Surf Forecasts:
Cox Bay surf forecast from 25 Aug 2026:
- Best quality surf: Tuesday 1 Sep, 2AM (local time) - 2.5ft (0.8m), 15s period, SSW swell with cross-offshore winds.
- Most powerful swell: Sunday 30 Aug, 11AM (local time) - 3ft (0.9m), 17s period, SW swell with 424 kJ wave energy.
- Next surfable swell (1★+): Tuesday 25 Aug, 5AM (local time) - 2ft (0.6m), 17s period with SW swell.
Best Forecast Surf Conditions for Cox Bay this week:
The surf forecast for Cox Bay over the next 16 days: The first swell (rated 1 star or higher) is forecast to arrive on Tuesday (Aug 25) at 5AM. The primary swell is predicted to be 0.6m and 17s period with a secondary swell of 0.9m and 7s. The wind is predicted to be glassy as the swell arrives.
The most powerful waves expected at Cox Bay in the next 16 days are 0.9m 17s and forecast to arrive on Sunday (Aug 30) at 11AM. Winds are predicted to be cross-shore at the time the swell arrives. The largest open ocean swell (not directed at the beach) is 0.7m 4s period and expected on Tuesday (Aug 25) at 5PM.
| Wave Type | Time (PDT) & Date | Wave Height & Period |
|---|---|---|
| Next good surf (1 star+) | 5AM (Tue 25th Aug) | 2ft (0.6m) 17s |
| Best Surf | 2AM (Tue 1st Sep) | 2.5ft (0.8m) 15s |
| Most Powerful | 11AM (Sun 30th Aug) | 3ft (0.9m) 17s |
Table - best surf conditions forecast for Cox Bay over the next 16 days.
The Lowdown
Alright folks, Rusty here. Let's take a look at what's coming our way for Cox Bay over the next couple of weeks.
Right off the bat, the early part of the window is a bit of a write-off. We’ve got a long stretch from now through the end of August with barely a whisper of decent surf. The swell is tiny, mostly around 1ft to 2ft, and while the period is long, the wave energy is weak (239 to 298 range). The wind is mostly cross-off or cross, but the waves just aren't there. It’s groundswell, sure, but it's just not enough to get excited about.
Heading into the first week of September, things start to look up. On Tuesday the 1st of September, we see a slight bump, with the swell holding around 2ft from the SSW. The wind is a clean cross-off from the SE, and the wave energy is picking up a touch (356). It’s still small, but it’s a step in the right direction.
Now, the real action starts to build. Wednesday the 2nd of September morning is a standout. We’ve got 3ft of swell, and the wind is glassy – absolute perfection. The wave energy is moderate (239), and it’s coming from the west. That is a sweet spot for Cox Bay. It’s a beach and point setup, so with the glassy conditions, this will be clean and fun for all levels.
For the experts, keep an eye on Tuesday the 8th of September. We’ve got a solid 5ft swell from the WNW, and while the period is a short 8 seconds, the wind is a clean cross-off. The wave energy is strong (546). A 5ft swell is getting into the territory where beginners might struggle, but for anyone with a bit of experience, the power will be there. Later that afternoon, the wind goes completely glassy with 5ft waves, which is a rare treat. The period picks up to 9 seconds, and the energy is still strong (468). That will be a special session for the locals who are on it.
On Saturday the 5th of September, we see some serious groundswell energy building. The morning offers 3ft waves under glassy conditions, but the energy reading of 611 tells you there’s power in the water. The following morning, Sunday the 6th, is another glassy morning with 3ft waves and very strong wave energy (588). These southwest swells with a long period (16-18 seconds) will be holding a lot of punch for their size.
Overall, the best of the best is the glassy morning of Wednesday the 2nd of September for clean, fun waves, and the afternoon of Tuesday the 8th of September for the bigger, more powerful swell under ideal conditions. The water temperature is sitting about average for this time of year. Hang in there, the wait is almost over.
Rusty.
