Clifton Beach Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright folks, Rusty here. We’ve got a 16-day window for Clifton Beach, and it’s a bit of a mixed bag. The water’s sitting at 53°, right around average for this time of year, so nothing wild there. Let’s break it down.

We kick off Tuesday, September 1st, with a small 2ft SSW groundswell (16s period) and a moderate offshore breeze from the NNW. Energy is weak at 260, so it’s not big, but it’s clean. The real issue is the swell is tiny—just not enough push to get excited about. That afternoon, the wind swings cross-off and the swell drops further, so it’s a flat start.

Wednesday the 2nd sees a bit more life: morning has 3ft SSW swell (17s period, energy 511) and cloudy skies with cross-off wind. The waves are clean, but the forecast says marginal. Afternoon builds to 4ft (16s, energy 682) but still with that cross-off. It’s surfable, but nothing to write home about.

Thursday the 3rd is a write-off. Strong cross-winds (22–28 mph) and lumpy conditions make it a no-go, even though the swell is 3–4ft. Friday the 4th is a step up: 5ft SSW swell (16s, energy 1036) in the morning with clean cross-off wind. That’s moderate energy and the waves have shape, but the wind is a bit breezy. Still, it’s the first decent option. Afternoon holds similar.

Saturday the 5th is rough again – rain showers, strong winds, messy. Not worth it. Sunday the 6th is interesting: 4ft S swell (9s period, energy 404) with a light NW breeze – clean conditions. The period is short, so it’s more of a windswell, but it’s clean and small. Good for a longboard session if you’re keen.

Then we hit a gap: Monday the 7th is tiny (2ft) and Tuesday the 8th is blown out with strong onshore wind, despite a building 6ft SSW swell (18s, energy 2369). That’s a lot of energy but with cross-onshore wind, it’s messy.

Wednesday the 9th is a standout, but only for experts. By afternoon, we’re looking at a massive 12ft SW swell (16s, energy 7780) with clean cross-off wind. The swell is simply too big for Clifton Beach – it’s a beach break, and that much juice will be a washing machine. Thursday the 10th morning is similar: 12ft again, though lighter wind. If you’re a big-wave charger, this is your window, but it’s a severe session.

Friday the 11th is the best on offer for most surfers. Morning brings a 5ft SSW groundswell (18s, energy 1497) with a light offshore NNW breeze. Clean, lined-up waves with proper energy. This is quality. Clifton Beach is fairly consistent and fairly exposed to S swell, and the wind is perfect. Expect a few others out, but it’s worth it.

Saturday the 12th holds: 5ft SSW swell (16s, energy 945) with gentle offshore wind. Very good conditions. The waves will be clean and have some punch. Afternoon drops off but is still clean.

Sunday the 13th is a day to skip – strong onshore winds and messy. Monday the 14th is onshore and small. Tuesday the 15th morning offers a clean 3ft S swell (18s, energy 653) with offshore wind – a decent little window for a quiet session. Wednesday the 16th is blown out with near gale winds.

So, to sum it up: the best bet is Friday, September 11th morning at Clifton Beach – 5ft SSW groundswell, 18s period, gentle offshore NNW wind. Clean, solid, and fun for experienced surfers. Saturday the 12th morning is also very good. The big 12ft days on the 9th and 10th are for experts only, and the rest is mostly small, windy, or marginal.

Rusty.

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