Surf Forecasts:
Gwithian surf forecast from 29 Aug 2026:
- Best quality surf: Sunday 6 Sep, 1AM (local time) - 5ft (1.6m), 8s period, W swell with offshore winds.
- Most powerful swell: Friday 4 Sep, 1PM (local time) - 10ft (3.0m), 12s period, WNW swell with 2,434 kJ wave energy.
- Next surfable swell (1★+): Sunday 6 Sep, 1AM (local time) - 5ft (1.6m), 8s period with W swell.
Best Forecast Surf Conditions for Gwithian this week:
The surf forecast for Gwithian over the next 16 days: The first swell (rated 1 star or higher) is forecast to arrive on Sunday (Sep 06) at 1AM. The primary swell is predicted to be 1.6m and 8s period with a secondary swell of 0.1m and 13s. The wind is predicted to be offshore as the swell arrives.
The most powerful waves expected at Gwithian in the next 16 days are 3.0m 12s and forecast to arrive on Friday (Sep 04) at 1PM. Winds are predicted to be onshore at the time the swell arrives. The largest open ocean swell (not directed at the beach) is 0.1m 11s period and expected on Wednesday (Sep 02) at 7AM.
| Wave Type | Time (BST) & Date | Wave Height & Period |
|---|---|---|
| Next good surf (1 star+) | 1AM (Sun 6th Sep) | 5ft (1.6m) 8s |
| Best Surf | 1AM (Sun 6th Sep) | 5ft (1.6m) 8s |
| Most Powerful | 1PM (Fri 4th Sep) | 10ft (3.0m) 12s |
Table - best surf conditions forecast for Gwithian over the next 16 days.
The Lowdown
Alright, folks. Rusty here. Gwithian’s the only spot in the mix, and the next couple of weeks look rough.
Right now, the surf is a no-go. This weekend is a total loss with a strong onshore wind and a big, messy 10-foot swell from the west-southwest. The water is sitting at 64°, which is a bit warmer than usual for the end of August, but you won’t feel it in that wind.
We’ve got a long stretch of poor conditions through the first week. The wind stays onshore or cross-shore, and the swell is all over the place. The wave energy is moderate, hitting around 1695 on Saturday, but that’s just raw power with no shape. It’s a solid week of “don’t bother” until we get to the 6th of September.
Now, Sunday the 6th of September is where things get interesting. We’ve got a clean, offshore wind from the southeast, blowing at 19 mph, and clean surf. The swell is only 4 feet from the west with an 8-second period, so it’s a small, short-period wave. The energy is weak (224), but for the first time, the wind is right. This is a clean, paddlable morning for the beginners, but it’s not a standout. The crowds are often a factor here, so expect company.
The next notable moment is the 10th of September. It’s a tease – Thursday morning has a 5-foot swell from the west-southwest, with a clean, cross-offshore wind from the southeast. The wave energy is still low (337), but it’s clean. The swell period is 8 seconds, so it’s weak. It’s a marginal day, but if you’re desperate, it’s the best option in a week of nothing.
The second week brings more size but also more wind. The 11th and 12th of September see a big 8-foot to 12-foot groundswell from the west, with a long 12-second period. That’s a ton of energy (over 3500 for the 12th), but it’s all cross-onshore and lumpy. That’s kite-surfing territory, not paddle surfing. The wave energy is strong (3583), but the wind is a mess.
The 13th of September is the last day in the window. It’s a 7-foot west swell with a 12-second period, but the wind is cross-onshore again. The energy is moderate (1412), but the quality is poor. Not a day to get excited about.
The bottom line: No standout options. The best bet is Sunday the 6th of September for the clean offshore wind, even though it’s small. The 10th of September is a runner-up for a marginal, clean session. Everything else is a write-off due to relentless onshore wind. The area is fairly consistent, so it tends not to stay poor for long, but this run is a tough one.
Rusty.