Short Range ForecastSome drizzle, heaviest during Wed night. Very mild (max 19°C on Mon night, min 14°C on Tue night). Wind will be generally light. | Days 5-7 Weather SummaryMostly dry. Very mild (max 15°C on Thu night, min 13°C on Thu night). Wind will be generally light. | ||||||||||||||||||
Tuesday 25 | Wednesday 26 | Thursday 27 | Friday 28 | Saturday 29 | Sunday 30 | ||||||||||||||
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 18 | WSW 16 | SW 17 | SW 16 | SW 16 | SW 16 | SW 16 | SW 16 | SW 15 | SW 15 | SSW 19 | SW 14 | SSW 16 | SSW 17 | SSW 18 | SSW 18 | SW 17 | SSW 16 | SSW 16 |
Wave Graph | |||||||||||||||||||
252 | 102 | 147 | 216 | 163 | 125 | 159 | 122 | 112 | 104 | 139 | 103 | 175 | 255 | 211 | 273 | 424 | 326 | 402 | |
Wind (km/h) | |||||||||||||||||||
Wind State on-shore cross-onshore cross-shore cross-offshore off-shore glassy | glassy | cross-off | cross-off | off | cross-off | cross-off | cross-off | cross | cross-on | glassy | on | on | glassy | cross | on | glassy | cross | on | cross-on |
High Tide | 11:04PM3.06m | 12:29PM2.79m | 11:49PM3.16m | 12:59PM2.91m | 00:30AM3.23m | 1:27PM3.03m | 1:08AM3.26m | 1:55PM3.14m | 1:48AM3.25m | 2:23PM3.25m | 2:28AM3.20m | 2:52PM3.34m | 3:10AM3.10m | ||||||
Low Tide | 6:02AM0.66m | 5:53PM1.57m | 6:36AM0.55m | 6:31PM1.38m | 7:08AM0.48m | 7:09PM1.18m | 7:37AM0.47m | 7:47PM0.99m | 8:05AM0.52m | 8:25PM0.83m | 8:34AM0.63m | 9:05PM0.70m | |||||||
— | 6:28 | — | — | 6:30 | — | — | 6:31 | — | — | 6:33 | — | — | 6:35 | — | — | 6:35 | — | — | |
8:22 | — | 8:20 | — | — | 8:17 | — | — | 8:15 | — | — | 8:14 | — | — | 8:12 | — | — | 8:09 | — | |
mm | — | — | — | — | — | — | 1 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
Temp °C | 19 | 19 | 16 | 15 | 15 | 16 | 15 | 15 | 15 | 15 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 15 |
Feels °C | 18 | 18 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 16 | 13 | 12 | 12 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 14 | 13 |
Swell 1 Height (m) Direction Period (s) | WNW 7 | W 7 | W 7 | SW 16 | SW 16 | SW 16 | SSW 6 | SSW 6 | SSW 6 | SSW 6 | W 6 | SW 14 | W 6 | WNW 6 | WNW 6 | WNW 6 | SW 17 | SSW 16 | SSW 16 |
86 | 60 | 51 | 216 | 163 | 125 | 66 | 47 | 24 | 23 | 20 | 103 | 64 | 43 | 35 | 127 | 424 | 326 | 402 | |
Swell 2 Height (m) Direction Period (s) | SW 18 | SSW 14 | SW 17 | W 7 | WNW 8 | WNW 8 | SW 16 | SW 16 | SW 15 | SW 15 | SW 15 | WSW 10 | SSW 16 | SSW 17 | SSW 18 | SSW 18 | WNW 6 | W 5 | WNW 8 |
252 | 77 | 147 | 26 | 37 | 25 | 159 | 122 | 112 | 104 | 104 | 21 | 175 | 255 | 211 | 273 | 45 | 13 | 50 | |
Swell 3 Height (m) Direction Period (s) | SSW 14 | WSW 16 | S 14 | WNW 8 | WSW 7 | S 13 | SSW 13 | SSW 12 | SSW 12 | SSW 12 | SSW 19 | SSW 11 | SW 13 | SW 13 | SW 13 | SW 13 | WSW 11 | WNW 6 | W 10 |
65 | 102 | 100 | 28 | 27 | 87 | 55 | 48 | 47 | 27 | 139 | 24 | 45 | 88 | 44 | 56 | 23 | 14 | 33 | |
Wind waves Height (m) Direction Period (s) | — | SE 2 | SE 4 | SE 5 | SSE 5 | SSE 5 | — | — | — | — | — | WNW 4 | — | — | WNW 6 | — | — | WNW 6 | — |
— | 1 | 15 | 11 | 11 | 10 | — | — | — | — | — | 24 | — | — | 59 | — | — | 48 | — | |
Nearest Offshore or Glassy | |||||||||||||||||||
Distance (km) | 0 | 119 | 119 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 17 | 277 | 0 | 226 | 1386 | 0 | 9 | 687 | 0 | 17 | 123 | 119 |
Best forecast wave conditions in Vancouver Island | |||||||||||||||||||
Best forecast wave conditions in Canada | |||||||||||||||||||
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Information about the Cox Bay Surf forecast
The above surf forecast table for Cox Bay provides essential information for determining whether the surfing conditions will be good over the next 16 days. A general guide to surfing at Cox Bay can be found by selecting the local surf guide option on the grey menu. Our Cox Bay 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 (Cox Bay) 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 Cox Bay 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.
Cox Bay is 77 km (48 miles) from Gold River. If you plan a holiday in Vancouver Island, look for hotels and other accommodation in Gold River. Gold River has rooms for a wide range of budgets as well as car hire and transport links.











