Surf Forecasts:
Horse Trails surf forecast from 17 Aug 2026:
- Best quality surf: Tuesday 18 Aug, 8PM (local time) - 10ft (3.0m), 12s period, SW swell with cross-shore winds.
- Most powerful swell: Thursday 20 Aug, 8AM (local time) - 11ft (3.5m), 13s period, SW swell with 3,425 kJ wave energy.
- Next surfable swell (1★+): Monday 17 Aug, 11AM (local time) - 8ft (2.5m), 13s period with WSW swell.
Best Forecast Surf Conditions for Horse Trails this week:
The surf forecast for Horse Trails over the next 16 days: The first swell (rated 1 star or higher) is forecast to arrive on Monday (Aug 17) at 11AM. The primary swell is predicted to be 2.5m and 13s period. The wind is predicted to be cross-offshore as the swell arrives.
The most powerful waves expected at Horse Trails in the next 16 days are 3.5m 13s and forecast to arrive on Thursday (Aug 20) at 8AM. Winds are predicted to be cross-offshore at the time the swell arrives. The largest open ocean swell (not directed at the beach) is 0.9m 5s period and expected on Friday (Aug 21) at 8AM.
| Wave Type | Time (SAST) & Date | Wave Height & Period |
|---|---|---|
| Next good surf (1 star+) | 11AM (Mon 17th Aug) | 8ft (2.5m) 13s |
| Best Surf | 8PM (Tue 18th Aug) | 10ft (3.0m) 12s |
| Most Powerful | 8AM (Thu 20th Aug) | 11ft (3.5m) 13s |
Table - best surf conditions forecast for Horse Trails over the next 16 days.
The Lowdown
Alright, let’s get into it.
The next couple of weeks are looking like a bit of a mixed bag for Horse Trails. There’s some solid swell on the horizon, but the wind and the size are gonna be the deciding factors on whether it’s worth paddling out or just watching from the sand. We’ve got a run of days where the surf is too big or the conditions are iffy, but there are a couple of windows that should light up.
First off, this Monday morning (August 17th) is where we kick things off. We’ve got a clean 8ft SW groundswell with a 13-second period. That’s proper energy rolling in, and the combined energy is a solid 2354. The wind is a light cross-offshore breeze, keeping the face smooth. It’s gonna be firing and clean, but this size is pushing it for the average surfer. You’ll want your wits about you. Also, the water is sitting at a chilly 55°, which is over five degrees colder than normal for this time of year. That’s not just a little nippy, that’s a real cold snap, so you’ll need the thickest wetsuit you own.
After that morning session, the rest of the week gets a bit messy. The wind swings onshore or cross-shore, and the swell stays in that 8ft to 8ft range but gets chopped up. Afternoons are particularly poor, and the magic from Monday morning is gone. This stretch from Monday afternoon through Wednesday afternoon is looking pretty average, honestly.
Now, here’s the big one. Thursday morning, August 20th, the swell jumps up to 12ft from the SW. The energy reading is 3425, which is serious power. But, the comment on this is clear: it’s just too big for this break. It’s going to be a washing machine out there, and this is only for the experienced crew. The wave direction is good, and the wind is not terrible, but that size is the story. It's a similar situation on Monday, August 31st, and Tuesday, September 1st. We're looking at another 12ft SW swell on the 31st with energy hitting 4757 – that’s a lot of water moving. Even though the wind is glassy on the Tuesday morning, that 10ft swell is still too much. These days are best left for the chargers and the heavy hitters.
The search for a truly standout, user-friendly day is tricky. The best chance for a clean, manageable wave looks like the afternoon of Wednesday, August 26th. The swell has backed off to a friendly 6ft from the WSW, and the wind goes completely glassy. It’s a moment of calm in a storm of average conditions. The energy is a weaker 910, but with the ocean flat and smooth, it could be a fun, mellow session if you can find a peak. That’s your chance to get out without getting pounded.
Looking further out, there’s a promising pulse for Friday, August 28th morning. It’s showing 8ft of WSW swell with a longer 14-second period. The energy is up at 2782. The wind is light and cross, which might leave it a little lumpy, but there’s some real potential there. But remember, that’s over a week away, so treat it as promising, not a guarantee. The forecasts get less reliable the further out we go.
