Desperations Surf Break

Lat Long: 17.82° S 177.13° E

Desperations Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Issued: 5 pm 13 Sep 2026 (local time)

Forecast update in  hr  min

Today's Desperations sea temperature is
25.8°C
0.6° 

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


Desperations surf forecast from 13 Sep 2026:

  • Best quality surf: Sunday 13 Sep, 9PM (local time) - 8ft (2.5m), 16s period, SSW swell with cross-shore winds.
  • Most powerful swell: Monday 14 Sep, 9PM (local time) - 10ft (3.0m), 17s period, SSW swell with 5,009 kJ wave energy.
  • Next surfable swell (1★+): Sunday 13 Sep, 9PM (local time) - 8ft (2.5m), 16s period with SSW swell.

Best Forecast Surf Conditions for Desperations this week:

The surf forecast for Desperations over the next 16 days: The first swell (rated 1 star or higher) is forecast to arrive on Sunday (Sep 13) at 9PM. The primary swell is predicted to be 2.5m and 16s period. The wind is predicted to be cross-shore as the swell arrives.

The most powerful waves expected at Desperations in the next 16 days are 3.0m 17s and forecast to arrive on Monday (Sep 14) at 9PM. Winds are predicted to be cross-onshore at the time the swell arrives. The largest open ocean swell (not directed at the beach) is 0.5m 6s period and expected on Friday (Sep 18) at 6AM.

Wave TypeTime (+12) & Date Wave Height & Period
Next good surf (1 star+) 9PM (Sun 13th Sep)8ft (2.5m) 16s
Best Surf 9PM (Sun 13th Sep)8ft (2.5m) 16s
Most Powerful 9PM (Mon 14th Sep)10ft (3.0m) 17s

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


The Lowdown

Alright folks, Rusty here. Let’s have a look at what’s on the cards for Desperations. It’s a reef break, exposed to a SSW swell, and the optimum swell is coming from that same direction. The water temp is sitting at 79°, which is about average for this time of year, nothing out of the ordinary.

We’ve got a bit of a wait, because the surf is simply too big and too messy for the first few days. Sunday and Monday, the swell is thumping in at 8ft to 10ft, which is serious size, and the wind is a messy cross or cross-onshore. That kind of power and chop at a reef is a no-go for a good session.

Tuesday the 15th is still big, around 8ft, but the wind eases up a touch. Still, at that height, it’s only for the brave. The real trouble is the combined wave energy is massive – we’re talking 5657 on the Sunday morning, and 3793 on the Monday. That is some serious, heavy water moving around.

The first real chance for a decent wave comes on Wednesday the 16th. The swell drops to 6ft, and while it’s still a solid size, it’s not that gnarly peak. The wind is light and cross-shore, which is a big positive for a clean face. The energy is still moderate (1405). It’s not the standout, but it’s a sign of things calming down.

If you can hold out, Thursday the 17th is where it starts to get interesting. The swell is down to 4ft from the SSW, with a lovely 14-second period. The wind goes light cross-off from the ENE. That’s a magic combo for a reef. The water will be clean, with a combined energy of 750 – still decent push. This is a solid option for the experienced crew.

Friday the 18th looks even better for a chilled session. The swell drops further to 3ft, but the wind is light cross-off in the morning and then goes *glassy* in the afternoon. A 2ft SSW swell with glassy conditions and a 13-second period is a dream. It’s small, but clean as a whistle. Crowds are sometimes here, so you might have company.

After that, the wind turns ugly again. Saturday the 19th and Sunday the 20th see the onshore wind and big swell come back, with 10ft and 18 mph+ winds. That’s a hard pass.

There’s a bit of a lull until the real highlight appears. Tuesday the 22nd has a 7ft swell, but with a gentle cross-shore wind. It’s still big, but the conditions are better. The stand-out, though, is Thursday the 24th. The swell is 5ft to 5ft from the SSW, and the wind is *glassy* all day. That is clean, offshore, and the energy is 1523 – that’s a strong, punchy wave. This is the one to circle. It’s excellent for experienced surfers.

