
Surf Forecasts:
Buffalo Bay Wildside surf forecast from 2 Jul 2026:
- Best quality surf: Thursday 9 Jul, 2AM (local time) - 10ft (3.0m), 15s period, SSW swell with cross-offshore winds.
- Most powerful swell: Thursday 9 Jul, 2AM (local time) - 10ft (3.0m), 15s period, SSW swell with 4,301 kJ wave energy.
- Next surfable swell (1★+): Friday 3 Jul, 2AM (local time) - 8ft (2.5m), 10s 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 Friday (Jul 03) at 2AM. The primary swell is predicted to be 2.5m and 10s period with a secondary swell of 0.6m and 11s. 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 3.0m 15s and forecast to arrive on Thursday (Jul 09) at 2AM. Winds are predicted to be cross-offshore at the time the swell arrives. The largest open ocean swell (not directed at the beach) is 0.9m 9s period and expected on Saturday (Jul 04) at 2AM.
| Wave Type | Time (SAST) & Date | Wave Height & Period |
|---|---|---|
| Next good surf (1 star+) | 2AM (Fri 3rd Jul) | 8ft (2.5m) 10s |
| Best Surf | 2AM (Thu 9th Jul) | 10ft (3.0m) 15s |
| Most Powerful | 2AM (Thu 9th Jul) | 10ft (3.0m) 15s |
Table - best surf conditions forecast for Buffalo Bay Wildside over the next 16 days.
Updates in hr min s Forecast update imminent
Alright, Rusty here. Let’s talk about what’s coming up at Buffalo Bay Wildside.
We’re looking at a long stretch of solid south-east and south-west groundswell, and for the most part, you’ll need to be on your game – this isn’t a beginner’s playground for much of the run. The combined wave energy is strong to very strong throughout, often sitting between 1000 and 7000 (moderate to very strong energy), so there’s plenty of power in the water.
It kicks off Friday the 3rd of July with a 6ft south-east swell, period a long 11 seconds. The wind is a light north-northeast cross-off, so it’s clean. That’s a solid way to start, but at that size and with that energy (1135), it’s for experienced surfers only. Friday afternoon the wind swings onshore and the quality drops.
Saturday the 4th of July is the real standout. We’ve got a 7ft south-east groundswell, a 13-second period, and glassy conditions with a light north wind in the morning. The energy is pumping at 1777. That is premium, clean, powerful surf. It’s going to be a rippable morning. The afternoon holds with a 6ft east-southeast swell and cross-off breeze – still very good.
Sunday the 5th of July the swell drops a touch to 5ft, but it’s still clean and lined up in the morning. A solid option if you missed Saturday. Monday the 6th of July brings a shift to a south-west swell, 6ft, and glassy again in the morning – another cracker.
From Tuesday the 7th of July through the rest of the week, the swell holds between 6ft and 8ft, but the wind gets messy at times. Wednesday the 8th of July sees a jump to 8ft to 8ft south-west, but it’s cross-onshore and choppy. Thursday the 9th is the kicker: a 10ft south-southwest swell, 14-second period, and clean cross-off wind – but it’s simply too big for this break, experts only and even then, it’s pushing the limits.
The second week sees continued solid surf but more variable conditions. Saturday the 11th of July has a nice 6ft south-southwest swell with clean cross-off winds – a good call for experienced surfers. Sunday the 12th of July is sizable with an 8ft southerly swell and a very long 16-second period, energy over 5000, but the moderate east wind keeps it clean. Monday the 13th of July turns choppy and onshore, and by Tuesday the 14th it’s small and messy. Wednesday the 15th of July and Thursday the 16th of July see a big swell jump to 12ft and 13ft, but it’s blown out and rough – that’s serious, unruly power. Friday the 17th of July cleans up with a 10ft south-southwest swell and offshore winds, but again, it’s big. Saturday the 18th of July ends the run on a high with a 7ft south-southwest swell, light north wind, and clean conditions.
Overall, the best of the best is Saturday morning the 4th of July – that glassy, 7ft south-east groundswell is the one to circle. The second standout is Monday morning the 6th of July with the glassy south-west swell. For the second week, Saturday the 11th of July is your safest bet for clean, manageable waves.
Remember, Buffalo Bay Wildside is inconsistent, so when it’s on, you make the most of it. Crowds are possible. Swell direction is optimum from the south-east, and we get plenty of that.
Stay safe, have a good one.
