Surf Forecasts:
Cape Mendocino surf forecast from 18 Aug 2026:
- Best quality surf: Sunday 23 Aug, 2AM (local time) - 1.5ft (0.5m), 16s period, S swell with glassy winds.
- Most powerful swell: Tuesday 18 Aug, 11PM (local time) - 3ft (0.9m), 16s period, SSW swell with 402 kJ wave energy.
- Next surfable swell (1★+): Sunday 23 Aug, 2AM (local time) - 1.5ft (0.5m), 16s period with S 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 (Aug 23) at 2AM. The primary swell is predicted to be 0.5m and 16s period. The wind is predicted to be glassy as the swell arrives.
The most powerful waves expected at Cape Mendocino in the next 16 days are 0.9m 16s and forecast to arrive on Tuesday (Aug 18) at 11PM. Winds are predicted to be cross-shore at the time the swell arrives. The largest open ocean swell (not directed at the beach) is 2.2m 8s period and expected on Sunday (Aug 23) at 2AM.
| Wave Type | Time (PDT) & Date | Wave Height & Period |
|---|---|---|
| Next good surf (1 star+) | 2AM (Sun 23rd Aug) | 1.5ft (0.5m) 16s |
| Best Surf | 2AM (Sun 23rd Aug) | 1.5ft (0.5m) 16s |
| Most Powerful | 11PM (Tue 18th Aug) | 3ft (0.9m) 16s |
Table - best surf conditions forecast for Cape Mendocino over the next 16 days.
The Lowdown
Alright, I’m gonna level with you. This next week and a half is looking like a real dud for surf. I’m calling it as I see it.
Starting Tuesday, August 18th, we’ve got a tiny 2ft swell from the SSW at Cape Mendocino, but the wind is a cross-wind, and it’s ruining it. The combined energy is weak, sitting at 326 (moderate). The water is at 55°F, which is a bit colder than normal for this time of year, so a wetsuit is a must.
We’re looking at a big, long gap here. From Tuesday all the way through to the end of August, it’s the same story: small, weak swells, cross-shore winds, and constant "poor" or "marginal" conditions. The wind stays stubbornly cross or cross-on, blowing at 12 to 18 mph, and the waves never get above 3ft. It’s going to be a week and a half of blown-out, choppy, tiny surf. There’s no standout at all, just a lot of frustrating days.
The only thing that breaks the pattern is way down the line. On Monday, the 31st of August, we get a jump in the morning. The swell hits 8ft from the NW, but it’s a short period at 8 seconds. The combined energy jumps to 1038, which is strong. The wind is light cross-onshore, which is better, but this is a big, short-period wave. At 8ft, that’s expert territory. It’s going to be a heavy, powerful, and probably messy. For Cape Mendocino, which is exposed to SW, this NW swell isn’t the ideal direction, but it’s the biggest wave we’ve seen by a long shot. It’s a long-range call, so don’t start planning your trip yet, but it’s the only thing that looks like it might be worth a look for the experienced guys.
The first week of September looks like it’s back to the same old small, poor surf. It’s a tough stretch. This kind of blank run is pretty normal for this area when the swells are quiet, so don’t worry too much. Forecasts can change quick.
Rusty.
