Surf Forecasts:
Cottons Point surf forecast from 18 Aug 2026:
- Best quality surf: Monday 24 Aug, 5AM (local time) - 2.5ft (0.8m), 14s period, SSW swell with glassy winds.
- Most powerful swell: Tuesday 18 Aug, 8AM (local time) - 3ft (0.9m), 16s period, SSW swell with 402 kJ wave energy.
- Next surfable swell (1★+): Tuesday 18 Aug, 2AM (local time) - 2.5ft (0.8m), 14s period with SSW swell.
Best Forecast Surf Conditions for Cottons Point this week:
The surf forecast for Cottons Point over the next 16 days: The first swell (rated 1 star or higher) is forecast to arrive on Tuesday (Aug 18) at 2AM. The primary swell is predicted to be 0.8m and 14s period with a secondary swell of 0.8m and 6s. The wind is predicted to be glassy as the swell arrives.
The most powerful waves expected at Cottons Point in the next 16 days are 0.9m 16s and forecast to arrive on Tuesday (Aug 18) at 8AM. Winds are predicted to be glassy at the time the swell arrives.
| Wave Type | Time (PDT) & Date | Wave Height & Period |
|---|---|---|
| Next good surf (1 star+) | 2AM (Tue 18th Aug) | 2.5ft (0.8m) 14s |
| Best Surf | 5AM (Mon 24th Aug) | 2.5ft (0.8m) 14s |
| Most Powerful | 8AM (Tue 18th Aug) | 3ft (0.9m) 16s |
Table - best surf conditions forecast for Cottons Point over the next 16 days.
The Lowdown
Hey, Rusty here again. Let’s be real – it’s a long, slow haul for Cottons Point (reef and point) over the next couple of weeks. Most of the time you’re looking at tiny, weak waves with onshore or cross-onshore breezes messing ’em up. It’s gonna be a test of patience.
Starting Monday, August 17th, there’s a small 3ft SSW swell, but a cross-onshore wind from the WNW at 9 mph is making it choppy and weak – wave energy is low at 359. From Tuesday the 18th through Saturday the 22nd, it’s a flat spell. Swell is tiny, between 2ft and 2ft, mostly from the SSW, with light onshore or cross-onshore breezes. Wave energy is pitiful, ranging from 181 to 383. Not worth getting the wax out.
Sunday, August 23rd, we finally see a pulse – a 2ft SW swell with a 19-second period, which is a long-period groundswell. At a reef and point, that could wrap in nicely. Winds are light onshore from the SW at 6 mph, and energy hits a moderate 400. Still marginal, but a glimpse of hope. This pattern of light breezes and weak, messy surf carries on through Thursday, August 27th. Swell stays under 2ft, periods are okay, but energy is moderate at best (240 to 427). Still not worth the drive.
Now, the one to circle on your calendar – Saturday, August 29th. We get a solid 4ft SSW swell with a beautiful 18-second period. The wind turns light onshore from the SW at 6 mph, which at a reef and point means clean, well-shaped waves. Wave energy surges to a very strong 1124 in the afternoon. This is the clear standout – a proper groundswell hitting the optimum SW direction for Cottons. It’s intermediate-friendly at 4ft, so not too intimidating. Just remember, long-period swells can be a bit straight at beach breaks, but here it’s perfect. Water temp on the 17th was 73°F, with a 6°F anomaly – much warmer than normal for August, so you might be fine in boardshorts. Sunday the 30th is a close second with a 5ft SSW swell, 16-second period, and light onshore winds – energy is still very strong at 1009. Saturday’s the pick, no doubt.
After that, it’s back to small 3ft SSW swell and messy cross-onshore winds by Tuesday, September 1st. So your window is that last weekend of August. The rest is a whole lot of nothing.
Rusty.
