Surf Forecasts:
Fish Hoek surf forecast from 20 Jul 2026:
- Best quality surf: Tuesday 21 Jul, 8AM (local time) - 5ft (1.5m), 14s period, SSW swell with glassy winds.
- Most powerful swell: Thursday 23 Jul, 11PM (local time) - 10ft (3.0m), 17s period, SW swell with 4,550 kJ wave energy.
- Next surfable swell (1★+): Monday 20 Jul, 2PM (local time) - 3ft (0.9m), 9s period with SW swell.
Best Forecast Surf Conditions for Fish Hoek this week:
The surf forecast for Fish Hoek over the next 16 days: The first swell (rated 1 star or higher) is forecast to arrive on Monday (Jul 20) at 2PM. The primary swell is predicted to be 0.9m and 9s period with a secondary swell of 0.5m and 11s. The wind is predicted to be offshore as the swell arrives.
The most powerful waves expected at Fish Hoek in the next 16 days are 3.0m 17s and forecast to arrive on Thursday (Jul 23) at 11PM. Winds are predicted to be onshore at the time the swell arrives. The largest open ocean swell (not directed at the beach) is 1.3m 7s period and expected on Thursday (Jul 23) at 5AM.
| Wave Type | Time (SAST) & Date | Wave Height & Period |
|---|---|---|
| Next good surf (1 star+) | 2PM (Mon 20th Jul) | 3ft (0.9m) 9s |
| Best Surf | 8AM (Tue 21st Jul) | 5ft (1.5m) 14s |
| Most Powerful | 11PM (Thu 23rd Jul) | 10ft (3.0m) 17s |
Table - best surf conditions forecast for Fish Hoek over the next 16 days.
The Lowdown
Alright folks, Rusty here. Let’s talk about what’s cooking at our local spot.
We’re looking at a solid run of surf coming up, with a few real gems if you time it right. The week starts off with a bit of a slow build, but it gets interesting quickly.
Monday morning, July 20th, we’ve got some clean 4ft swell from the SW, with a gentle cross-offshore breeze from the N. It’s not massive, but it’s clean and surfable. The water’s sitting at 60°, which is pretty much bang on average for this time of year, so no surprises there. The combined energy is moderate (299). It’s a decent start, but the real magic is just around the corner.
Tuesday, July 21st, is the standout. The morning is looking absolutely glassy with a calm wind and a solid 6ft SW groundswell. The period is a long 14 seconds, which means real power and shape. The combined energy is strong (1268). This is the kind of morning you call in sick for. The afternoon stays solid with 6ft, but a light cross-onshore creeps in, so get on it early.
Wednesday, July 22nd, it drops a little to 5ft, but with a clean cross-offshore wind and a 12-second period, it’s still a very fun day. The energy is moderate (639). A good, solid Wednesday.
Thursday, July 23rd, we see some light rain and a 5ft swell from the WSW. The wind is cross-off, but the energy is moderate (612). It’s a bit of a messy day, but still worth a paddle.
Friday, July 24th, is for the experienced crew only. The morning brings a big 8ft SW groundswell with a very long 15-second period. The combined energy is very strong (2797). This is serious, powerful stuff. With an onshore wind, it’s going to be a beast. The afternoon is slightly smaller at 7ft, but still heavy. Only for the experts.
Saturday, July 25th, the wind picks up from the SE, making it choppy and poor. Swell is still 7ft, but the conditions are messy. A day to sit out.
Sunday, July 26th, we’re back in business. The morning has a clean 5ft SW swell with a light cross-offshore breeze. The afternoon is a real highlight: 5ft with a gentle offshore wind from the WNW and a 12-second period, giving us very clean, lined-up waves. The energy is moderate (740). This is another top pick.
Monday, July 27th, drops to 4ft with a cross-onshore wind. It’s marginal, but still surfable.
Tuesday, July 28th, is a write-off. Strong winds from the S and messy conditions. Even the 7ft swell that shows up in the afternoon is blown out. Stay home.
Wednesday, July 29th, is another absolute gem. The morning is glassy, with a 6ft SSW groundswell and a 13-second period. The combined energy is strong (1212). The afternoon is also glassy and 6ft. This is a fantastic day for anyone. The swell is big enough for power but clean enough for anyone comfortable in that size.
Thursday, July 30th, is a drop-off. Small 4ft swell with onshore wind. Not worth the effort.
Friday, July 31st, is a mixed bag. The morning brings a big 10ft swell from the SSE, but with a short 9-second period, it’s going to be a bit of a close-out. The energy is very strong (2177), but the wind is cross-off, keeping it clean. This is for the chargers only. The afternoon is a much more manageable 5ft.
Saturday, August 1st, is a loss again. Rain showers and strong cross-onshore winds make for choppy, poor conditions.
Sunday, August 2nd, we finish the run on a high note. A small, clean 3ft swell from the S with a light offshore wind. Perfect for a longboard or a fun board. The energy is weak (375), but the conditions are gorgeous.
Monday, August 3rd and Tuesday, August 4th are blown out by strong SE winds, wiping out any chance of a decent wave.
The absolute best on offer is Tuesday morning, July 21st, and Sunday afternoon, July 26th, and the entire day of Wednesday, July 29th. Those are the ones to circle on the calendar. The water temp is about normal for the season, so a 3/2 will do you fine.
