Surf Forecasts:
El Balneario surf forecast from 18 Aug 2026:
- Most powerful swell: Sunday 23 Aug, 5AM (local time) - 4.5ft (1.3m), 8s period, W swell with 196 kJ wave energy.
Best Forecast Surf Conditions for El Balneario this week:
The most powerful waves expected at El Balneario in the next 16 days are 1.3m 8s and forecast to arrive on Sunday (Aug 23) 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 0.7m 4s period and expected on Tuesday (Aug 25) at 2PM.
| Wave Type | Time (CEST) & Date | Wave Height & Period |
|---|---|---|
| Next good surf (1 star+) | - | - |
| Best Surf | - | - |
| Most Powerful | 5AM (Sun 23rd Aug) | 4.5ft (1.3m) 8s |
Table - best surf conditions forecast for El Balneario over the next 16 days.
The Lowdown
Alright folks, Rusty here. Let’s have a look at what’s on the menu for El Balneario.
Honestly, it’s a grim start. We’re looking at a long stretch of nothing much for the first week and a half or so. From Tuesday the 18th right through to about Sunday the 30th of August, the surf is pretty much a write-off. Tiny, weak swell with onshore or cross-onshore wind just messing it up. You’re looking at flat to knee-high slop, and most days the wind is straight onshore, so it’s not even worth paddling out. The combined swell energy barely scratches double digits most days, often well under 100 (weak). It’s one of those classic late summer lulls where the ocean just goes to sleep. Don't bother.
Now, things start to look a little more interesting as we roll into the end of the month and the start of September. The standout window opens on Sunday the 30th of August and carries through into the first days of September. This is where the wind finally plays ball.
The best bet in the whole 16-day run is Tuesday the 1st of September. The morning at El Balneario has clean, moderate offshore wind from the east at 15 mph, combing that little 0.6 ft west swell into something rideable. It’s not big, but it’s clean. The combined swell energy is moderate (35). Given the offshore flow, the surface will be glassy and smooth. For a beginner-friendly spot like this, that’s as good as it gets for the period. The water is sitting at 70 °F, which is about a couple of degrees colder than usual for this time of year – a bit nippy but nothing a decent steamer won’t fix.
Wednesday the 2nd of September is also a solid shout. Morning sees similar conditions: east offshore at 19 mph, a 0.9 ft west swell, and combined energy up to 68 (moderate). The wind is fresh and clean, so expect lined-up, fun waves. Be aware though, this break can get crowds *sometimes*, so get in early for a peak.
The surf stays small but clean right through to the 2nd, but after that, the window closes again on the data we have. If you can wait it out, that last few days of August and first couple of days of September are your only real chance for a proper session. The rest is a flat spell.
Rusty.
Short Range ForecastLight rain (total 4mm), mostly falling on Thu morning. Warm (max 26°C on Tue afternoon, min 20°C on Thu morning). Wind will be generally light. | Days 4-6 Weather SummaryMostly dry. Warm (max 23°C on Fri afternoon, min 19°C on Sun morning). Wind will be generally light. | ||||||||||||||||||||
Tuesday 18 | Wednesday 19 | Thursday 20 | Friday 21 | Saturday 22 | Sunday 23 | Monday 24 | |||||||||||||||
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) | W 9 | W 8 | W 8 | W 8 | W 8 | W 8 | SW 3 | WSW 4 | W 4 | W 5 | W 5 | WNW 9 | WNW 6 | W 6 | W 8 | W 7 | W 6 | W 7 | W 6 | W 6 | WNW 7 |
Wave Graph  | |||||||||||||||||||||
