Surf Forecasts:
Friendly Beaches surf forecast from 19 Aug 2026:
- Best quality surf: Thursday 20 Aug, 7AM (local time) - 7ft (2.1m), 8s period, NNE swell with glassy winds.
- Most powerful swell: Thursday 20 Aug, 7AM (local time) - 7ft (2.1m), 8s period, NNE swell with 583 kJ wave energy.
- Next surfable swell (1★+): Thursday 20 Aug, 7AM (local time) - 7ft (2.1m), 8s period with NNE swell.
Best Forecast Surf Conditions for Friendly Beaches this week:
The surf forecast for Friendly Beaches over the next 16 days: The first swell (rated 1 star or higher) is forecast to arrive on Thursday (Aug 20) at 7AM. The primary swell is predicted to be 2.1m and 8s period with a secondary swell of 0.1m and 13s. Another secondary swell of 0.1m and 11s is also forecast. The wind is predicted to be glassy as the swell arrives.
The most powerful waves expected at Friendly Beaches in the next 16 days are 2.1m 8s and forecast to arrive on Thursday (Aug 20) at 7AM. Winds are predicted to be glassy at the time the swell arrives. The largest open ocean swell (not directed at the beach) is 1.2m 8s period and expected on Saturday (Aug 22) at 7PM.
| Wave Type | Time (AEST) & Date | Wave Height & Period |
|---|---|---|
| Next good surf (1 star+) | 7AM (Thu 20th Aug) | 7ft (2.1m) 8s |
| Best Surf | 7AM (Thu 20th Aug) | 7ft (2.1m) 8s |
| Most Powerful | 7AM (Thu 20th Aug) | 7ft (2.1m) 8s |
Table - best surf conditions forecast for Friendly Beaches over the next 16 days.
The Lowdown
Alright, Rusty here. Let’s break down what’s on offer at Friendly Beaches.
It’s a slow starter. The early days are sloppy with cross-onshore winds and weak, short-period slop. Nothing to rush out for. The first decent chance rolls around Thursday, August 20.
Thursday morning sees a light cross-off NW breeze cleaning up the 7ft NE wind swell. The energy is moderate (525) and the waves will be rideable and clean. It’s not pumping, but for this spot, it’s your first real option.
The standout is Wednesday morning, August 26. Glassy conditions with a 5ft SSE swell and a combined energy of 503 (moderate). That’s a good-looking session with light wind and clean lines.
Another strong call is Thursday morning, August 27. Light cross-off NNW wind, 6ft SE swell, and strong energy at 575. The waves will have shape and the surface will be smooth.
After that, the second week turns rowdy. By Sunday, August 30 the swell hits 8ft plus with a stiff cross-on breeze. That’s for experts only – or the kite crowd. Monday, August 31 has a solid 15ft SSE groundswell with an 11-second period, but the cross-on wind makes paddling tough. The energy is enormous (4296 to 5013) but the conditions aren’t friendly.
Wednesday, September 2 drops to 8ft with cross winds, still tricky. A final chance on Thursday, September 3 brings glassy 4ft ESE swell and moderate energy – a nice little closer if you’re patient.
So, the best bets are the 26th and 27th. Everything else is either small, messy, or too big for fun.
Rusty.
Short Range ForecastSome drizzle, heaviest during Fri afternoon. Very mild (max 18°C on Thu morning, min 7°C on Fri night). Wind will be generally light. | Days 4-6 Weather SummaryMostly dry. Very mild (max 17°C on Mon morning, min 7°C on Mon night). 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) | NNE 8 | NNE 8 | NNE 8 | NNE 7 | NNE 7 | NE 8 | S 16 | S 15 | S 8 | S 9 | S 9 | S 9 | S 14 | N 6 | S 14 | S 13 | S 7 | S 7 | S 9 | NE 10 | NE 10 |
Wave Graph | |||||||||||||||||||||
454 | 427 | 174 | 104 | 66 | 30 | 44 | 150 | 165 | 150 | 123 | 85 | 191 | 116 | 93 | 53 | 39 | 51 | 53 | 35 | 23 | |
Wind (km/h) | |||||||||||||||||||||
