
Surf Forecasts:
Cape Mendocino surf forecast from 26 Jul 2026:
- Best quality surf: Sunday 26 Jul, 5AM (local time) - 4ft (1.2m), 20s period, SW swell with cross-offshore winds.
- Most powerful swell: Sunday 26 Jul, 8AM (local time) - 4.5ft (1.3m), 19s period, SSW swell with 1,255 kJ wave energy.
- Next surfable swell (1★+): Sunday 26 Jul, 5AM (local time) - 4ft (1.2m), 20s period with SW swell.
Best Forecast Surf Conditions for Cape Mendocino this week:
The surf forecast for Cape Mendocino over the next 16 days: The first swell (rated 1 star or higher) is forecast to arrive on Sunday (Jul 26) at 5AM. The primary swell is predicted to be 1.2m and 20s period with a secondary swell of 0.9m and 8s. The wind is predicted to be cross-offshore as the swell arrives.
The most powerful waves expected at Cape Mendocino in the next 16 days are 1.3m 19s and forecast to arrive on Sunday (Jul 26) at 8AM. Winds are predicted to be cross-shore at the time the swell arrives. The largest open ocean swell (not directed at the beach) is 2.1m 7s period and expected on Sunday (Aug 02) at 5AM.
| Wave Type | Time (PDT) & Date | Wave Height & Period |
|---|---|---|
| Next good surf (1 star+) | 5AM (Sun 26th Jul) | 4ft (1.2m) 20s |
| Best Surf | 5AM (Sun 26th Jul) | 4ft (1.2m) 20s |
| Most Powerful | 8AM (Sun 26th Jul) | 4.5ft (1.3m) 19s |
Table - best surf conditions forecast for Cape Mendocino over the next 16 days.
The Lowdown
Alright folks, Rusty here. Let’s take a good look at what’s coming down the line for Cape Mendocino. I’ll be straight with you – the next couple of weeks are looking pretty average for us.
Overall Pattern
We’ve got a bit of swell on the way, but it’s gonna be a struggle with the wind. For the first week, that persistent cross-shore breeze is going to mess things up. The wave energy is moderate at best, and the conditions are going to be lumpy. The best of what’s on offer is early on, but even that’s not a standout.
Sunday, July 26th to Tuesday, July 28th
The opening few days bring the most size, with swells hovering around the 4ft to 4ft range, coming from the SW and SSW. The period is long, around 17 to 19 seconds – that’s proper groundswell with some serious energy behind it, giving you waves with a bit of shape and long lulls between sets. The combined energy is strong (1285 on Sunday morning for example), so there’s power there. But honestly, the wind is a letdown. It’s a moderate cross-shore (9 to 16 mph) which means a cross-chop on the face. The breaks are exposed to a SW swell, but with that wind, it’s going to be hard work.
Wednesday, July 29th onwards
From Wednesday, things start to fall apart. The swell drops below 3ft, the period shortens up, and the combined energy fades. The wind actually picks up to a fresh 19 to 22 mph cross-shore (and later cross-offshore) making for lumpy, poor conditions. There’s a long stretch from Wednesday, July 29th, right through to Saturday, August 9th, where the conditions are just poor. Swell heights dip to as low as 1.0ft and 1ft, and while there’s a period of very long period swell (19 seconds on August 6th), with hardly any height (1ft), it’s not going to produce much.
The Blip – Thursday, August 6th
There is one tiny window. On Thursday afternoon, August 6th, the wind finally drops to glassy conditions. The swell is still tiny at 1ft, but the combined energy is weak (110). It’s surfable, but it’s not something to get excited about. For a true expert spot, it’s just not enough.
The Verdict
Look, I can’t sugarcoat it – there are no real standouts here. The first couple of days have the size and power, but the wind kills it. The rest is flat and windy. The water temperature is about average for the time of year, so the 59° to 59°F water won't be a shock.
This is a blank run for Cape Mendocino. It’s a fairly consistent spot that can fire, but this forecast is a dud. Sometimes you just gotta wait for the next weather pattern. Keep an eye out, things can change fast around here.
Rusty.