 kJ | 14 | 12 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 2 | 13 | 9 | 20 | 25 | 25 | 70 | 49 | 103 | 94 | 66 | 88 | 66 | 18 | 15 |
Wind (km/h) | |||||||||||||||||||||
Wind State on-shore cross-onshore cross-shore cross-offshore off-shore glassy | glassy | glassy | cross-on | cross-on | on | cross-on | on | on | on | on | on | on | cross-on | cross-on | on | cross-on | cross-on | on | on | on | on |
High Tide | 7:39PM1.12m | 8:02AM1.03m | 8:24PM1.01m | 8:55AM0.94m | 9:25PM0.92m | 10:14AM0.88m | 10:58PM0.88m | 11:55AM0.88m | 00:31AM0.91m | 1:10PM0.95m | 1:32AM0.98m | 1:59PM1.03m | 2:15AM1.06m | ||||||||
Low Tide | 1:26PM0.28m | 1:53AM0.32m | 2:10PM0.38m | 2:41AM0.42m | 3:07PM0.47m | 3:50AM0.49m | 4:34PM0.53m | 5:27AM0.51m | 6:14PM0.51m | 6:51AM0.46m | 7:23PM0.45m | 7:45AM0.39m | 8:09PM0.36m | ||||||||
 | |  | |  |  |  |  | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
 | 7:41 | — | — | 7:43 | — | — | 7:43 | — | — | 7:45 | — | — | 7:45 | — | — | 7:46 | — | — | 7:47 | — | — |
 | — | — | 9:08 | — | — | 9:07 | — | — | 9:07 | — | — | 9:05 | — | — | 9:04 | — | — | 9:02 | — | — | 9:00 |
mm | — | — | — | — | — | 1 | 3 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
Temp °C | 25 | 26 | 24 | 23 | 25 | 24 | 23 | 25 | 24 | 22 | 23 | 22 | 21 | 22 | 22 | 20 | 21 | 21 | 21 | 21 | 21 |
Feels °C | 29 | 29 | 28 | 24 | 26 | 25 | 24 | 24 | 23 | 22 | 22 | 21 | 18 | 19 | 19 | 17 | 18 | 17 | 17 | 17 | 19 |
Swell 1 Height (m) Direction Period (s) | E 6 | E 6 | E 6 | E 5 | W 8 | W 8 | W 8 | WNW 10 | WNW 9 | WNW 9 | WNW 9 | WNW 9 | W 11 | W 10 | WNW 9 | — | — | — | W 6 | W 6 | WNW 7 |
| kJ | 19 | 11 | 6 | 2 | 5 | 5 | 1 | 10 | 8 | 8 | 16 | 25 | 2 | 2 | 7 | — | — | — | 66 | 18 | 15 |
Swell 2 Height (m) Direction Period (s) | W 9 | W 8 | W 8 | W 8 | W 4 | — | W 10 | — | — | — | — | W 11 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | W 8 |
| kJ | 14 | 12 | 5 | 5 | 1 | — | 2 | — | — | — | — | 3 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | 1 |
Swell 3 Height (m) Direction Period (s) | — | — | W 3 | — | E 5 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| kJ | — | — | 1 | — | 1 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
Wind waves Height (m) Direction Period (s) | — | — | — | W 4 | WSW 2 | WSW 2 | SW 3 | WSW 4 | W 4 | W 5 | W 5 | W 5 | WNW 6 | W 6 | W 8 | W 7 | W 6 | W 7 | — | — | — |
| kJ | — | — | — | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 13 | 9 | 20 | 25 | 16 | 70 | 49 | 103 | 94 | 66 | 88 | — | — | — |
Nearest Offshore or Glassy | |||||||||||||||||||||
Distance (km) | 278 | 321 | 247 | 320 | 497 | 318 | 432 | 806 | 137 | 181 | 844 | 85 | 181 | 828 | 137 | 119 | 836 | 246 | 246 | 582 | 71 |
Best forecast wave conditions in Andalucia | |||||||||||||||||||||
Best forecast wave conditions in Spain (Europe) | |||||||||||||||||||||
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Information about the El Balneario Surf forecast
The above surf forecast table for El Balneario provides essential information for determining whether the surfing conditions will be good over the next 16 days. A general guide to surfing at El Balneario can be found by selecting the local surf guide option on the grey menu. Our El Balneario 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 (El Balneario) 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 El Balneario 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.
El Balneario is 1 km (1 miles) from the city of Tarifa. If you plan a holiday in Andalucia, look for hotels and other accommodation in Tarifa. Tarifa has rooms for a wide range of budgets as well as car hire and transport links.
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