Surf Forecasts:
Cape Mendocino surf forecast from 9 Aug 2026:
- Best quality surf: Friday 14 Aug, 8AM (local time) - 2ft (0.6m), 16s period, SSW swell with cross-offshore winds.
- Most powerful swell: Saturday 15 Aug, 11AM (local time) - 3ft (0.9m), 17s period, SSW swell with 475 kJ wave energy.
- Next surfable swell (1★+): Friday 14 Aug, 8AM (local time) - 2ft (0.6m), 16s period with SSW 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 Friday (Aug 14) at 8AM. The primary swell is predicted to be 0.6m and 16s period. 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 0.9m 17s and forecast to arrive on Saturday (Aug 15) at 11AM. Winds are predicted to be cross-onshore at the time the swell arrives. The largest open ocean swell (not directed at the beach) is 3.5m 9s period and expected on Thursday (Aug 13) at 2AM.
| Wave Type | Time (PDT) & Date | Wave Height & Period |
|---|---|---|
| Next good surf (1 star+) | 8AM (Fri 14th Aug) | 2ft (0.6m) 16s |
| Best Surf | 8AM (Fri 14th Aug) | 2ft (0.6m) 16s |
| Most Powerful | 11AM (Sat 15th Aug) | 3ft (0.9m) 17s |
Table - best surf conditions forecast for Cape Mendocino over the next 16 days.
The Lowdown
Alright folks, Rusty here. Let’s take a look at what’s coming up for Cape Mendocino. It’s a bit of a slow start, so don’t be in a rush.
Truth is, for the first week or so, we’re looking at a lot of cross-shore wind and lumpy, messy conditions. The swell is small, mostly around 1ft to 2ft, and that cross-chop is going to make it a real struggle. The water is much colder than normal for this time of year, sitting at 52°, which is a good 5° below average. That’s a serious chill, so layer up if you’re even thinking about it.
The first real glimmer comes on the 15th of August. The swell bumps up to 3ft from the SSW, and while the wind is cross-onshore, it’s light. The combined energy jumps to 675 (moderate), and we start seeing a long-period groundswell of 17 seconds. It’s still marginal, but it’s a sign of life.
By the 17th of August, Monday afternoon, we get a moment of glory. The wind goes glassy, with a 3ft SSW swell holding a 14-second period. Combined energy is 408 (moderate), and the forecast says “expect good surf conditions.” This is the best bet in the early run. It’s small and clean, perfect for a longer board.
The standout, though, is the 22nd of August. Saturday afternoon delivers again with glassy conditions, a 4ft swell from the WNW, and a combined energy of 511 (moderate). The period is shorter at 9 seconds, but the clean, offshore wind and the size make it the pick of the entire outlook. It’s not too big for most, and with the wind off, Cape Mendocino will be offering up some real fun waves. This is the one to circle on the calendar.
Overall, it’s a long wait, but there’s a couple of solid windows. Don’t force it early. Wait for that glassy afternoon on the 17th, or the standout session on the 22nd.
Rusty.
