Desperation Point Surf Break

Lat Long: 39.47° S 173.86° E

Desperation Point Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Issued: 11 pm 07 Aug 2026 (local time)

Forecast update in  hr  min

Today's Desperation Point sea temperature is
13.9° C
0.3° 

Desperation Point surf forecast is for near shore open water. Breaking waves will often be smaller at less exposed spots.


Desperation Point surf forecast from 7 Aug 2026:

  • Best quality surf: Sunday 9 Aug, 3AM (local time) - 10ft (3.0m), 10s period, NW swell with cross-shore winds.
  • Most powerful swell: Sunday 9 Aug, 6AM (local time) - 11ft (3.5m), 10s period, NW swell with 2,158 kJ wave energy.
  • Next surfable swell (1★+): Sunday 9 Aug, 3AM (local time) - 10ft (3.0m), 10s period with NW swell.

Best Forecast Surf Conditions for Desperation Point this week:

The surf forecast for Desperation Point over the next 16 days: The first swell (rated 1 star or higher) is forecast to arrive on Sunday (Aug 09) at 3AM. The primary swell is predicted to be 3.0m and 10s period with a secondary swell of 0.9m and 18s. Another secondary swell of 0.2m and 10s is also forecast. The wind is predicted to be cross-shore as the swell arrives.

The most powerful waves expected at Desperation Point in the next 16 days are 3.5m 10s and forecast to arrive on Sunday (Aug 09) at 6AM. Winds are predicted to be cross-shore at the time the swell arrives. The largest open ocean swell (not directed at the beach) is 1.8m 10s period and expected on Sunday (Aug 09) at 6PM.

Wave TypeTime (NZST) & Date Wave Height & Period
Next good surf (1 star+) 3AM (Sun 9th Aug)10ft (3.0m) 10s
Best Surf 3AM (Sun 9th Aug)10ft (3.0m) 10s
Most Powerful 6AM (Sun 9th Aug)11ft (3.5m) 10s

Table - best surf conditions forecast for Desperation Point over the next 16 days.


Short Range Forecast

Light rain (total 9mm), mostly falling on Sat night. Very mild (max 14°C on Sat morning, min 11°C on Fri night). Winds decreasing (fresh winds from the NNE on Sat night, light winds from the W by Mon afternoon).

Days 5-7 Weather Summary

Moderate rain (total 12mm), heaviest on Thu afternoon. Very mild (max 16°C on Thu afternoon, min 11°C on Mon night). Wind will be generally light.

Saturday
8
Sunday
9
Monday
10
Tuesday
11
Wednesday
12
Thursday
13
Night
AM
PM
Night
AM
PM
Night
AM
PM
Night
AM
PM
Night
AM
PM
Night
AM
PM
Night
Rating
(10 max)
1
1
1
0
!
1
0
1
0
2
2
3
2
1
1
1
2
2
2
Swell
Height Map
Height Map
Height Map
Height Map
Height Map
Height Map
Height Map
Height Map
Wave
Height (m)
Direction
Period (s)
1.7
WNW
9
1.6
WNW
8
1.5
WNW
8
0.8
WSW
18
3
NW
10
2.1
NW
10
0.8
WSW
16
1.2
WSW
16
1.3
WSW
15
1.3
WSW
14
1.1
WSW
13
0.9
WSW
13
0.5
WSW
18
0.8
WSW
16
0.7
WSW
16
0.9
WNW
11
1.3
WNW
10
1.3
WNW
10
0.9
WSW
17
Wave Graph
Metric surfscale
Energy kJ
528
315
274
437
1940
799
306
715
674
638
427
295
182
310
223
202
307
349
475
Wind (km/h)
20
NNW
20
N
20
N
35
NNE
20
NW
20
NW
20
WNW
20
W
15
W
5
W
10
NE
0
NNE
10
NNE
20
NE
25
NNE
20
NNE
20
N
25
N
20
N
Wind State
cross
cross-off
cross-off
cross-off
cross
cross-on
cross-on
cross-on
on
cross-on
cross-off
glassy
cross-off
cross-off
cross-off
cross-off
cross-off
cross-off
cross-off
High Tide
4:26AM2.71m
5:26PM2.72m
5:56AM2.72m
6:49PM2.88m
7:13AM2.86m
7:51PM3.11m
8:15AM3.04m
8:43PM3.32m
9:08AM3.21m
9:32PM3.48m
9:55AM3.33m
10:16PM3.56m
Low Tide
10:16PM1.02m
10:50AM0.95m
11:44PM1.00m
12:22PM0.89m
1:05AM0.83m
1:34PM0.70m
2:06AM0.60m
2:31PM0.47m
2:58AM0.38m
3:20PM0.27m
3:45AM0.22m
4:05PM0.15m
part cloud
cloud
cloud
rain showers
rain showers
rain showers
rain showers
rain showers
clear
part cloud
cloud
cloud
cloud
light rain
rain showers
rain showers
light rain
light rain
rain showers
<span class="translation_missing" title="translation missing: en.weather_tables.sunrise">Sunrise</span>
7:20
7:20
7:18
7:16
7:16
7:15
<span class="translation_missing" title="translation missing: en.weather_tables.sunset">Sunset</span>
5:38
5:39
5:40
5:42
5:43
5:44
 mm
3
2
1
2
1
2
2
2
2
4
14
Temp °C
12
14
13
13
14
14
12
13
13
12
12
12
12
12
13
14
15
16
13
Feels °C
7
9
8
8
11
10
9
9
10
10
10
11
9
8
9
11
12
12
9
  • Map Icons:
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  • Live Wave Height (m)
  • Live Wind Speed (km/h)
  • Surf Rating (10 Max)
  • Ocean Swells (m)
  • Wind Speed (km/h)
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Information about the Desperation Point Surf forecast

The above surf forecast table for Desperation Point provides essential information for determining whether the surfing conditions will be good over the next 16 days. A general guide to surfing at Desperation Point can be found by selecting the local surf guide option on the grey menu. Our Desperation 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 (Desperation 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 Desperation 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.

Are you planning a holiday in Taranaki? If you are looking for accommodation near Desperation Point, camping, hotels and holiday cottages in Taranaki, consider staying in New Plymouth which is 52 km (32 miles) away.

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