Looking into the second week, Friday the 25th is another big swell event, too big for most. But Monday the 28th brings a beautiful finish. A tiny 3ft SSW groundswell with an 18-second period, and it goes glassy in the afternoon. That’s a long-period, clean little runner for a reef.

So, the best bet? Thursday the 24th. That’s your window. Glassy conditions, a solid 5-5ft SSW swell, and excellent quality. Get on it.

Rusty.

Short Range Forecast

Mostly dry. Warm (max 24°C on Tue afternoon, min 21°C on Sun night). Winds decreasing (fresh winds from the SSE on Sun afternoon, light winds from the SW by Tue morning).

Days 5-7 Weather Summary

Moderate rain (total 14mm), heaviest on Fri afternoon. Warm (max 25°C on Fri afternoon, min 22°C on Wed night). Winds increasing (calm on Thu morning, fresh winds from the S by Sat morning).

Sun
13
Monday
14
Tuesday
15
Wednesday
16
Thursday
17
Friday
18
Saturday
19
PM
Night
AM
PM
Night
AM
PM
Night
AM
PM
Night
AM
PM
Night
AM
PM
Night
AM
PM
Night
Rating
(10 max)
0
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
3
1
4
3
1
1
2
2
1
0
0
0
Swell
Height Map
Height Map
Height Map
Height Map
Height Map
Height Map
Height Map
Height Map
Wave
Height (m)
Direction
Period (s)
3
SSW
17
2.4
SSW
16
2.4
SSW
18
3
SSW
18
2.5
SSW
16
2.5
SSW
17
2.4
SSW
16
2.1
SSW
16
1.6
SSW
15
1.5
SSW
14
1.3
SSW
14
1.2
SSW
14
1
SSW
14
0.9
SSW
13
0.8
SSW
13
0.7
SSW
13
0.5
SW
16
1
SSW
15
1.4
SSW
15
1.9
SW
13
Wave Graph
Metric surfscale
Energy kJ
4889
2859
3793
4660
3351
3683
2836
2054
1102
899
672
486
407
249
202
145
132
480
818
1288
Wind (km/h)
30
SSE
15
SE
20
ESE
15
SSE
20
ESE
10
ENE
20
S
10
E
10
SE
20
S
15
E
10
E
5
SSE
5
S
5
ENE
25
NNE
10
WNW
30
S
40
SSE
35
SSE
Wind State
cross-on
cross
cross
cross-on
cross
cross-off
cross-on
cross-off
cross
cross-on
cross-off
cross-off
cross-on
cross-on
cross-off
off
cross
cross-on
cross-on
cross-on
High Tide
7:48PM1.69m
8:12AM1.54m
8:27PM1.63m
8:58AM1.44m
9:08PM1.54m
9:47AM1.33m
9:52PM1.45m
10:43AM1.23m
10:42PM1.37m
11:48AM1.17m
11:43PM1.31m
1:00PM1.14m
00:50AM1.29m
Low Tide
2:04AM0.21m
2:14PM0.30m
2:48AM0.26m
2:54PM0.41m
3:35AM0.32m
3:38PM0.52m
4:25AM0.40m
4:27PM0.61m
5:24AM0.46m
5:26PM0.68m
6:31AM0.49m
6:36PM0.71m
part cloud
cloud
part cloud
part cloud
part cloud
clear
clear
part cloud
part cloud
clear
clear
clear
clear
part cloud
cloud
light rain
mod rain
cloud
cloud
part cloud
<span class="translation_missing" title="translation missing: en.weather_tables.sunrise">Sunrise</span>
6:07
6:07
6:07
6:05
6:05
6:03
<span class="translation_missing" title="translation missing: en.weather_tables.sunset">Sunset</span>
6:06
6:06
6:06
6:06
6:06
6:06
6:06
 mm
5
9
Temp °C
22
22
23
23
23
22
24
24
23
24
23
23
24
24
24
25
25
23
22
21
Feels °C
18
21
22
22
22
22
23
24
23
23
22
24
26
27
26
24
27
20
17
16
  • Map Icons:
  • Break
  • 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 Desperations Surf forecast

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

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