
Surf Forecasts:
Doheney Beach surf forecast from 19 Jul 2026:
- Best quality surf: Saturday 25 Jul, 5AM (local time) - 3ft (0.9m), 21s period, SSW swell with glassy winds.
- Most powerful swell: Sunday 26 Jul, 5AM (local time) - 4ft (1.2m), 19s period, SSW swell with 1,004 kJ wave energy.
- Next surfable swell (1★+): Sunday 19 Jul, 8PM (local time) - 3ft (0.9m), 17s period with SW swell.
Best Forecast Surf Conditions for Doheney Beach this week:
The surf forecast for Doheney Beach over the next 16 days: The first swell (rated 1 star or higher) is forecast to arrive on Sunday (Jul 19) at 8PM. The primary swell is predicted to be 0.9m and 17s period with a secondary swell of 1.1m and 12s. The wind is predicted to be glassy as the swell arrives.
The most powerful waves expected at Doheney Beach in the next 16 days are 1.2m 19s and forecast to arrive on Sunday (Jul 26) at 5AM. Winds are predicted to be onshore at the time the swell arrives. The largest open ocean swell (not directed at the beach) is 0.6m 6s period and expected on Wednesday (Jul 22) at 5PM.
| Wave Type | Time (PDT) & Date | Wave Height & Period |
|---|---|---|
| Next good surf (1 star+) | 8PM (Sun 19th Jul) | 3ft (0.9m) 17s |
| Best Surf | 5AM (Sat 25th Jul) | 3ft (0.9m) 21s |
| Most Powerful | 5AM (Sun 26th Jul) | 4ft (1.2m) 19s |
Table - best surf conditions forecast for Doheney Beach over the next 16 days.
The Lowdown
Alright folks, Rusty here. Let’s have a look at the stretch ahead for Doheney Beach. This is a reef break that’s fairly consistent, exposed to S and SSW swells, and it’s a beginner-friendly spot. The water is running at 70°F right now, which is much warmer than normal for this time of year – that’s a real treat.
The next couple of weeks are a bit of a slow burn. There’s surf on offer, but it’s mostly small and on the marginal side, with a lot of cross-onshore wind hanging around. The energy is weak for the first week, with combined swell energy figures mostly in the 500 to 800 range, which is moderate but not exciting. The swell is coming from the S and SSW, which is the optimum direction for this spot, so that’s a plus. But the heights are mostly under 4ft, and the period is all over the place, from 13 seconds up to 24 seconds. That long-period stuff (over 15 seconds) is groundswell, which means better shaped waves, longer gaps between sets, and easier paddling, but it can also make a beach break close out. For a reef like Doheney, it should be alright.
The real standout is Friday the 31st of July. That morning, the swell jumps to 7ft from the S, with a period of 15 seconds, and the combined energy is a solid 2408. The wind is light and cross from the W, which means clean, glassy conditions. That’s the best of the bunch for sure. By the afternoon, it’s hitting 8ft from the S, with a 15-second period, and the energy is at 3236 – that’s strong stuff. The wind stays light cross, so it’ll be clean. This is expert territory at 8ft, so if you’re not experienced, sit this one out. For the crew who can handle it, this is a proper session.
Before that, the Thursday afternoon (30th July) is worth a mention too. 4ft from the SSE, 16 seconds, energy at 1240, and light cross-onshore breeze. It’s not as clean as the Friday, but it’s a step up from the rest of the week.
After that big Friday, the swell drops fast. Saturday the 1st of August has 7ft to 7ft from the S, but the period drops to 12-13 seconds, and the energy is still strong around 1200-1400. The wind is cross to cross-on, so it’s a bit bumpier. Then it fades quickly into the 4ft to 5ft range on Sunday and Monday, with the energy dropping to weak levels. By the 3rd of August, it’s down to 2ft to 2ft – barely a ripple.
So, the short version: the first week is small and marginal. The 30th of July afternoon is a decent warm-up. The clear winner is Friday the 31st of July – big S swell, clean light wind, and strong energy. That’s the one to circle on the calendar. After that, it’s a fade-out.
Rusty.
