Surf Forecasts:
Fourth Beach surf forecast from 18 Aug 2026:
- Best quality surf: Thursday 20 Aug, 5AM (local time) - 10ft (3.0m), 16s period, SW swell with cross-offshore winds.
- Most powerful swell: Wednesday 19 Aug, 5PM (local time) - 10ft (3.0m), 16s period, SW swell with 4,317 kJ wave energy.
- Next surfable swell (1★+): Thursday 20 Aug, 5AM (local time) - 10ft (3.0m), 16s period with SW swell.
Best Forecast Surf Conditions for Fourth Beach this week:
The surf forecast for Fourth Beach over the next 16 days: The first swell (rated 1 star or higher) is forecast to arrive on Thursday (Aug 20) at 5AM. The primary swell is predicted to be 3.0m and 16s period. The wind is predicted to be cross-offshore as the swell arrives.
The most powerful waves expected at Fourth Beach in the next 16 days are 3.0m 16s and forecast to arrive on Wednesday (Aug 19) at 5PM. Winds are predicted to be cross-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 Wednesday (Aug 19) at 11AM.
| Wave Type | Time (AWST) & Date | Wave Height & Period |
|---|---|---|
| Next good surf (1 star+) | 5AM (Thu 20th Aug) | 10ft (3.0m) 16s |
| Best Surf | 5AM (Thu 20th Aug) | 10ft (3.0m) 16s |
| Most Powerful | 5PM (Wed 19th Aug) | 10ft (3.0m) 16s |
Table - best surf conditions forecast for Fourth Beach over the next 16 days.
The Lowdown
G’day, I’m Rusty. Let’s break down what’s coming for Fourth Beach over the next couple weeks. It’s a mixed bag, but there are a couple of real standouts if you’re willing to wait for the right window.
The overall pattern here at Fourth Beach starts with solid groundswell, but the early conditions are rough. The gems come later in the first week, and there’s a tasty long-range window early next month.
We’re looking at a run of SW and SSW groundswell with periods hanging in the 15 to 16-second range – that’s proper long-period groundswell. That gives you power and shape, but with a beach break like this, that long period can make it close out or race through. When the wind is right, though, it’ll be clean. The water temp is about average for this time of year, nothing unusual – just your standard winter wetsuit setup.
The first real highlight is Thursday morning, August 20th. Clean 2.5m SSW swell, 16-second period, and a light cross-offshore wind from the WNW. This is a solid session for experienced surfers – plenty of power, well-shaped waves, and crowds aren’t a problem since this spot is inconsistent. The combined energy is (3648). This is your best early call.
Then, Friday, August 21st is a beauty. The swell pushes up to 3.0m from the SSW, still with a 16-second period, and the wind goes glassy – dead calm from the NE. This is as clean as it gets. Combined energy is (3650). Huge, lined-up waves – this is advanced only, way too big for beginners. Glassy conditions on a 3-meter groundswell are a rare treat.
Saturday, August 22nd is another good one, especially early. The swell drops to 2.1m from the SSW, with an offshore north wind at 20 km/h keeping it clean. Combined energy is (3162). It’s a bit smaller than Friday, but still a cracking morning for those with experience.
Going into the second week, Monday, August 24th offers a clean 2.0m SSW swell with glassy conditions in the morning, but the period drops to 12 seconds – less punch than earlier. Still worth a look.
After that, there’s a quiet patch from the 25th through the end of the month with onshore winds and smaller, weaker swell. Not worth the effort.
Now for the long-range standout: Wednesday, September 2nd, in the morning. The forecast shows a 3.0m SSW swell with a very long 17-second period and offshore winds from the NNE at 25 km/h. Combined energy is (7772). That’s exceptional, heavy groundswell – only for experts. It’s more than a week out, so keep checking, but if it holds, it’ll be the session of the season.
Fourth Beach is the only spot in this area, so that’s where you’ll be.
