
Surf Forecasts:
Buffalo Bay Wildside surf forecast from 27 Jul 2026:
- Best quality surf: Monday 27 Jul, 5PM (local time) - 10ft (3.0m), 17s period, SSW swell with cross-shore winds.
- Most powerful swell: Monday 27 Jul, 8PM (local time) - 11ft (3.5m), 17s period, SSW swell with 7,034 kJ wave energy.
- Next surfable swell (1★+): Monday 27 Jul, 5PM (local time) - 10ft (3.0m), 17s period with SSW 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 Monday (Jul 27) at 5PM. The primary swell is predicted to be 3.0m and 17s period with a secondary swell of 1.3m and 17s. Another secondary swell of 0.3m and 8s is also forecast. The wind is predicted to be cross-shore as the swell arrives.
The most powerful waves expected at Buffalo Bay Wildside in the next 16 days are 3.5m 17s and forecast to arrive on Monday (Jul 27) at 8PM. Winds are predicted to be cross-shore at the time the swell arrives. The largest open ocean swell (not directed at the beach) is 1.1m 6s period and expected on Wednesday (Jul 29) at 8AM.
| Wave Type | Time (SAST) & Date | Wave Height & Period |
|---|---|---|
| Next good surf (1 star+) | 5PM (Mon 27th Jul) | 10ft (3.0m) 17s |
| Best Surf | 5PM (Mon 27th Jul) | 10ft (3.0m) 17s |
| Most Powerful | 8PM (Mon 27th Jul) | 11ft (3.5m) 17s |
Table - best surf conditions forecast for Buffalo Bay Wildside over the next 16 days.
The Lowdown
Alright folks, Rusty here. Let’s have a look at what’s cooking for Buffalo Bay Wildside.
We’ve got a bit of a slow start, but things are shaping up. The water temp is sitting at about 63°, which is pretty much what you’d expect for this time of year – nothing weird going on there.
The first real chance for a paddle comes Monday morning, July 27th. It’s not a standout though. We’re looking at a 7ft swell from the SW, with a cross-onshore wind that’ll have it a bit choppy. The energy is moderate (1738), but it’s not going to be a pretty session. You might get a couple, but it’s more of a grovel than a glory run.
Monday afternoon the swell jumps up to 10ft from the SSW with a very long period of 17 seconds. The energy gets serious (6313), but here’s the thing – that’s big, and the data tells me it’s too big for this break. Even with the wind and tide looking favourable, it’s a pass for the paddle crew. This is more of a big-wave-only zone if you have the gear and the nerve.
Tuesday (July 28th) through to Wednesday (July 29th) the swell drops back to around 6ft to 8ft from the SW. The wind turns cross-offshore and clean. It’s consistent but the forecast quality is still a bit marginal, so think of it as a solid, workmanlike few days. Nothing that’ll get your heart racing, but better than sitting on the couch.
Now, the standout. Thursday morning, July 30th. This is the one. The wind goes glassy – dead calm from the east at 3 mph. The swell is a clean 5ft from the SW with a nice 13-second period. The energy is still moderate (1210), but with those conditions, the waves will be smooth and lined up. This is a morning for experienced surfers to really enjoy themselves. Glassy conditions are rare, and they’ll make this place look its best. Get out there early.
Thursday afternoon and Friday morning (July 31st) keep the good vibes going with clean, cross-offshore winds and a dropping swell (5ft to 4ft). The energy drops too (960-912). It’ll be fun for a longboard or a mid-length, but the peak quality has passed.
Come Friday afternoon, the swell shifts direction to the ESE and the period drops to a short 7 seconds. The energy is weak (839). This is a mushy, less powerful wave. Not great.
Saturday (August 1st) has a bit of a pulse from the ESE at 6ft, period still short at 9 seconds. Good news is the wind is light offshore from the NE in the morning and light in the afternoon. It’ll be clean, but the short period means it might be a bit fat and won’t have much push. It’s a decent option if you’re desperate.
From Sunday (August 2nd) into Monday (August 3rd), we get a bit of a downer. The wind turns cross-onshore and the quality dips again. The swell is around 5ft to 6ft from the E and SW. Not worth making plans for.
Then things get interesting again. Tuesday (August 4th) and Wednesday (August 5th) see a big pulse of SW swell. Tuesday morning is glassy, and the swell hits 10ft with moderate-strong energy (2723). But once again, for this break, 10ft is too big. It’s a pass unless you’re an expert on a big-wave gun. Wednesday afternoon the period jumps to 15 seconds, and you get an onshore wind. That’s a lot of water moving, but the quality will be compromised.
Thursday (August 6th) morning is back to glassy with an 8ft SW swell at a long 14 seconds. Energy is strong (2972). This is “excellent for experienced surfers.” That’s the second real standout. If you’re seasoned and wanting a challenge, this is your slot. The lines will be long and powerful.
The top pick of the whole outlook, though, has to be Saturday morning, August 8th. Glassy conditions, 8ft of clean SSW swell, and a very long 14-second period. The energy is very strong (3049). This is a proper groundswell hitting with excellent conditions. The data flags this as excellent for experienced surfers. It will be big, but the glassy wind will make it as clean as it gets. If you’re competent, this is the session to aim for. Just keep in mind that with that long period, it might be a bit more walled-up at a beach setup, but the payoff for those who find the right bank will be huge. Crowds are possible – when the conditions align like this, everyone knows.
Sunday (August 9th) holds on with a clean 7ft swell, but the wind shifts to cross-offshore, which is still good. The energy stays strong (2770). Good, but not as perfect as Saturday.