Short Range ForecastMostly dry. Very mild (max 18°C on Mon afternoon, min 13°C on Sat night). Wind will be generally light. | Days 5-7 Weather SummaryMostly dry. Very mild (max 17°C on Fri afternoon, min 12°C on Wed night). Mainly fresh winds. | ||||||||||||||||||
Sunday 26 | Monday 27 | Tuesday 28 | Wednesday 29 | Thursday 30 | Friday 31 | ||||||||||||||
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 20 | SW 19 | SW 19 | SW 18 | SSW 18 | SSW 18 | SW 19 | SW 17 | SSW 18 | SSW 17 | SSW 16 | SSW 16 | NW 9 | SSW 16 | SSW 16 | S 15 | SW 14 | SSW 14 | SSE 14 |
Wave Graph | |||||||||||||||||||
872 | 1100 | 863 | 719 | 845 | 1104 | 837 | 679 | 1081 | 789 | 635 | 539 | 436 | 377 | 306 | 171 | 214 | 239 | 254 | |
Wind (km/h) | |||||||||||||||||||
Wind State on-shore cross-onshore cross-shore cross-offshore off-shore glassy | cross-off | cross | cross | cross-off | cross | cross | cross-off | cross | cross | cross-off | cross | cross | cross | cross | cross | cross | cross | cross | cross-off |
High Tide | 8:50PM1.78m | 11:38AM1.33m | 9:34PM1.81m | 12:10PM1.37m | 10:16PM1.84m | 12:39PM1.39m | 10:55PM1.85m | 1:05PM1.42m | 11:34PM1.83m | 1:30PM1.46m | 00:13AM1.79m | 1:56PM1.51m | 00:53AM1.70m | ||||||
Low Tide | 4:39AM-0.05m | 4:10PM1.01m | 5:16AM-0.10m | 4:52PM0.98m | 5:49AM-0.13m | 5:29PM0.95m | 6:20AM-0.14m | 6:06PM0.90m | 6:50AM-0.13m | 6:43PM0.85m | 7:20AM-0.09m | 7:23PM0.78m | |||||||
— | 6:09 | — | — | 6:09 | — | — | 6:09 | — | — | 6:11 | — | — | 6:11 | — | — | 6:13 | — | — | |
8:38 | — | 8:37 | — | — | 8:37 | — | — | 8:36 | — | — | 8:35 | — | — | 8:34 | — | — | 8:32 | — | |
mm | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
Temp °C | 16 | 16 | 17 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 16 | 16 | 16 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 14 | 16 | 17 | 15 |
Feels °C | 14 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 13 | 12 | 12 | 10 | 10 | 11 | 9 | 11 | 12 | 11 |
Swell 1 Height (m) Direction Period (s) | SW 20 | SW 19 | SW 19 | SW 18 | SSW 18 | SSW 18 | SW 19 | SW 17 | SSW 18 | SSW 17 | SSW 16 | SSW 16 | SSW 16 | SSW 16 | SSW 16 | S 15 | SW 14 | SSW 14 | SSE 14 |
872 | 1100 | 863 | 719 | 845 | 1104 | 837 | 679 | 1081 | 789 | 635 | 539 | 436 | 377 | 306 | 159 | 214 | 239 | 254 | |
Swell 2 Height (m) Direction Period (s) | NW 8 | NW 8 | SSW 12 | NW 10 | NW 9 | NW 9 | NW 9 | NW 9 | SSW 12 | SSW 12 | S 18 | S 18 | S 17 | S 16 | WNW 8 | SW 15 | SSE 16 | SSE 15 | SSW 14 |
112 | 84 | 56 | 163 | 119 | 125 | 117 | 97 | 55 | 52 | 98 | 307 | 287 | 183 | 59 | 171 | 191 | 222 | 136 | |
Swell 3 Height (m) Direction Period (s) | SSW 12 | S 12 | NW 11 | SSW 21 | SSW 13 | SSW 11 | SSW 16 | SSW 21 | S 12 | S 20 | SW 11 | SSW 11 | SSE 15 | SSE 15 | S 16 | SSE 17 | S 15 | — | NW 8 |
57 | 101 | 30 | 180 | 98 | 40 | 144 | 144 | 3 | 119 | 32 | 22 | 23 | 42 | 246 | 99 | 104 | — | 30 | |
Wind waves Height (m) Direction Period (s) | — | — | NW 7 | — | N 3 | NNW 4 | N 3 | NNW 3 | NW 9 | NW 9 | NW 6 | NW 8 | NW 9 | NW 6 | NNW 6 | NNW 6 | NNW 6 | NNW 6 | NNW 6 |
— | — | 75 | — | 5 | 10 | 3 | 9 | 197 | 215 | 171 | 401 | 370 | 209 | 145 | 136 | 176 | 176 | 110 | |
Nearest Offshore or Glassy | |||||||||||||||||||
Distance (km) | 0 | 151 | 151 | 40 | 151 | 151 | 40 | 334 | 437 | 54 | 151 | 437 | 80 | 128 | 436 | 40 | 151 | 436 | 59 |
Best forecast wave conditions in Humboldt County | |||||||||||||||||||
Best forecast wave conditions in United States | |||||||||||||||||||
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Information about the Cape Mendocino Surf forecast
The above surf forecast table for Cape Mendocino provides essential information for determining whether the surfing conditions will be good over the next 16 days. A general guide to surfing at Cape Mendocino can be found by selecting the local surf guide option on the grey menu. Our Cape Mendocino 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 (Cape Mendocino) 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 Cape Mendocino 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.
Cape Mendocino is 47 km (29 miles) from Eureka. If you plan a vacation in Humboldt County, look for hotels and other accommodation in Eureka. Eureka has rooms for a wide range of budgets as well as car hire and transport links.