Wind State on-shore cross-onshore cross-shore cross-offshore off-shore glassy | cross-off | cross-off | cross-off | off | cross-off | cross-off | off | cross-off | off | cross-off | cross | cross-off | cross-off | off | off | cross-off | cross-on | glassy | glassy | cross-on | off |
High Tide | 1:43PM1.11m | 3:16AM0.76m | 2:29PM1.11m | 4:21AM0.76m | 3:18PM1.12m | 5:16AM0.78m | 4:06PM1.14m | 6:03AM0.80m | 4:53PM1.17m | 6:43AM0.82m | 5:38PM1.19m | 7:20AM0.85m | 6:21PM1.21m | ||||||||
Low Tide | 9:03PM0.36m | 7:47AM0.60m | 9:57PM0.33m | 8:39AM0.63m | 10:48PM0.31m | 9:33AM0.63m | 11:33PM0.27m | 10:25AM0.63m | 00:16AM0.24m | 11:15AM0.61m | 00:55AM0.21m | 12:03PM0.59m | 1:31AM0.18m | ||||||||
6:52 | — | — | 6:50 | — | — | 6:48 | — | — | 6:48 | — | — | 6:46 | — | — | 6:45 | — | — | 6:43 | — | — | |
— | 5:28 | — | — | 5:29 | — | — | 5:30 | — | — | 5:30 | — | — | 5:31 | — | — | 5:32 | — | — | 5:34 | — | |
mm | — | — | — | — | 1 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
Temp °C | 18 | 17 | 11 | 15 | 13 | 9 | 14 | 14 | 9 | 15 | 15 | 13 | 17 | 15 | 9 | 12 | 12 | 9 | 13 | 13 | 10 |
Feels °C | 15 | 13 | 8 | 11 | 10 | 6 | 8 | 8 | 5 | 11 | 11 | 8 | 12 | 12 | 6 | 8 | 8 | 7 | 9 | 9 | 7 |
Swell 1 Height (m) Direction Period (s) | S 15 | NNE 8 | NNE 8 | NNE 7 | NNE 7 | NE 8 | SSW 6 | SSW 8 | S 8 | S 9 | S 9 | N 6 | S 14 | S 14 | N 6 | NNE 7 | NNE 7 | S 7 | S 9 | S 8 | N 5 |
4 | 355 | 174 | 104 | 66 | 30 | 8 | 116 | 165 | 150 | 123 | 40 | 191 | 100 | 18 | 19 | 19 | 51 | 53 | 35 | 13 | |
Swell 2 Height (m) Direction Period (s) | SE 13 | S 16 | S 16 | S 16 | S 15 | N 6 | NE 8 | S 15 | S 14 | S 14 | S 15 | S 9 | E 15 | E 15 | S 14 | S 13 | SSW 10 | NE 7 | NE 6 | NE 10 | NE 10 |
7 | 5 | 5 | 20 | 18 | 10 | 17 | 150 | 103 | 35 | 74 | 85 | 4 | 4 | 93 | 53 | 21 | 23 | 11 | 23 | 23 | |
Swell 3 Height (m) Direction Period (s) | S 10 | SE 13 | SE 12 | SE 12 | SE 12 | S 17 | S 16 | N 5 | N 8 | S 17 | NE 7 | S 14 | E 16 | E 14 | E 15 | S 7 | S 13 | S 9 | NE 10 | NE 6 | S 8 |
2 | 7 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 23 | 44 | 4 | 5 | 24 | 2 | 64 | 5 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 13 | 28 | 15 | 10 | 12 | |
Wind waves Height (m) Direction Period (s) | NNE 8 | NNE 8 | W 3 | WNW 3 | — | SW 5 | NNW 6 | — | WSW 4 | — | NNE 3 | N 6 | N 6 | N 6 | SW 4 | SW 4 | S 7 | WSW 3 | — | N 3 | NNW 6 |
454 | 427 | 6 | 2 | — | 28 | 18 | — | 11 | — | 3 | 80 | 85 | 116 | 17 | 15 | 39 | 3 | — | 3 | 40 | |
Nearest Offshore or Glassy | |||||||||||||||||||||
Distance (km) | 131 | 40 | 40 | 34 | 34 | 34 | 529 | 20 | 34 | 93 | 93 | 110 | 93 | 34 | 34 | 34 | 119 | 93 | 110 | 110 | 110 |
Best forecast wave conditions in East Coast of Tasmania | |||||||||||||||||||||
Best forecast wave conditions in Australia | |||||||||||||||||||||
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Information about the Friendly Beaches Surf forecast
The above surf forecast table for Friendly Beaches provides essential information for determining whether the surfing conditions will be good over the next 16 days. A general guide to surfing at Friendly Beaches can be found by selecting the local surf guide option on the grey menu. Our Friendly Beaches 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 (Friendly Beaches) 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 Friendly Beaches 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.
Friendly Beaches is 114 km (71 miles) from Launceston. If you plan a holiday in East Coast of Tasmania, look for hotels and other accommodation in Launceston. Launceston has rooms for a wide range of budgets as well as car hire and transport links.