Short Range ForecastMostly dry. Very mild (max 18°C on Sat afternoon, min 12°C on Sat night). Mainly fresh winds. | Days 5-7 Weather SummaryMostly dry. Very mild (max 17°C on Tue afternoon, min 13°C on Tue night). Winds decreasing (fresh winds from the N on Tue night, light winds from the WNW by Thu night). | |||||||||||||||||||
Sat 8 | Sunday 9 | Monday 10 | Tuesday 11 | Wednesday 12 | Thursday 13 | Friday 14 | ||||||||||||||
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) | SSW 18 | SSW 16 | SSW 16 | SSW 16 | SSW 15 | SSW 14 | SSW 14 | SW 20 | SW 19 | SW 18 | SSW 18 | SSW 18 | SW 17 | SSW 16 | SW 16 | SW 16 | SSW 16 | SSW 15 | SSW 14 | SSW 18 |
Wave Graph  | ||||||||||||||||||||
 kJ | 240 | 146 | 263 | 196 | 167 | 165 | 163 | 134 | 95 | 115 | 209 | 207 | 137 | 173 | 206 | 201 | 212 | 150 | 140 | 249 |
Wind (km/h) | ||||||||||||||||||||
Wind State on-shore cross-onshore cross-shore cross-offshore off-shore glassy | cross | cross | cross | cross | cross | cross | cross | cross | cross | cross | cross | cross | cross | cross | cross | cross | cross-on | cross-on | on | glassy |
High Tide | 7:36PM1.98m | 10:27AM1.35m | 8:39PM2.04m | 11:10AM1.45m | 9:39PM2.09m | 11:49AM1.53m | 10:34PM2.09m | 12:26PM1.60m | 11:26PM2.05m | 1:02PM1.66m | 00:17AM1.94m | 1:36PM1.71m | 1:08AM1.78m | |||||||
Low Tide | 3:27AM-0.20m | 2:55PM0.97m | 4:20AM-0.29m | 3:57PM0.89m | 5:08AM-0.34m | 4:52PM0.79m | 5:51AM-0.32m | 5:45PM0.68m | 6:32AM-0.24m | 6:36PM0.58m | 7:11AM-0.11m | 7:28PM0.49m | ||||||||
 |  | | | | | | | | |  |  | | | | | | | | | |
 | — | — | 6:22 | — | — | 6:22 | — | — | 6:24 | — | — | 6:24 | — | — | 6:26 | — | — | 6:26 | — | — |
 | 8:23 | — | — | 8:22 | — | — | 8:22 | — | — | 8:20 | — | — | 8:19 | — | — | 8:17 | — | — | 8:15 | — |
mm | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
Temp °C | 18 | 15 | 16 | 16 | 14 | 17 | 17 | 15 | 17 | 17 | 15 | 17 | 17 | 15 | 15 | 15 | 14 | 15 | 15 | 14 |
Feels °C | 14 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 13 | 13 | 12 | 14 | 14 | 15 |
Swell 1 Height (m) Direction Period (s) | SSW 18 | NW 10 | SSW 16 | SSW 16 | SSW 15 | SSW 14 | SSW 14 | SSW 13 | SSW 13 | SSW 14 | SSW 18 | SSW 18 | SW 17 | SSW 16 | NNW 9 | SW 16 | NW 8 | NNW 8 | NNW 8 | NNW 7 |
| kJ | 240 | 82 | 263 | 196 | 167 | 165 | 163 | 59 | 70 | 115 | 209 | 207 | 137 | 173 | 1157 | 201 | 418 | 458 | 314 | 183 |
Swell 2 Height (m) Direction Period (s) | WNW 11 | SSW 16 | SW 12 | SSW 12 | SW 21 | SW 21 | SW 20 | SW 20 | SW 19 | SW 18 | SW 14 | SSW 13 | SSW 13 | SSW 13 | SW 16 | S 11 | N 8 | SSW 15 | SSW 14 | SSW 18 |
| kJ | 47 | 146 | 37 | 28 | 72 | 67 | 98 | 134 | 95 | 113 | 53 | 34 | 68 | 70 | 206 | 21 | 91 | 150 | 140 | 249 |
Swell 3 Height (m) Direction Period (s) | SW 12 | SSW 12 | SW 23 | W 12 | SSW 11 | W 15 | S 10 | SW 15 | WNW 13 | WNW 13 | WNW 13 | W 15 | W 18 | NW 16 | S 11 | W 12 | SSW 16 | SSW 20 | N 8 | SSW 14 |
| kJ | 21 | 56 | 21 | 26 | 12 | 4 | 2 | 37 | 18 | 32 | 33 | 4 | 6 | 10 | 9 | 11 | 212 | 127 | 35 | 140 |
Wind waves Height (m) Direction Period (s) | NNW 7 | NNW 8 | NNW 8 | NNW 8 | NNW 9 | NNW 9 | NNW 8 | NNW 9 | NNW 9 | NNW 8 | NNW 9 | NNW 8 | NNW 9 | NNW 9 | — | NNW 8 | — | — | — | — |
| kJ | 325 | 597 | 723 | 741 | 1350 | 1044 | 931 | 1387 | 1069 | 817 | 1320 | 931 | 1194 | 1813 | — | 759 | — | — | — | — |
Nearest Offshore or Glassy | ||||||||||||||||||||
Distance (km) | 437 | 40 | 294 | 750 | 54 | 244 | 80 | 41 | 289 | 80 | 54 | 219 | 80 | 51 | 219 | 51 | 40 | 152 | 51 | 0 |
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.
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