Peace,
Rusty
Short Range ForecastMostly dry. Very mild (max 17°C on Wed afternoon, min 11°C on Tue night). Winds decreasing (fresh winds from the WNW on Wed morning, calm by Thu night). | Days 5-7 Weather SummarySome drizzle, heaviest during Sun afternoon. Warm (max 21°C on Sat afternoon, min 13°C on Fri night). Wind will be generally light. | ||||||||||||||||||
Wednesday 19 | Thursday 20 | Friday 21 | Saturday 22 | Sunday 23 | Monday 24 | ||||||||||||||
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 16 | SW 16 | SW 16 | SW 16 | SW 16 | SW 16 | SSW 16 | SSW 16 | SSW 15 | SSW 15 | SSW 15 | SSW 16 | SSW 16 | SSW 14 | SSW 14 | SSW 18 | SSW 12 | SSW 14 | SSW 12 |
Wave Graph | |||||||||||||||||||
1305 | 1764 | 4317 | 4021 | 3648 | 3343 | 3827 | 3637 | 2998 | 2274 | 1963 | 2480 | 1832 | 1042 | 1028 | 1735 | 1135 | 2280 | 1135 | |
Wind (km/h) | |||||||||||||||||||
Wind State on-shore cross-onshore cross-shore cross-offshore off-shore glassy | off | cross-off | cross-on | cross | cross-off | cross-on | off | glassy | cross-on | cross-off | off | cross | cross-off | cross-on | cross-on | on | glassy | cross | off |
High Tide | 1:13AM0.86m | 11:14AM0.69m | 1:45AM0.85m | 10:40AM0.69m | 2:34AM0.82m | 7:56AM0.80m | 8:35AM0.87m | 9:05AM0.93m | 11:55PM0.53m | ||||||||||
Low Tide | 7:16AM0.60m | 6:06PM0.28m | 7:45AM0.66m | 6:10PM0.26m | 6:09PM0.25m | 5:53PM0.25m | 5:24PM0.24m | 5:08PM0.21m | 2:26AM0.52m | ||||||||||
— | 6:28 | — | — | 6:26 | — | — | 6:24 | — | — | 6:24 | — | — | 6:22 | — | — | 6:22 | — | — | |
5:23 | — | 5:24 | — | — | 5:24 | — | — | 5:25 | — | — | 5:27 | — | — | 5:27 | — | — | 5:28 | — | |
mm | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | 1 | — | — | — | — |
Temp °C | 14 | 16 | 17 | 15 | 15 | 15 | 15 | 15 | 17 | 15 | 18 | 21 | 20 | 15 | 15 | 14 | 14 | 15 | 13 |
Feels °C | 13 | 9 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 12 | 12 | 14 | 15 | 11 | 14 | 18 | 16 | 12 | 10 | 9 | 11 | 12 | 9 |
Swell 1 Height (m) Direction Period (s) | SSW 16 | SW 16 | SW 16 | SW 16 | SW 16 | SW 16 | SSW 16 | SSW 16 | SSW 15 | SSW 15 | SSW 15 | SSW 16 | SSW 16 | SSW 14 | SSW 14 | SW 13 | SSW 12 | SSW 14 | SSW 12 |
1305 | 1764 | 4317 | 4021 | 3648 | 3343 | 3827 | 3637 | 2998 | 2274 | 1963 | 2480 | 1832 | 1042 | 1028 | 1503 | 1135 | 2280 | 1135 | |
Swell 2 Height (m) Direction Period (s) | SSW 8 | — | — | — | — | — | — | S 26 | SW 24 | SSW 20 | SSW 18 | — | E 4 | SW 21 | SW 20 | SW 18 | SSW 16 | — | SW 15 |
162 | — | — | — | — | — | — | 13 | 141 | 1024 | 1199 | — | 14 | 69 | 97 | 370 | 822 | — | 75 | |
Swell 3 Height (m) Direction Period (s) | E 7 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | E 6 | — | — | SSW 16 | — | — |
4 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | 2 | — | — | 330 | — | — | |
Wind waves Height (m) Direction Period (s) | NW 3 | WNW 4 | SW 16 | — | — | SSW 16 | — | — | — | ENE 3 | — | — | — | SW 5 | SW 6 | SSW 18 | — | — | — |
2 | 15 | 2868 | — | — | 2155 | — | — | — | 7 | — | — | — | 29 | 129 | 1735 | — | — | — | |
Nearest Offshore or Glassy | |||||||||||||||||||
Distance (km) | 0 | 626 | 288 | 4 | 0 | 288 | 0 | 0 | 578 | 120 | 0 | 493 | 10 | 578 | 578 | 232 | 0 | 120 | 0 |
Best forecast wave conditions in Far South of Western Australia | |||||||||||||||||||
Best forecast wave conditions in Australia | |||||||||||||||||||
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Information about the Fourth Beach Surf forecast
The above surf forecast table for Fourth Beach provides essential information for determining whether the surfing conditions will be good over the next 16 days. A general guide to surfing at Fourth Beach can be found by selecting the local surf guide option on the grey menu. Our Fourth 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 (Fourth 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 Fourth 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.
Are you planning a holiday in Far South of Western Australia? If you are looking for accommodation near Fourth Beach, camping, hotels and holiday cottages in Far South of Western Australia, consider staying in Esperance which is 5 km (3 miles) away.