- Rusty
Short Range ForecastMostly dry. Warm (max 21°C on Sun afternoon, min 13°C on Thu night). Wind will be generally light. | Days 5-7 Weather SummaryMostly dry. Very mild (max 19°C on Mon afternoon, min 15°C on Sun night). Wind will be generally light. | ||||||||||||||||||||
Friday 3 | Saturday 4 | Sunday 5 | Monday 6 | Tuesday 7 | Wednesday 8 | Thu 9 | |||||||||||||||
Night | AM | PM | Night | AM | PM | Night | AM | PM | Night | AM | PM | Night | AM | PM | Night | AM | PM | Night | AM | PM | |
Swell Height Map | |||||||||||||||||||||
Wave Height (m) Direction Period (s) | SW 10 | SE 11 | SE 11 | SE 12 | SE 13 | ESE 12 | ESE 12 | ESE 12 | ESE 12 | SW 12 | SW 12 | SW 12 | SW 11 | SW 12 | SW 12 | SW 12 | SW 14 | SW 13 | SSW 15 | SSW 14 | SSW 14 |
Wave Graph | |||||||||||||||||||||
1179 | 659 | 986 | 1522 | 1480 | 1056 | 782 | 636 | 509 | 341 | 1007 | 897 | 861 | 939 | 826 | 928 | 2094 | 2094 | 4301 | 3820 | 3454 | |
Wind (km/h) | |||||||||||||||||||||
Wind State on-shore cross-onshore cross-shore cross-offshore off-shore glassy | cross-off | cross-off | on | cross-off | glassy | cross-off | cross-off | cross-off | cross-on | glassy | glassy | cross-off | cross-off | cross-on | glassy | glassy | cross-on | cross-on | cross-off | cross-off | cross-off |
High Tide | 5:22AM1.57m | 5:51PM1.60m | 5:54AM1.53m | 6:24PM1.59m | 6:29AM1.47m | 7:01PM1.57m | 7:10AM1.40m | 7:43PM1.53m | 7:59AM1.31m | 8:36PM1.48m | 9:05AM1.23m | 9:46PM1.44m | 10:33AM1.20m | ||||||||
Low Tide | 11:21PM0.33m | 11:34AM0.20m | 11:55PM0.35m | 12:05PM0.23m | 00:32AM0.38m | 12:39PM0.27m | 1:14AM0.41m | 1:18PM0.34m | 2:03AM0.46m | 2:05PM0.42m | 3:05AM0.50m | 3:08PM0.50m | 4:23AM0.51m | 4:29PM0.55m | |||||||
— | 7:33 | — | — | 7:33 | — | — | 7:33 | — | — | 7:33 | — | — | 7:33 | — | — | 7:33 | — | — | 7:33 | — | |
5:29 | — | 5:30 | — | — | 5:30 | — | — | 5:30 | — | — | 5:30 | — | — | 5:31 | — | — | 5:31 | — | — | 5:32 | |
mm | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | 5 | — | — |
Temp °C | 14 | 16 | 18 | 14 | 17 | 19 | 16 | 19 | 21 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 17 | 18 | 18 | 16 | 17 | 17 | 15 | 14 | 14 |
Feels °C | 10 | 13 | 16 | 12 | 14 | 17 | 13 | 16 | 18 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 15 | 16 | 16 | 15 | 14 | 13 | 14 | 12 | 11 |
Swell 1 Height (m) Direction Period (s) | SW 10 | SE 11 | SE 11 | SE 12 | SE 13 | ESE 12 | ESE 12 | ESE 12 | ESE 12 | ESE 11 | SW 12 | SW 12 | SW 11 | SW 12 | SW 12 | SW 12 | SW 14 | SW 13 | SSW 15 | SSW 14 | SSW 14 |
1179 | 659 | 986 | 1522 | 1480 | 1056 | 782 | 636 | 509 | 335 | 1007 | 897 | 861 | 939 | 826 | 928 | 2094 | 2094 | 4301 | 3820 | 3454 | |
Swell 2 Height (m) Direction Period (s) | SE 11 | SW 9 | SW 11 | WSW 9 | SW 10 | SW 9 | SW 9 | WSW 9 | WSW 9 | SW 12 | ESE 11 | ESE 11 | ESE 10 | ESE 10 | ESE 10 | SE 10 | SSW 18 | SSW 17 | E 11 | SE 16 | SE 15 |
103 | 430 | 273 | 138 | 177 | 166 | 107 | 145 | 99 | 341 | 247 | 180 | 92 | 67 | 38 | 24 | 364 | 848 | 2 | 10 | 9 | |
Swell 3 Height (m) Direction Period (s) | E 8 | SW 13 | WSW 8 | SW 11 | SSW 18 | SSW 16 | SW 15 | SW 14 | SW 14 | WSW 10 | S 8 | S 8 | — | E 10 | E 10 | SSW 20 | ESE 9 | ESE 9 | SE 18 | — | — |
6 | 46 | 117 | 150 | 120 | 173 | 174 | 238 | 147 | 117 | 1 | 1 | — | 8 | 2 | 76 | 17 | 8 | 12 | — | — | |
Wind waves Height (m) Direction Period (s) | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | W 4 | — | — | — | — |
— | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | 28 | — | — | — | — | |
Nearest Offshore or Glassy | |||||||||||||||||||||
Distance (km) | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 19 | 19 | 19 |
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.











