
Surf Forecasts:
56th St surf forecast from 17 Jul 2026:
- Best quality surf: Thursday 23 Jul, 5AM (local time) - 5ft (1.6m), 15s period, S swell with glassy winds.
- Most powerful swell: Thursday 23 Jul, 2AM (local time) - 5ft (1.6m), 16s period, S swell with 1,257 kJ wave energy.
- Next surfable swell (1★+): Saturday 18 Jul, 11PM (local time) - 1.5ft (0.4m), 19s period with SW swell.
Best Forecast Surf Conditions for 56th St this week:
The surf forecast for 56th St over the next 16 days: The first swell (rated 1 star or higher) is forecast to arrive on Saturday (Jul 18) at 11PM. The primary swell is predicted to be 0.4m and 19s period with a secondary swell of 0.6m and 11s. Another secondary swell of 0.4m and 16s is also forecast. The wind is predicted to be glassy as the swell arrives.
The most powerful waves expected at 56th St in the next 16 days are 1.6m 16s and forecast to arrive on Thursday (Jul 23) at 2AM. Winds are predicted to be onshore at the time the swell arrives.
| Wave Type | Time (PDT) & Date | Wave Height & Period |
|---|---|---|
| Next good surf (1 star+) | 11PM (Sat 18th Jul) | 1.5ft (0.4m) 19s |
| Best Surf | 5AM (Thu 23rd Jul) | 5ft (1.6m) 15s |
| Most Powerful | 2AM (Thu 23rd Jul) | 5ft (1.6m) 16s |
Table - best surf conditions forecast for 56th St over the next 16 days.
The Lowdown
Alright folks, Rusty here. Let’s get into it.
We’ve got a long stretch ahead, and honestly, the first few days are a bit of a write-off. The surf is tiny and the conditions are just not cooperating. You’re looking at flat, weak energy through the weekend and into early next week. The good news is that things start to look up around the middle of the next week, but don’t expect anything firing before that.
The only real standout is 56th St. It’s a sheltered spot, so it’s not going to see the full brunt of the bigger swells, but it’s got a very consistent track record and the swell direction is a solid SW, which is exactly what this place wants. The water is sitting at 69°, which is a touch warmer than normal for this time of year, so you won’t need a full winter suit.
Let’s break it down. The first real sign of life is on Monday morning, July 20th. We’ll see a 5ft SSW swell trickling in, with a period of 15 seconds. That’s a long-period groundswell, so it’ll have some punch, but it’s also a bit prone to closing out on a beach break. The wind is light and cross-onshore, so it’ll be a bit bumpy but not unmanageable. The energy is moderate at 809. It’s marginal, but for a Monday morning, it’s a chance to get wet.
The best window of the whole forecast looks like Thursday, July 23rd, through Saturday, July 25th. On Thursday morning, we’ve got a 5ft S swell with 14-second periods and light cross-onshore winds. The energy is strong at 1091. That’s a solid, surfable size. The wind is light, but it’s not perfectly offshore, so it’ll be a little bumpy. Friday morning sees similar 5ft S swell, but with a clean offshore wind from the S. That’s a very good sign. The energy jumps to 1292, which is strong. Saturday morning, July 25th, is another standout: a 5ft SSW swell with a light offshore wind. The energy is at 1313. This is the best combination of size, wind, and energy in the whole 16 days. The period is 13 seconds, which is a nice, solid groundswell. It’s not too big for intermediates, but it’s not a beginner wave either.
After that, things taper off. Sunday, July 26th, still has some 4ft SSW swell with offshore wind, but it’s dropping. The energy is still strong at 1041. By Monday, July 27th, the wind starts to turn a bit ugly, and the surf fades.
So, if you’re looking for the best surf, you’re circling Thursday, July 23rd, through Saturday, July 25th. The 56th St won’t be empty – it’s a spot that can get a crowd, so expect some company. But for a consistent, clean, and punchy SW swell, that’s your window.