Short Range ForecastMostly dry. Very mild (max 17°C on Wed afternoon, min 12°C on Tue night). Mainly fresh winds. | Days 4-6 Weather SummaryMostly dry. Very mild (max 17°C on Sat afternoon, min 12°C on Fri night). Wind will be generally light. | ||||||||||||||||||||
Tuesday 18 | Wednesday 19 | Thursday 20 | Friday 21 | Saturday 22 | Sunday 23 | Monday 24 | |||||||||||||||
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) | SSW 14 | SSW 15 | SSW 16 | SSW 16 | SSW 15 | SSW 15 | SSW 14 | SSW 14 | SSW 14 | SSW 14 | SW 18 | SSW 13 | NNW 6 | SW 18 | S 16 | SW 19 | SW 18 | SW 18 | SW 18 | SW 18 | SW 17 |
Wave Graph | |||||||||||||||||||||
178 | 249 | 291 | 273 | 305 | 314 | 233 | 226 | 236 | 156 | 111 | 99 | 107 | 112 | 124 | 231 | 164 | 199 | 255 | 192 | 181 | |
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-off | cross | cross | glassy | cross-on | cross-on | glassy | cross-on | cross-on | cross |
High Tide | 3:55PM1.71m | 5:35AM1.14m | 4:39PM1.68m | 7:24AM1.13m | 5:31PM1.65m | 8:53AM1.20m | 6:30PM1.65m | 9:48AM1.27m | 7:30PM1.67m | 10:27AM1.34m | 8:25PM1.72m | 10:58AM1.38m | 9:14PM1.77m | ||||||||
Low Tide | 9:47AM0.67m | 11:15PM0.32m | 10:37AM0.85m | 00:23AM0.29m | 11:45AM0.99m | 1:32AM0.24m | 1:04PM1.05m | 2:33AM0.18m | 2:14PM1.05m | 3:24AM0.11m | 3:09PM1.01m | 4:07AM0.05m | 3:54PM0.95m | 4:43AM0.01m | |||||||
6:31 | — | — | 6:31 | — | — | 6:31 | — | — | 6:33 | — | — | 6:33 | — | — | 6:35 | — | — | 6:35 | — | — | |
— | 8:10 | — | — | 8:08 | — | — | 8:07 | — | — | 8:06 | — | — | 8:05 | — | — | 8:02 | — | — | 8:01 | — | |
mm | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
Temp °C | 15 | 16 | 13 | 16 | 17 | 14 | 16 | 16 | 13 | 15 | 16 | 14 | 16 | 17 | 15 | 17 | 17 | 14 | 15 | 15 | 12 |
Feels °C | 11 | 12 | 9 | 12 | 13 | 11 | 13 | 12 | 9 | 12 | 12 | 10 | 12 | 13 | 12 | 16 | 17 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 12 |
Swell 1 Height (m) Direction Period (s) | SSW 14 | SSW 15 | SSW 16 | SSW 16 | WNW 11 | WNW 12 | WNW 11 | WNW 11 | WNW 11 | WNW 11 | WNW 10 | WNW 10 | WNW 10 | W 9 | NNW 8 | NNW 8 | NNW 8 | NNW 8 | NW 7 | NW 7 | NNW 6 |
178 | 249 | 291 | 273 | 186 | 242 | 225 | 210 | 164 | 117 | 110 | 78 | 54 | 45 | 708 | 567 | 481 | 330 | 193 | 139 | 67 | |
Swell 2 Height (m) Direction Period (s) | SSW 17 | WNW 15 | WNW 13 | WNW 12 | SSW 15 | SSW 15 | SSW 14 | SSW 14 | SSW 14 | SSW 14 | SSW 13 | SSW 13 | SSW 13 | SSW 13 | S 16 | SW 19 | SW 18 | S 16 | SW 18 | S 14 | S 14 |
100 | 84 | 137 | 213 | 305 | 314 | 233 | 226 | 236 | 156 | 101 | 99 | 99 | 67 | 124 | 231 | 164 | 124 | 255 | 153 | 146 | |
Swell 3 Height (m) Direction Period (s) | WNW 16 | NW 11 | SSW 13 | SW 20 | SW 21 | — | SW 18 | SW 19 | SW 20 | SW 19 | SW 18 | SW 18 | SW 18 | SW 18 | SW 16 | SSW 15 | SSW 16 | SW 18 | S 14 | SW 18 | SW 17 |
48 | 5 | 98 | 16 | 18 | — | 54 | 58 | 15 | 55 | 111 | 48 | 50 | 112 | 95 | 74 | 80 | 199 | 150 | 192 | 181 | |
Wind waves Height (m) Direction Period (s) | NW 7 | NNW 6 | NNW 7 | NNW 8 | NNW 7 | NNW 7 | NNW 6 | NNW 6 | NNW 7 | NNW 7 | NNW 7 | NNW 7 | NNW 6 | NNW 7 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
178 | 181 | 204 | 408 | 316 | 191 | 160 | 122 | 70 | 62 | 74 | 97 | 107 | 270 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | |
Nearest Offshore or Glassy | |||||||||||||||||||||
Distance (km) | 151 | 54 | 40 | 151 | 54 | 40 | 151 | 54 | 54 | 151 | 151 | 40 | 151 | 51 | 0 | 51 | 51 | 0 | 51 | 51 | 40 |
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.