Short Range ForecastMostly dry. Warm (max 26°C on Tue afternoon, min 21°C on Mon night). Wind will be generally light. | Days 5-7 Weather SummaryMostly dry. Warm (max 28°C on Sun morning, min 23°C on Thu night). Wind will be generally light. | ||||||||||||||||||
Tuesday 18 | Wednesday 19 | Thursday 20 | Friday 21 | Saturday 22 | Sunday 23 | ||||||||||||||
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 16 | SSW 17 | SSW 15 | SSW 16 | SSW 16 | SSW 15 | SSW 14 | SSW 14 | SSW 14 | SSW 13 | SSW 13 | SSW 13 | SW 18 | SSW 15 | SSW 14 | SW 19 | SW 18 | SW 18 |
Wave Graph  | |||||||||||||||||||
 kJ | 257 | 232 | 243 | 272 | 377 | 387 | 249 | 236 | 236 | 226 | 156 | 137 | 135 | 92 | 167 | 218 | 127 | 155 | 213 |
Wind (km/h) | |||||||||||||||||||
Wind State on-shore cross-onshore cross-shore cross-offshore off-shore glassy | glassy | on | cross-on | glassy | on | cross-on | glassy | on | on | glassy | on | on | glassy | on | on | glassy | cross-on | cross-on | cross-on |
High Tide | 1:15AM1.05m | 1:28PM1.45m | 2:46AM0.87m | 2:22PM1.40m | 3:41PM1.37m | 8:16AM0.98m | 5:05PM1.40m | 8:13AM1.05m | 6:07PM1.49m | 8:24AM1.11m | 6:54PM1.59m | ||||||||
Low Tide | 6:40AM0.56m | 8:50PM0.46m | 6:55AM0.73m | 10:43PM0.43m | 00:16AM0.32m | 9:51AM0.97m | 1:08AM0.21m | 11:54AM0.93m | 1:45AM0.11m | 12:49PM0.84m | 2:15AM0.03m | ||||||||
 |  | |  | | | | | | | |  | | | | | | | | |
 | — | 6:13 | — | — | 6:15 | — | — | 6:16 | — | — | 6:16 | — | — | 6:16 | — | — | 6:18 | — | — |
 | — | — | 7:32 | — | — | 7:31 | — | — | 7:30 | — | — | 7:29 | — | — | 7:28 | — | — | 7:27 | — |
mm | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
Temp °C | 22 | 25 | 26 | 23 | 26 | 26 | 24 | 25 | 26 | 24 | 26 | 26 | 24 | 27 | 27 | 25 | 28 | 27 | 25 |
Feels °C | 24 | 26 | 27 | 24 | 27 | 26 | 27 | 26 | 27 | 26 | 27 | 26 | 26 | 27 | 27 | 27 | 28 | 26 | 27 |
Swell 1 Height (m) Direction Period (s) | SSW 14 | W 6 | W 6 | SSW 15 | SSW 16 | SSW 16 | SSW 15 | SSW 14 | SSW 14 | SSW 14 | SSW 13 | SSW 13 | SSW 13 | SSW 13 | SSW 15 | SSW 14 | SSW 13 | SSW 13 | SSW 14 |
| kJ | 257 | 38 | 39 | 272 | 377 | 387 | 249 | 236 | 236 | 226 | 156 | 137 | 135 | 92 | 167 | 218 | 99 | 135 | 213 |
Swell 2 Height (m) Direction Period (s) | W 6 | SSW 16 | SSW 17 | W 6 | W 7 | W 6 | W 6 | W 6 | W 6 | W 6 | SW 18 | W 6 | W 11 | W 7 | SSW 12 | W 6 | SW 19 | SW 18 | SW 18 |
| kJ | 41 | 232 | 243 | 38 | 58 | 29 | 15 | 18 | 16 | 5 | 81 | 6 | 37 | 8 | 57 | 7 | 127 | 155 | 199 |
Swell 3 Height (m) Direction Period (s) | S 10 | SSW 13 | SSW 13 | SW 19 | SW 20 | W 14 | SW 18 | SW 19 | WSW 19 | WNW 12 | W 6 | SSW 16 | SSW 16 | SW 18 | W 6 | SW 19 | W 6 | SSW 16 | W 5 |
| kJ | 2 | 114 | 98 | 15 | 16 | 4 | 13 | 57 | 35 | 14 | 6 | 51 | 51 | 81 | 13 | 58 | 18 | 84 | 13 |
Wind waves Height (m) Direction Period (s) | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | W 6 | — |
| kJ | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | 10 | — |
Nearest Offshore or Glassy | |||||||||||||||||||
Distance (km) | 0 | 87 | 87 | 0 | 34 | 87 | 0 | 87 | 87 | 0 | 82 | 87 | 0 | 82 | 87 | 0 | 87 | 87 | 8 |
Best forecast wave conditions in Orange County | |||||||||||||||||||
Best forecast wave conditions in United States | |||||||||||||||||||
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Information about the Cottons Point Surf forecast
The above surf forecast table for Cottons Point provides essential information for determining whether the surfing conditions will be good over the next 16 days. A general guide to surfing at Cottons Point can be found by selecting the local surf guide option on the grey menu. Our Cottons Point 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 (Cottons Point) 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 Cottons Point 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.
Cottons Point is 5 km (3 miles) from San Clemente. If you plan a vacation in Orange County, look for hotels and other accommodation in San Clemente. San Clemente has rooms for a wide range of budgets as well as car hire and transport links.
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