Surf Forecasts:
East Pier (Port Alfred) surf forecast from 20 Aug 2026:
- Best quality surf: Thursday 20 Aug, 2PM (local time) - 11ft (3.5m), 14s period, SSW swell with cross-shore winds.
- Most powerful swell: Thursday 20 Aug, 5PM (local time) - 11ft (3.5m), 14s period, SSW swell with 4,220 kJ wave energy.
- Next surfable swell (1★+): Thursday 20 Aug, 2PM (local time) - 11ft (3.5m), 14s period with SSW swell.
Best Forecast Surf Conditions for East Pier (Port Alfred) this week:
The surf forecast for East Pier (Port Alfred) over the next 16 days: The first swell (rated 1 star or higher) is forecast to arrive on Thursday (Aug 20) at 2PM. The primary swell is predicted to be 3.5m and 14s period. The wind is predicted to be cross-shore as the swell arrives.
The most powerful waves expected at East Pier (Port Alfred) in the next 16 days are 3.5m 14s and forecast to arrive on Thursday (Aug 20) at 5PM. Winds are predicted to be cross-shore at the time the swell arrives. The largest open ocean swell (not directed at the beach) is 1.9m 7s period and expected on Thursday (Aug 27) at 2AM.
| Wave Type | Time (SAST) & Date | Wave Height & Period |
|---|---|---|
| Next good surf (1 star+) | 2PM (Thu 20th Aug) | 11ft (3.5m) 14s |
| Best Surf | 2PM (Thu 20th Aug) | 11ft (3.5m) 14s |
| Most Powerful | 5PM (Thu 20th Aug) | 11ft (3.5m) 14s |
Table - best surf conditions forecast for East Pier (Port Alfred) over the next 16 days.
The Lowdown
Alright, let’s take a look at what we’ve got here at East Pier (Port Alfred) in South Africa. The first real surf comes on Thursday, 20 August in the morning, but I gotta warn you – that opening swell is a monster. We’re lookin’ at 10 ft of SSW swell with a 14-second period and combined energy of 3155 (that’s moderate to strong). That’s way too big for this break – even with a WSW cross-off breeze at 12 mph, it’s only for the crazy experts. The water is 61°F, which is a whopping 6° colder than normal – really unusual.
Friday morning, 21 August, is where it lights up. Glassy conditions (SE wind at just 3 mph), 7 ft SSW swell at 12 seconds, energy down to 1302. Clean, powerful, and for experienced surfers only – this is the standout session of the whole outlook. Friday afternoon gets marginal with onshore wind, so morning is the move.
Saturday, 22 August, looks unsurfable – strong cross-off wind at 28 mph, messy, and then a 10 ft windswell Saturday afternoon with short 8-second period. Not worth a paddle.
Sunday 23 August morning is clean again – 8 ft SSW swell at 11 seconds, gentle cross-off breeze. Good for experienced riders. Monday 24 August drops to 5 ft, still rideable for intermediates, with cross-off wind holding.
Then from Tuesday 25 August through that week, it’s mostly onshore wind and lumpy conditions. Swell drops into the 3–4 ft range by Thursday 27 and Friday 28 August, with lighter winds and cleaner conditions, but energy is way down (220 to 464) – more small-wave fun.
Sunday 30 August brings another big 10 ft swell from the SE, short 8-second period, and onshore wind – too big and messy for a good paddle session. That setup looks more interesting for kite surfing than surfing.
Monday 31 August peters out to 2 ft, energy only 120. Tuesday 1 September drops to 2 ft and it’s all small. A pulse of 8 ft SSW swell on Wednesday 2 September could’ve been nice, but it’s got moderate cross-shore chop, so not the standout.
Best call is Friday morning, 21 August – glassy, 7 ft SSW groundswell, 12-second period, clean, powerful, offshore wind. If you’re experienced, that’s your window. Sunday morning, 23 August, is the runner-up with clean 8 ft SSW swell.
Remember, this break is inconsistent – you gotta pick your windows, and this run has a few real gems, especially that Friday. Keep your eye on it.