After that, the outlook fades. Monday (August 10th) is mediocre with cross-shore winds, and Tuesday (August 11th) looks like a write-off. A fresh cross-onshore wind at 18 mph with rain showers will make a mess of things.
So to sum it up: the best windows are Thursday morning July 30th for a clean, glassy small day, and Saturday morning August 8th for a clean, glassy, big-power session for the experienced crew. Everything else is filler.
Rusty.
Short Range ForecastModerate rain (total 10mm), heaviest on Mon afternoon. Very mild (max 18°C on Wed afternoon, min 12°C on Tue night). Wind will be generally light. | Days 4-6 Weather SummaryMostly dry. Warm (max 24°C on Sat afternoon, min 12°C on Fri morning). Wind will be generally light. | ||||||||||||||||||||
Monday 27 | Tuesday 28 | Wednesday 29 | Thursday 30 | Friday 31 | Saturday 1 | Sunday 2 | |||||||||||||||
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 | SSW 17 | SSW 16 | SSW 15 | SSW 14 | SW 14 | SW 13 | SW 13 | SSW 13 | SW 13 | SW 13 | SW 13 | SW 13 | ESE 7 | E 8 | ESE 9 | ESE 9 | ESE 9 | ESE 10 | E 10 | SW 15 |
Wave Graph | |||||||||||||||||||||
1206 | 5311 | 5674 | 2378 | 2281 | 1570 | 1182 | 1127 | 1061 | 854 | 700 | 613 | 466 | 410 | 1045 | 534 | 559 | 655 | 710 | 479 | 1254 | |
Wind (km/h) | |||||||||||||||||||||
Wind State on-shore cross-onshore cross-shore cross-offshore off-shore glassy | cross-on | cross | cross | cross-off | cross-off | off | cross-off | cross-off | off | glassy | cross-off | off | cross-off | cross-off | off | off | cross-off | cross-off | cross-on | cross-on | cross |
High Tide | 2:59PM1.44m | 3:04AM1.53m | 3:30PM1.55m | 3:35AM1.61m | 3:59PM1.64m | 4:04AM1.66m | 4:28PM1.71m | 4:33AM1.68m | 4:56PM1.75m | 5:01AM1.68m | 5:24PM1.77m | 5:31AM1.64m | 5:54PM1.75m | ||||||||
Low Tide | 8:50AM0.36m | 9:01PM0.42m | 9:20AM0.26m | 9:32PM0.33m | 9:48AM0.18m | 10:03PM0.26m | 10:15AM0.12m | 10:32PM0.22m | 10:42AM0.08m | 11:02PM0.19m | 11:09AM0.08m | 11:32PM0.20m | 11:37AM0.11m | 00:05AM0.23m | |||||||
7:24 | — | — | 7:24 | — | — | 7:22 | — | — | 7:22 | — | — | 7:22 | — | — | 7:20 | — | — | 7:20 | — | — | |
— | 5:44 | — | — | 5:45 | — | — | 5:45 | — | — | 5:45 | — | — | 5:46 | — | — | 5:46 | — | — | 5:47 | — | |
mm | — | 3 | 6 | 1 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
Temp °C | 16 | 16 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 14 | 15 | 18 | 16 | 16 | 18 | 15 | 16 | 19 | 16 | 21 | 24 | 20 | 22 | 22 | 15 |
Feels °C | 14 | 12 | 10 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 11 | 13 | 12 | 15 | 16 | 11 | 14 | 16 | 12 | 17 | 20 | 16 | 18 | 19 | 13 |
Swell 1 Height (m) Direction Period (s) | SW 12 | SSW 17 | SSW 16 | SSW 15 | SSW 14 | SW 14 | SW 13 | SW 13 | SSW 13 | SW 13 | SW 13 | ESE 7 | ESE 9 | SW 12 | E 9 | ESE 9 | ESE 9 | ESE 9 | ESE 10 | E 10 | SW 15 |
1206 | 5311 | 5674 | 2378 | 2281 | 1570 | 1182 | 1127 | 1061 | 854 | 700 | 227 | 446 | 330 | 399 | 534 | 559 | 655 | 710 | 479 | 1254 | |
Swell 2 Height (m) Direction Period (s) | SSW 16 | SSW 17 | E 8 | — | — | SE 7 | ESE 7 | — | ESE 7 | ESE 7 | — | SW 13 | SW 13 | SSW 15 | SE 8 | SW 12 | SW 11 | SW 13 | SW 13 | SW 12 | E 10 |
463 | 992 | 5 | — | — | 173 | 180 | — | 254 | 154 | — | 613 | 466 | 85 | 297 | 187 | 213 | 369 | 386 | 297 | 361 | |
Swell 3 Height (m) Direction Period (s) | ESE 8 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | E 9 | — | SW 19 | SW 13 | SW 15 | SW 15 | S 13 | S 10 | SSW 16 | SW 4 |
7 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | 162 | — | 14 | 310 | 84 | 75 | 3 | 18 | 284 | 7 | |
Wind waves Height (m) Direction Period (s) | SW 6 | E 8 | — | SE 8 | SE 6 | ESE 7 | ESE 7 | ESE 7 | E 7 | E 7 | ESE 6 | E 7 | ESE 6 | ESE 7 | E 8 | — | — | — | W 3 | WSW 4 | — |
62 | 10 | — | 362 | 252 | 335 | 247 | 336 | 374 | 202 | 260 | 554 | 92 | 410 | 1045 | — | — | — | 3 | 5 | — | |
Nearest Offshore or Glassy | |||||||||||||||||||||
Distance (km) | 1 | 180 | 19 | 19 | 19 | 0 | 3 | 19 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 19 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
Best forecast wave conditions in Garden Route | |||||||||||||||||||||
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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.