- Rusty
Short Range ForecastMostly dry. Warm (max 23°C on Thu afternoon, min 20°C on Thu night). Wind will be generally light. | Days 5-7 Weather SummaryMostly dry. Warm (max 25°C on Tue afternoon, min 20°C on Sun night). Wind will be generally light. | |||||||||||||||||||
Thu 16 | Friday 17 | Saturday 18 | Sunday 19 | Monday 20 | Tuesday 21 | Wednesday 22 | ||||||||||||||
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) | SW 16 | SW 19 | SW 19 | SW 14 | SW 15 | SW 18 | SW 18 | S 11 | SW 17 | S 13 | SSW 15 | SSW 15 | SSW 16 | SSW 13 | SSW 16 | SSW 15 | SSW 15 | SSW 15 | S 15 | S 16 |
Wave Graph | ||||||||||||||||||||
88 | 126 | 130 | 74 | 77 | 246 | 255 | 85 | 232 | 463 | 353 | 784 | 871 | 384 | 392 | 358 | 362 | 334 | 551 | 1257 | |
Wind (km/h) | ||||||||||||||||||||
Wind State on-shore cross-onshore cross-shore cross-offshore off-shore glassy | on | cross-on | cross-on | cross-on | cross-on | cross-on | on | cross-on | on | on | cross-on | cross-on | cross-on | on | cross-on | cross-on | cross-on | cross | cross | on |
High Tide | 11:12PM1.85m | 12:45PM1.37m | 00:01AM1.62m | 1:28PM1.40m | 00:54AM1.36m | 2:13PM1.43m | 1:58AM1.10m | 3:00PM1.44m | 3:31AM0.90m | 3:52PM1.46m | 5:49AM0.83m | 4:48PM1.48m | ||||||||
Low Tide | 5:17PM0.52m | 6:20AM-0.24m | 6:15PM0.53m | 6:59AM-0.05m | 7:20PM0.54m | 7:35AM0.16m | 8:37PM0.53m | 8:11AM0.38m | 10:08PM0.48m | 8:49AM0.57m | 11:41PM0.37m | 9:37AM0.73m | 00:53AM0.23m | |||||||
— | — | 5:52 | — | — | 5:54 | — | — | 5:54 | — | — | 5:54 | — | — | 5:56 | — | — | 5:56 | — | — | |
8:01 | — | — | 8:00 | — | — | 8:00 | — | — | 8:00 | — | — | 8:00 | — | — | 7:59 | — | — | 7:59 | — | |
mm | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
Temp °C | 23 | 21 | 22 | 22 | 21 | 22 | 22 | 20 | 22 | 23 | 21 | 22 | 24 | 23 | 24 | 25 | 23 | 23 | 24 | 23 |
Feels °C | 23 | 21 | 22 | 22 | 21 | 22 | 22 | 20 | 22 | 23 | 21 | 22 | 23 | 22 | 23 | 23 | 23 | 23 | 23 | 24 |
Swell 1 Height (m) Direction Period (s) | W 10 | W 7 | W 7 | W 7 | SW 15 | SW 18 | SW 18 | S 11 | S 12 | S 13 | S 12 | SSW 15 | SSW 16 | SSW 13 | SSW 16 | SSW 15 | SSW 15 | SSW 15 | S 15 | S 16 |
44 | 16 | 24 | 14 | 77 | 246 | 255 | 85 | 171 | 463 | 278 | 784 | 871 | 384 | 392 | 358 | 362 | 334 | 551 | 1257 | |
Swell 2 Height (m) Direction Period (s) | SW 16 | SW 15 | SW 19 | SW 14 | WSW 6 | S 12 | S 12 | SW 16 | SW 17 | SW 17 | SSW 15 | W 5 | SSW 20 | SSW 16 | SSW 10 | SSW 9 | SSW 8 | SSE 14 | SSW 14 | WSW 6 |
88 | 77 | 130 | 74 | 13 | 43 | 70 | 65 | 232 | 346 | 353 | 5 | 75 | 298 | 102 | 64 | 55 | 207 | 264 | 48 | |
Swell 3 Height (m) Direction Period (s) | SSW 12 | SW 19 | SW 14 | SW 18 | S 12 | WSW 6 | WSW 6 | SW 13 | S 14 | W 6 | W 5 | SSE 14 | SSE 14 | SSE 14 | SW 12 | SW 11 | S 15 | S 17 | SW 7 | SSW 14 |
27 | 126 | 54 | 51 | 25 | 15 | 7 | 27 | 132 | 6 | 8 | 20 | 19 | 38 | 50 | 42 | 110 | 212 | 18 | 178 | |
Wind waves Height (m) Direction Period (s) | S 3 | — | SSE 3 | SSE 3 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | W 5 | W 4 | — | W 4 | W 4 | W 4 | W 4 | — |
1 | — | 2 | 2 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | 4 | 2 | — | 3 | 7 | 5 | 16 | — | |
Nearest Offshore or Glassy | ||||||||||||||||||||
Distance (km) | 57 | 25 | 46 | 46 | 25 | 46 | 110 | 46 | 46 | 110 | 47 | 47 | 110 | 23 | 46 | 110 | 30 | 125 | 125 | 14 |
Best forecast wave conditions in Orange County | ||||||||||||||||||||
Best forecast wave conditions in United States | ||||||||||||||||||||
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Information about the 56th St Surf forecast
The above surf forecast table for 56th St provides essential information for determining whether the surfing conditions will be good over the next 16 days. A general guide to surfing at 56th St can be found by selecting the local surf guide option on the grey menu. Our 56th St 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 (56th St) 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 56th St 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.
56th St is 2 km (1 miles) from the city of Newport Beach. If you plan a vacation in Orange County, look for hotels and other accommodation in Newport Beach. Newport Beach has rooms for a wide range of budgets as well as car hire and transport links.