Stay salty,
Rusty
Short Range ForecastMostly dry. Very mild (max 18°C on Sat afternoon, min 14°C on Thu morning). Winds increasing (calm on Fri morning, near gales from the WSW by Sat afternoon). | Days 4-6 Weather SummaryMostly dry. Very mild (max 19°C on Tue afternoon, min 14°C on Sun morning). Wind will be generally light. | ||||||||||||||||||||
Thursday 20 | Friday 21 | Saturday 22 | Sunday 23 | Monday 24 | Tuesday 25 | Wednesday 26 | |||||||||||||||
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) | SSW 14 | SSW 14 | SSW 13 | SSW 12 | SSW 12 | SSW 11 | SW 11 | SW 8 | SW 10 | SSW 11 | SSW 11 | SSW 11 | SSW 12 | SSW 12 | SSW 12 | SSW 14 | SSW 12 | SSW 14 | SSW 13 | SSW 12 | SSW 12 |
Wave Graph  | |||||||||||||||||||||
 kJ | 3155 | 4220 | 2230 | 1302 | 1027 | 801 | 1046 | 1178 | 1363 | 1192 | 1214 | 829 | 734 | 615 | 615 | 2109 | 1039 | 1822 | 968 | 656 | 444 |
Wind (km/h) | |||||||||||||||||||||
Wind State on-shore cross-onshore cross-shore cross-offshore off-shore glassy | cross-off | cross | off | glassy | on | cross-on | cross-off | cross-off | off | cross-off | cross-on | cross-off | cross-off | cross-off | off | cross-on | cross-on | cross-on | cross-on | cross-on | cross |
High Tide | 8:12PM1.07m | 8:49AM0.91m | 10:19PM0.96m | 12:37PM0.91m | 00:55AM1.03m | 1:45PM1.05m | 1:47AM1.15m | 2:19PM1.19m | 2:21AM1.28m | 2:47PM1.33m | 2:51AM1.39m | 3:13PM1.46m | 3:18AM1.48m | ||||||||
Low Tide | 1:44PM0.59m | 2:45AM0.67m | 2:54PM0.72m | 5:46AM0.71m | 6:30PM0.73m | 7:31AM0.59m | 7:43PM0.61m | 8:08AM0.45m | 8:19PM0.48m | 8:36AM0.32m | 8:48PM0.35m | 9:01AM0.20m | 9:16PM0.24m | ||||||||
 |  |  | | |  | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
 | 6:46 | — | — | 6:43 | — | — | 6:43 | — | — | 6:41 | — | — | 6:41 | — | — | 6:39 | — | — | 6:37 | — | — |
 | — | 5:45 | — | — | 5:45 | — | — | 5:46 | — | — | 5:47 | — | — | 5:47 | — | — | 5:49 | — | — | 5:50 | — |
mm | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
Temp °C | 17 | 17 | 16 | 16 | 17 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 15 | 18 | 18 | 16 | 18 | 19 | 17 | 20 | 23 | 25 |
Feels °C | 14 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 16 | 14 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 14 | 15 | 14 | 15 | 14 | 14 | 16 | 16 | 14 | 16 | 20 | 20 |
Swell 1 Height (m) Direction Period (s) | SSW 14 | SSW 14 | SSW 13 | SSW 12 | SSW 12 | SSW 11 | ENE 6 | E 7 | ENE 8 | SSW 11 | SSW 11 | SSW 11 | SSW 12 | SSW 12 | SSW 12 | SSW 14 | SSW 12 | SSW 14 | SSW 13 | SSW 12 | ENE 7 |
| kJ | 3155 | 4220 | 2230 | 1302 | 1027 | 801 | 56 | 28 | 6 | 1192 | 1214 | 829 | 734 | 615 | 615 | 2109 | 1039 | 1822 | 968 | 656 | 268 |
Swell 2 Height (m) Direction Period (s) | E 8 | ENE 8 | ENE 8 | ENE 8 | ENE 8 | — | SSW 15 | — | — | ENE 8 | ENE 8 | ENE 9 | ENE 9 | ENE 10 | SSW 15 | E 9 | SSW 16 | — | SSW 16 | S 16 | SSW 12 |
| kJ | 37 | 23 | 22 | 13 | 13 | — | 231 | — | — | 6 | 6 | 8 | 9 | 9 | 468 | 7 | 893 | — | 87 | 80 | 444 |
Swell 3 Height (m) Direction Period (s) | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | ENE 9 | SSE 11 | — | E 10 | — | E 9 | — | — | — | S 16 |
| kJ | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | 8 | 12 | — | 8 | — | 6 | — | — | — | 172 |
Wind waves Height (m) Direction Period (s) | — | — | — | — | — | ENE 4 | SW 11 | SW 8 | SW 10 | — | — | — | — | SW 4 | — | — | — | ENE 4 | ENE 6 | ENE 7 | ENE 7 |
| kJ | — | — | — | — | — | 25 | 1046 | 1178 | 1363 | — | — | — | — | 8 | — | — | — | 22 | 151 | 289 | 379 |
Nearest Offshore or Glassy | |||||||||||||||||||||
Distance (km) | 120 | 120 | 0 | 0 | 571 | 131 | 285 | 329 | 16 | 0 | 122 | 0 | 114 | 121 | 0 | 2 | 366 | 138 | 158 | 158 | 2 |
Best forecast wave conditions in Eastern Cape (South) | |||||||||||||||||||||
Best forecast wave conditions in South Africa | |||||||||||||||||||||
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Information about the East Pier (Port Alfred) Surf forecast
The above surf forecast table for East Pier (Port Alfred) provides essential information for determining whether the surfing conditions will be good over the next 16 days. A general guide to surfing at East Pier (Port Alfred) can be found by selecting the local surf guide option on the grey menu. Our East Pier (Port Alfred) 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 (East Pier (Port Alfred)) 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 East Pier (Port Alfred) 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 Eastern Cape (South)? If you are looking for accommodation near East Pier (Port Alfred), camping, hotels and holiday cottages in Eastern Cape (South), consider staying in Port Alfred which is 1 km (1 miles) away. Other places in and around Eastern Cape (South) where you can find information about places to rent, and car hire include Grahamstown which is 47 km (29 miles) away, Bisho and Fort Beaufort.
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