wild Coast, look for hotels and other accommodation in East London. East London has rooms for a wide range of budgets as well as car hire and transport links.










