Surf Forecasts:
Buffalo Bay Wildside surf forecast from 22 Jul 2026:
- Best quality surf: Thursday 23 Jul, 2PM (local time) - 10ft (3.0m), 11s period, SW swell with onshore winds.
- Most powerful swell: Friday 24 Jul, 8AM (local time) - 13ft (4.0m), 16s period, SSW swell with 6,916 kJ wave energy.
- Next surfable swell (1★+): Thursday 23 Jul, 8AM (local time) - 6ft (1.8m), 11s period with SW swell.
Best Forecast Surf Conditions for Buffalo Bay Wildside this week:
The surf forecast for Buffalo Bay Wildside over the next 16 days: The first swell (rated 1 star or higher) is forecast to arrive on Thursday (Jul 23) at 8AM. The primary swell is predicted to be 1.8m and 11s period with a secondary swell of 0.7m and 12s. The wind is predicted to be cross-offshore as the swell arrives.
The most powerful waves expected at Buffalo Bay Wildside in the next 16 days are 4.0m 16s and forecast to arrive on Friday (Jul 24) at 8AM. Winds are predicted to be glassy at the time the swell arrives. The largest open ocean swell (not directed at the beach) is 0.8m 5s period and expected on Sunday (Jul 26) at 2AM.
| Wave Type | Time (SAST) & Date | Wave Height & Period |
|---|---|---|
| Next good surf (1 star+) | 8AM (Thu 23rd Jul) | 6ft (1.8m) 11s |
| Best Surf | 2PM (Thu 23rd Jul) | 10ft (3.0m) 11s |
| Most Powerful | 8AM (Fri 24th Jul) | 13ft (4.0m) 16s |
Table - best surf conditions forecast for Buffalo Bay Wildside over the next 16 days.
The Lowdown
Alright, let’s talk about Buffalo Bay Wildside. This spot is known to be inconsistent – it doesn’t fire every time – but when it lines up, the right swell and wind can make it special. Water temp is sitting at 63.7°F, dead average for this time of year, so no surprises there. The whole stretch is exposed to swell, though the optimum direction is SE, and most of the energy we’re seeing is coming from the SW and SSW, so it’s not a perfect match, but there’s still some good windows.
We kick off Wednesday 22 July morning with a 6.9ft SW groundswell, 12 seconds, combined energy at 1426 (strong). Wind is cross-on from the WSW at 9 mph, making it a bit choppy – not the best, but you could find a few if you’re keen. That afternoon goes onshore, still messy. Thursday 23 July morning sees similar 6.9ft SW swell, light cross-on, still marginal. But Thursday afternoon the swell jumps to 9.8ft SW, 11 seconds, energy 2081 (very strong), but wind turns cross-on from WNW at 9 mph, and the comment says it’s too big for this break. That’s only for the brave.
Now, Friday 24 July is where things get exciting. Morning: 11.5ft SSW groundswell with a 16-second period – that’s a long, powerful groundswell. Combined energy is 6184 (very strong). Wind is offshore from the ENE at 3 mph, glassy clean. But the size is over 8.2ft, so it’s expert territory only. This break is inconsistent, so a clean, offshore day with that much energy is a rare treat – but only if you’ve got the skills. The afternoon keeps it clean with 9.8ft SSW, 15 seconds, offshore cross-off wind, still only for experts.
Saturday 25 July settles to 7.5ft SW, 13 seconds, combined energy 1923 (strong). Morning has light cross-off wind from ESE at 3 mph, clean. That’s a solid size for advanced surfers, and the conditions are clean. Afternoon stays clean but wind picks up a bit. Still
Short Range ForecastLight rain (total 8mm), mostly falling on Thu afternoon. Very mild (max 18°C on Fri afternoon, min 12°C on Wed morning). Wind will be generally light. | Days 4-6 Weather SummaryMostly dry. Warm (max 26°C on Sun afternoon, min 14°C on Sat morning). Wind will be generally light. | ||||||||||||||||||||
Wednesday 22 | Thursday 23 | Friday 24 | Saturday 25 | Sunday 26 | Monday 27 | Tuesday 28 | |||||||||||||||
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 12 | SW 12 | SSW 12 | SW 12 | SW 11 | SSW 17 | SSW 16 | SSW 15 | SSW 14 | SW 13 | SW 13 | SW 12 | SW 12 | SW 12 | SW 12 | SW 12 | SW 14 | SSE 9 | SSW 15 | SSW 15 | SSW 14 |
Wave Graph  | |||||||||||||||||||||