Rusty
Short Range ForecastMostly dry. Very mild (max 16°C on Mon afternoon, min 12°C on Tue night). Wind will be generally light. | Days 4-6 Weather SummaryLight rain (total 3mm), mostly falling on Thu morning. Very mild (max 19°C on Sat night, min 12°C on Thu morning). Wind will be generally light. | ||||||||||||||||||||
Monday 20 | Tuesday 21 | Wednesday 22 | Thursday 23 | Friday 24 | Saturday 25 | Sunday 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) | SW 9 | SW 8 | SSW 16 | SW 14 | SW 13 | SW 13 | SW 12 | SW 13 | SW 12 | WSW 10 | SW 13 | SW 16 | SW 15 | SW 14 | SSW 14 | SSW 13 | SW 13 | SW 12 | SW 12 | SW 12 | SW 13 |
Wave Graph  | |||||||||||||||||||||
 kJ | 235 | 100 | 217 | 1249 | 1218 | 825 | 634 | 734 | 254 | 480 | 1006 | 4288 | 2784 | 2004 | 1465 | 1449 | 1018 | 700 | 614 | 593 | 680 |
Wind (km/h) | |||||||||||||||||||||
Wind State on-shore cross-onshore cross-shore cross-offshore off-shore glassy | cross-off | off | glassy | glassy | cross-on | cross | cross-off | cross-off | cross-off | cross-off | on | on | on | cross-on | cross-on | cross-on | cross-on | on | cross-off | off | cross-on |
High Tide | 7:44PM1.31m | 8:13AM1.07m | 8:35PM1.19m | 9:19AM1.00m | 9:42PM1.11m | 10:47AM0.97m | 11:04PM1.08m | 12:11PM1.01m | 00:19AM1.11m | 1:10PM1.09m | 1:14AM1.17m | 1:54PM1.18m | 1:57AM1.25m | ||||||||
Low Tide | 1:20PM0.39m | 2:13AM0.43m | 2:07PM0.50m | 3:13AM0.51m | 3:12PM0.60m | 4:33AM0.55m | 4:45PM0.64m | 5:56AM0.53m | 6:15PM0.61m | 6:59AM0.47m | 7:15PM0.54m | 7:44AM0.39m | 7:59PM0.46m | ||||||||
 |  |  | | | | | |  |  | | | | | | | | | | | | |
 | 7:47 | — | — | 7:47 | — | — | 7:46 | — | — | 7:46 | — | — | 7:45 | — | — | 7:43 | — | — | 7:43 | — | — |
 | — | 5:57 | — | — | 5:58 | — | — | 5:59 | — | — | 5:59 | — | — | 6:00 | — | — | 6:00 | — | — | 6:00 | — |
mm | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | 1 | 2 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
Temp °C | 14 | 16 | 15 | 13 | 14 | 13 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 12 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 15 | 15 | 14 | 18 | 19 | 21 | 22 | 16 |
Feels °C | 11 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 10 | 11 | 8 | 12 | 9 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 15 | 17 | 18 | 17 | 15 |
Swell 1 Height (m) Direction Period (s) | SW 9 | SW 8 | SW 7 | SW 14 | SW 13 | SW 13 | SW 12 | SW 13 | SW 12 | WSW 10 | SW 13 | SW 16 | SW 15 | SW 14 | SSW 14 | SSW 13 | SW 13 | SW 12 | SW 12 | SW 12 | SW 13 |
| kJ | 235 | 100 | 54 | 1249 | 1218 | 825 | 634 | 734 | 254 | 480 | 1006 | 4288 | 2784 | 2004 | 1465 | 1449 | 1018 | 700 | 614 | 593 | 680 |
Swell 2 Height (m) Direction Period (s) | SW 11 | SW 11 | SSW 16 | SE 11 | SE 11 | SE 11 | SE 11 | S 14 | S 12 | SSW 12 | SSW 20 | SE 12 | ESE 12 | SSW 18 | SSW 16 | SSW 13 | SSW 13 | SE 5 | SE 5 | SSW 15 | WSW 12 |
| kJ | 64 | 60 | 217 | 19 | 19 | 18 | 5 | 100 | 144 | 125 | 149 | 23 | 13 | 178 | 276 | 673 | 469 | 6 | 7 | 144 | 58 |
Swell 3 Height (m) Direction Period (s) | W 10 | W 10 | SW 12 | W 9 | W 9 | — | — | SE 14 | SE 14 | SE 13 | SW 17 | — | — | ESE 12 | SE 11 | — | — | — | SE 10 | SE 5 | — |
| kJ | 17 | 45 | 93 | 25 | 6 | — | — | 8 | 7 | 7 | 73 | — | — | 13 | 5 | — | — | — | 4 | 3 | — |
Wind waves Height (m) Direction Period (s) | NNW 3 | WNW 2 | — | — | — | — | — | NW 3 | WNW 6 | N 4 | — | — | — | — | — | SE 11 | SSE 5 | SE 5 | — | — | — |
| kJ | 1 | 1 | — | — | — | — | — | 2 | 90 | 9 | — | — | — | — | — | 5 | 39 | 23 | — | — | — |
Nearest Offshore or Glassy | |||||||||||||||||||||
Distance (km) | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 8 | 1 | 0 | 12 | 22 | 22 | 8 | 9 | 9 | 15 | 21 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 0 | 0 | 8 |
Best forecast wave conditions in Cape Town | |||||||||||||||||||||
Best forecast wave conditions in South Africa | |||||||||||||||||||||
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Information about the Fish Hoek Surf forecast
The above surf forecast table for Fish Hoek provides essential information for determining whether the surfing conditions will be good over the next 16 days. A general guide to surfing at Fish Hoek can be found by selecting the local surf guide option on the grey menu. Our Fish Hoek 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 (Fish Hoek) 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 Fish Hoek 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 Cape Town? If you are looking for accommodation near Fish Hoek, camping, hotels and holiday cottages in Cape Town, consider staying in Cape Town which is 22 km (14 miles) away. Other places in and around Cape Town where you can find information about places to rent, and car hire include Bellville which is 31 km (19 miles) away, Robben Island, Stellenbosch and Kayamnandi.
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