Short Range ForecastMostly dry. Warm (max 23°C on Mon morning, min 20°C on Sun morning). Wind will be generally light. | Days 4-6 Weather SummaryMostly dry. Warm (max 25°C on Thu afternoon, min 21°C on Wed night). Wind will be generally light. | ||||||||||||||||||||
Sunday 19 | Monday 20 | Tuesday 21 | Wednesday 22 | Thursday 23 | Friday 24 | Saturday 25 | |||||||||||||||
AM | PM | 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) | S 13 | SW 17 | SSW 12 | SSW 15 | SW 16 | SSW 16 | SSW 16 | SSW 15 | SSW 15 | SSW 14 | SSW 14 | SSW 14 | S 13 | S 13 | S 13 | SW 24 | SSW 24 | SW 21 | SSW 21 | SW 21 | SW 19 |
Wave Graph | |||||||||||||||||||||
395 | 424 | 532 | 298 | 367 | 334 | 715 | 474 | 474 | 400 | 394 | 316 | 488 | 455 | 455 | 563 | 368 | 664 | 584 | 640 | 863 | |
Wind (km/h) | |||||||||||||||||||||
Wind State on-shore cross-onshore cross-shore cross-offshore off-shore glassy | cross | cross-on | glassy | cross-on | cross | cross-on | on | cross-on | cross-on | on | cross-off | cross-on | cross-on | cross | cross-on | on | on | on | cross-on | cross | on |
High Tide | 2:17PM1.86m | 2:06AM1.48m | 3:04PM1.88m | 3:40AM1.29m | 3:55PM1.89m | 5:53AM1.24m | 4:49PM1.91m | 7:39AM1.30m | 5:43PM1.94m | 8:32AM1.38m | 6:32PM2.00m | 9:04AM1.44m | 7:15PM2.08m | ||||||||
Low Tide | 8:38PM0.94m | 8:06AM0.79m | 10:09PM0.88m | 8:44AM0.98m | 11:37PM0.77m | 9:34AM1.13m | 00:45AM0.63m | 10:48AM1.23m | 1:34AM0.51m | 12:01PM1.25m | 2:13AM0.40m | 12:57PM1.23m | 2:47AM0.31m | ||||||||
5:54 | — | — | 5:54 | — | — | 5:54 | — | — | 5:56 | — | — | 5:56 | — | — | 5:56 | — | — | 5:58 | — | — | |
— | 7:59 | — | — | 7:59 | — | — | 7:58 | — | — | 7:57 | — | — | 7:57 | — | — | 7:55 | — | — | 7:55 | — | |
mm | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
Temp °C | 21 | 21 | 20 | 23 | 23 | 22 | 22 | 22 | 22 | 23 | 24 | 22 | 24 | 25 | 22 | 23 | 23 | 22 | 24 | 24 | 22 |
Feels °C | 22 | 21 | 21 | 24 | 22 | 23 | 21 | 21 | 24 | 24 | 22 | 22 | 25 | 25 | 23 | 24 | 24 | 23 | 25 | 25 | 23 |
Swell 1 Height (m) Direction Period (s) | S 13 | S 12 | SSW 12 | S 11 | S 11 | SSW 16 | SSW 16 | SSW 15 | SSW 15 | SSW 14 | SSW 14 | W 6 | S 13 | S 13 | S 13 | S 12 | S 12 | SW 21 | SSW 12 | SSW 12 | SW 19 |
395 | 400 | 532 | 235 | 188 | 334 | 715 | 474 | 474 | 400 | 394 | 62 | 488 | 455 | 455 | 368 | 344 | 664 | 308 | 224 | 863 | |
Swell 2 Height (m) Direction Period (s) | SW 17 | SW 17 | W 5 | SSW 15 | SW 16 | S 10 | W 6 | S 9 | W 5 | W 6 | SSW 8 | SSW 14 | W 7 | W 6 | W 6 | W 7 | W 6 | S 11 | SSW 21 | SW 21 | SW 12 |
338 | 424 | 7 | 298 | 367 | 94 | 15 | 57 | 11 | 25 | 19 | 316 | 72 | 36 | 80 | 71 | 38 | 149 | 584 | 640 | 152 | |
Swell 3 Height (m) Direction Period (s) | W 6 | W 6 | WNW 15 | W 5 | SSW 13 | SSW 13 | SSE 14 | W 5 | S 8 | S 8 | SSE 12 | S 13 | SSW 14 | S 15 | SW 13 | SW 24 | SSW 24 | SSW 13 | W 6 | W 6 | SSW 11 |
18 | 10 | 42 | 8 | 35 | 114 | 40 | 8 | 22 | 29 | 46 | 212 | 207 | 115 | 84 | 563 | 368 | 181 | 41 | 27 | 117 | |
Wind waves Height (m) Direction Period (s) | — | — | — | — | W 5 | W 5 | — | W 5 | — | — | W 6 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
— | — | — | — | 8 | 11 | — | 14 | — | — | 22 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | |
Nearest Offshore or Glassy | |||||||||||||||||||||
Distance (km) | 76 | 97 | 0 | 76 | 97 | 40 | 76 | 97 | 76 | 74 | 97 | 32 | 97 | 97 | 76 | 76 | 97 | 40 | 74 | 97 | 74 |
Best forecast wave conditions in Orange County | |||||||||||||||||||||
Best forecast wave conditions in United States | |||||||||||||||||||||
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Information about the Doheney Beach Surf forecast
The above surf forecast table for Doheney Beach provides essential information for determining whether the surfing conditions will be good over the next 16 days. A general guide to surfing at Doheney Beach can be found by selecting the local surf guide option on the grey menu. Our Doheney Beach 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 (Doheney Beach) 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 Doheney Beach 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.
Doheney Beach is 2 km (1 miles) from Dana Point. If you plan a vacation in Orange County, look for hotels and other accommodation in Dana Point. Dana Point has rooms for a wide range of budgets as well as car hire and transport links.