 kJ | 1240 | 1200 | 519 | 1121 | 1938 | 2755 | 6132 | 4117 | 2727 | 1838 | 1756 | 1315 | 928 | 812 | 1302 | 1112 | 1712 | 865 | 2042 | 2697 | 2243 |
Wind (km/h) | |||||||||||||||||||||
Wind State on-shore cross-onshore cross-shore cross-offshore off-shore glassy | cross-on | on | cross-on | cross-on | cross-on | cross-on | off | cross-off | glassy | cross-off | cross-off | cross-off | cross-off | cross-on | cross | cross-off | cross-off | cross-off | cross-off | cross-off | glassy |
High Tide | 9:14AM1.10m | 9:54PM1.22m | 10:58AM1.05m | 11:34PM1.19m | 12:41PM1.10m | 00:56AM1.24m | 1:43PM1.21m | 1:50AM1.33m | 2:24PM1.32m | 2:30AM1.44m | 2:59PM1.44m | 3:04AM1.53m | 3:30PM1.55m | 3:35AM1.61m | |||||||
Low Tide | 3:07PM0.67m | 4:36AM0.69m | 4:43PM0.75m | 6:22AM0.67m | 6:36PM0.72m | 7:32AM0.58m | 7:43PM0.63m | 8:16AM0.47m | 8:26PM0.52m | 8:50AM0.36m | 9:01PM0.42m | 9:20AM0.26m | 9:32PM0.33m | ||||||||
 |  |  | |  |  | | |  | | | | | | | |  | | | | | |
 | 7:28 | — | — | 7:26 | — | — | 7:26 | — | — | 7:26 | — | — | 7:24 | — | — | 7:24 | — | — | 7:24 | — | — |
 | — | 5:40 | — | — | 5:40 | — | — | 5:42 | — | — | 5:43 | — | — | 5:43 | — | — | 5:44 | — | — | 5:45 | — |
mm | — | — | — | — | 3 | 5 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
Temp °C | 16 | 16 | 14 | 16 | 17 | 14 | 15 | 18 | 15 | 17 | 20 | 17 | 23 | 26 | 18 | 17 | 18 | 18 | 18 | 20 | 19 |
Feels °C | 14 | 14 | 13 | 14 | 13 | 12 | 14 | 15 | 14 | 15 | 17 | 15 | 20 | 24 | 17 | 17 | 16 | 16 | 17 | 17 | 17 |
Swell 1 Height (m) Direction Period (s) | SW 12 | SW 12 | SSW 12 | SW 12 | ESE 12 | SW 12 | SSW 16 | SSW 15 | SSW 14 | SW 13 | SW 13 | SW 12 | SW 12 | SW 12 | SW 12 | SW 12 | SW 14 | SSE 9 | SSW 15 | SSW 15 | SSW 14 |
| kJ | 1240 | 1200 | 519 | 1121 | 125 | 1829 | 6132 | 4117 | 2727 | 1838 | 1756 | 1315 | 928 | 812 | 1302 | 1112 | 1712 | 839 | 2042 | 2697 | 2243 |
Swell 2 Height (m) Direction Period (s) | ESE 11 | ESE 11 | SW 12 | ESE 12 | S 21 | SSW 17 | ESE 12 | ESE 11 | SE 11 | SE 11 | SE 10 | ESE 4 | SSW 16 | SSW 14 | E 7 | SSW 15 | E 9 | SW 13 | — | — | — |
| kJ | 186 | 190 | 486 | 127 | 9 | 2755 | 52 | 49 | 30 | 56 | 52 | 18 | 263 | 394 | 24 | 439 | 26 | 865 | — | — | — |
Swell 3 Height (m) Direction Period (s) | — | S 15 | ESE 12 | SE 8 | S 22 | ESE 12 | — | — | — | SE 11 | ESE 10 | — | ESE 5 | ESE 5 | — | E 8 | — | SSW 16 | — | — | — |
| kJ | — | 110 | 196 | 17 | 9 | 91 | — | — | — | 29 | 60 | — | 14 | 11 | — | 22 | — | 575 | — | — | — |
Wind waves Height (m) Direction Period (s) | — | WSW 3 | — | — | SW 11 | — | — | — | — | — | E 3 | E 5 | — | — | W 4 | — | — | E 8 | ESE 8 | ESE 8 | ESE 8 |
| kJ | — | 4 | — | — | 1938 | — | — | — | — | — | 5 | 27 | — | — | 6 | — | — | 6 | 1310 | 917 | 751 |
Nearest Offshore or Glassy | |||||||||||||||||||||
Distance (km) | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 19 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 8 | 1 | 0 | 492 | 19 | 19 | 19 | 0 |
Best forecast wave conditions in Garden Route | |||||||||||||||||||||
Best forecast wave conditions in South Africa | |||||||||||||||||||||
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Information about the Buffalo Bay Wildside Surf forecast
The above surf forecast table for Buffalo Bay Wildside provides essential information for determining whether the surfing conditions will be good over the next 16 days. A general guide to surfing at Buffalo Bay Wildside can be found by selecting the local surf guide option on the grey menu. Our Buffalo Bay Wildside 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 (Buffalo Bay Wildside) 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 Buffalo Bay Wildside 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 Garden Route? If you are looking for accommodation near Buffalo Bay Wildside, camping, hotels and holiday cottages in Garden Route, consider staying in Knysna which is 8 km (5 miles) away. Other places in and around Garden Route where you can find information about places to rent, and car hire include Plettenberg Bay which is 36 km (22 miles) away, George, Mossel Bay and Oudtshoorn.
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