Galveston Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright folks, Rusty here. Let’s talk about what’s going on with the surf over the next couple of weeks. I’ll be straight with you – it’s a pretty quiet stretch for the coast. The overall pattern is one of small, weak swell with mostly onshore or cross-shore winds. There’s really only one day that stands out as worth getting a little excited about, but you’ll have to be patient.

We kick off on Saturday the 22nd of August with nothing to write home about. Tiny 1ft to 1ft swell from the SW, short periods of just 4 seconds, and a mix of cross-off and cross-on winds. The wave energy is weak (5 to 6), and the conditions are clean in the morning but get choppy by the afternoon. Honestly, not worth paddling out for anything more than a splash.

The pattern holds through Sunday and Monday – tiny waves, under 2ft, with short periods and mostly cross-on or onshore breezes. The combined energy barely gets into double digits. It’s just flat and unappealing.

Tuesday the 25th stays small, 2ft to 2ft, but still that short 4-second period. Energy creeps up to 15 to 16, but it’s still weak. Wind is cross-on or onshore again, so expect choppy, bumpy surfaces.

Wednesday the 26th and Thursday the 27th offer a bit more size – up to 3ft – but the period stays short. The energy on Thursday morning hits 44, which is still weak, and the wind is cross or cross-on. It’s not terrible, but it’s not good either.

Now, Friday the 28th of August is our one standout. The swell bumps up to 3ft from the SW, period still short at 5 seconds, but the wind goes cross-offshore from the NW at just 6 mph. That makes for clean conditions, and the wave energy hits 51 – still weak, but the best we’ll see. This is the morning window to aim for at Galveston. It’s a breakwater setup, so it’s exposed and can pick up that SW swell. The water temp is about average for this time of year. Keep in mind this spot is inconsistent and crowds are possible. The 3ft waves are small, but with clean faces and light wind, it's your best shot in a long flat spell.

After that, we crash back down. From Saturday the 29th right through to Sunday the 6th of September, it’s all under 2ft again. Periods stay short, winds are mostly on or cross-on, and the combined swell energy is in the single digits. There are some mornings with light cross-off winds on the 3rd of September, but the swell is only 1ft or less, so it’s barely surfable.

So, plain and simple: out of this 16-day window, you’ve got one real window – Friday the 28th of August morning at Galveston. The rest is a long gap of flat, weak, and choppy conditions. Surf’s been tough, but that one morning might give you a couple of fun ones if you’re keen. Stay patient, boys.

Rusty.

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