Short Range ForecastLight rain (total 9mm), mostly falling on Sun afternoon. Very mild (max 18°C on Sat afternoon, min 16°C on Sun afternoon). Winds decreasing (strong winds from the W on Sat afternoon, light winds from the W by Mon night). | Days 5-7 Weather SummarySome drizzle, heaviest during Wed night. Very mild (max 19°C on Wed morning, min 16°C on Thu night). Winds increasing (light winds from the SW on Tue night, fresh winds from the SW by Wed morning). | |||||||||||||||||||
Sat 29 | Sunday 30 | Monday 31 | Tuesday 1 | Wednesday 2 | Thursday 3 | Friday 4 | ||||||||||||||
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) | WSW 9 | WSW 9 | WSW 9 | WSW 8 | W 10 | W 10 | W 10 | W 10 | W 9 | W 9 | W 8 | WSW 6 | WSW 8 | WSW 8 | W 8 | W 8 | WNW 10 | WNW 9 | WNW 12 | WNW 11 |
Wave Graph | ||||||||||||||||||||
1695 | 841 | 524 | 751 | 2055 | 1424 | 876 | 408 | 189 | 146 | 134 | 242 | 522 | 614 | 548 | 664 | 2171 | 1767 | 2013 | 990 | |
Wind (km/h) | ||||||||||||||||||||
Wind State on-shore cross-onshore cross-shore cross-offshore off-shore glassy | on | cross-on | cross | cross-on | on | on | on | cross-on | cross-on | cross-on | cross | cross | cross-on | cross-on | cross-on | on | cross-on | on | on | cross-on |
High Tide | 6:57PM6.33m | 7:14AM6.17m | 7:30PM6.41m | 7:48AM6.22m | 8:04PM6.36m | 8:23AM6.13m | 8:41PM6.16m | 9:01AM5.91m | 9:22PM5.83m | 9:44AM5.58m | 10:09PM5.40m | 10:36AM5.17m | 11:10PM4.93m | |||||||
Low Tide | 1:18AM0.22m | 1:29PM0.24m | 1:50AM0.20m | 2:02PM0.26m | 2:22AM0.30m | 2:37PM0.41m | 2:58AM0.53m | 3:15PM0.67m | 3:38AM0.87m | 4:00PM1.03m | 4:26AM1.28m | 4:57PM1.45m | ||||||||
— | — | 6:31 | — | — | 6:33 | — | — | 6:35 | — | — | 6:35 | — | — | 6:37 | — | — | 6:39 | — | — | |
8:13 | — | — | 8:10 | — | — | 8:08 | — | — | 8:07 | — | — | 8:05 | — | — | 8:01 | — | — | 8:00 | — | |
mm | — | — | 3 | 5 | 1 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | 1 | — | — | — | — | — | — |
Temp °C | 18 | 17 | 18 | 18 | 17 | 17 | 17 | 16 | 18 | 18 | 17 | 19 | 19 | 18 | 18 | 17 | 17 | 17 | 17 | 17 |
Feels °C | 11 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 15 | 16 | 14 | 16 | 15 | 15 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 13 | 16 |
Swell 1 Height (m) Direction Period (s) | — | WSW 9 | N 5 | — | — | — | W 10 | W 10 | W 9 | SW 17 | SW 16 | SSW 16 | SSW 15 | SSW 15 | SW 15 | SW 15 | SSW 15 | SSW 14 | SSW 14 | WNW 11 |
— | 841 | 2 | — | — | — | 876 | 408 | 189 | 12 | 10 | 25 | 23 | 21 | 35 | 60 | 23 | 21 | 20 | 990 | |
Swell 2 Height (m) Direction Period (s) | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | N 5 | N 5 | — | SW 11 | — | — | — | — | — | — | SSW 14 | — | SSW 14 |
— | — | — | — | — | — | — | 13 | 2 | — | 5 | — | — | — | — | — | — | 20 | — | 20 | |
Swell 3 Height (m) Direction Period (s) | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | S 18 | SW 18 | SW 17 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
— | — | — | — | — | — | — | 6 | 12 | 12 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | |
Wind waves Height (m) Direction Period (s) | WSW 9 | — | WSW 9 | WSW 8 | W 10 | W 10 | NNW 6 | — | — | W 9 | W 8 | WSW 6 | WSW 8 | WSW 8 | W 8 | W 8 | WNW 10 | WNW 9 | WNW 12 | — |
1695 | — | 524 | 751 | 2055 | 1424 | 33 | — | — | 146 | 134 | 242 | 522 | 614 | 548 | 664 | 2171 | 1767 | 2013 | — | |
Nearest Offshore or Glassy | ||||||||||||||||||||
Distance (km) | 158 | 5 | 396 | 500 | 163 | 214 | 163 | 4 | 4 | 5 | 5 | 761 | 210 | 223 | 506 | 214 | 214 | 283 | 173 | 5 |
Best forecast wave conditions in North Cornwall | ||||||||||||||||||||
Best forecast wave conditions in United Kingdom | ||||||||||||||||||||
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Information about the Gwithian Surf forecast
The above surf forecast table for Gwithian provides essential information for determining whether the surfing conditions will be good over the next 16 days. A general guide to surfing at Gwithian can be found by selecting the local surf guide option on the grey menu. Our Gwithian 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 (Gwithian) 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 Gwithian 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.
Gwithian is 6 km (4 miles) from Camborne. If you plan a holiday in North Cornwall, look for hotels and other accommodation in Camborne. Camborne has rooms for a wide range of budgets as well as car hire and transport links.