So, to sum it up. Get out there early on Monday morning if you’re up for a challenge. Keep your eye on the 26th for a glassy, smaller wave. And for the brave, the last day of August and the start of September are going to be serious. A lot of this period is just waiting for the wind and the swell to line up, but there are definitely waves to be had if you’re willing to pick your moments.
This is Rusty, signing off. Stay wet.
Short Range ForecastMostly dry. Very mild (max 18°C on Mon afternoon, min 12°C on Tue night). Wind will be generally light. | Days 4-6 Weather SummaryMostly dry. Very mild (max 16°C on Fri afternoon, min 11°C on Thu night). Wind will be generally light. | ||||||||||||||||||||
Monday 17 | Tuesday 18 | Wednesday 19 | Thursday 20 | Friday 21 | Saturday 22 | Sunday 23 | |||||||||||||||
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) | WSW 13 | WSW 13 | WSW 13 | WSW 12 | SW 13 | SW 12 | SW 12 | SW 12 | SW 12 | SW 13 | SW 12 | SW 12 | SW 11 | SSW 11 | WSW 11 | SW 11 | SW 12 | SW 13 | WSW 13 | SW 13 | WSW 12 |
Wave Graph | |||||||||||||||||||||
2354 | 2026 | 1783 | 1735 | 2309 | 2269 | 1771 | 1550 | 1476 | 3425 | 2622 | 1610 | 1172 | 582 | 310 | 701 | 1488 | 1903 | 1572 | 1584 | 694 | |
Wind (km/h) | |||||||||||||||||||||
Wind State on-shore cross-onshore cross-shore cross-offshore off-shore glassy | cross-off | cross-on | cross | cross | cross | cross-off | cross-on | cross-on | cross-off | cross | cross | cross-off | cross | cross | cross | cross-on | cross-on | cross | cross | cross | cross |
High Tide | 6:13PM1.43m | 6:32AM1.21m | 6:48PM1.29m | 7:12AM1.10m | 7:29PM1.15m | 8:07AM0.99m | 8:32PM1.04m | 9:49AM0.92m | 10:25PM0.98m | 11:54AM0.96m | 00:06AM1.04m | 12:58PM1.07m | 1:01AM1.13m | ||||||||
Low Tide | 11:57AM0.25m | 00:31AM0.30m | 12:30PM0.38m | 1:08AM0.42m | 1:06PM0.51m | 1:55AM0.54m | 1:57PM0.63m | 3:19AM0.62m | 3:53PM0.70m | 5:32AM0.61m | 6:08PM0.66m | 6:46AM0.52m | 7:07PM0.56m | ||||||||
7:22 | — | — | 7:22 | — | — | 7:20 | — | — | 7:20 | — | — | 7:18 | — | — | 7:16 | — | — | 7:16 | — | — | |
— | 6:16 | — | — | 6:17 | — | — | 6:19 | — | — | 6:19 | — | — | 6:20 | — | — | 6:21 | — | — | 6:21 | — | |
mm | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
Temp °C | 17 | 18 | 15 | 15 | 16 | 13 | 15 | 16 | 14 | 14 | 15 | 12 | 14 | 16 | 13 | 15 | 16 | 15 | 15 | 17 | 13 |
Feels °C | 15 | 16 | 15 | 12 | 13 | 10 | 14 | 13 | 12 | 11 | 11 | 9 | 12 | 13 | 10 | 13 | 13 | 14 | 13 | 14 | 10 |
Swell 1 Height (m) Direction Period (s) | WSW 13 | WSW 13 | WSW 13 | WSW 12 | SW 13 | SW 12 | SW 12 | SW 12 | SW 12 | SW 13 | SW 12 | SW 12 | SW 11 | WSW 11 | SSW 10 | SW 11 | SW 12 | SW 13 | WSW 13 | SW 13 | WSW 12 |
2354 | 2026 | 1783 | 1735 | 2309 | 2269 | 1771 | 1550 | 1476 | 3425 | 2622 | 1610 | 1172 | 427 | 310 | 701 | 1488 | 1903 | 1572 | 1584 | 694 | |
Swell 2 Height (m) Direction Period (s) | — | W 16 | SW 14 | SW 12 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | WSW 11 | WSW 11 | — | — | — | SSW 11 | SSW 11 |
— | 193 | 224 | 678 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | 291 | 44 | — | — | — | 459 | 499 | |
Swell 3 Height (m) Direction Period (s) | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | SW 15 |
— | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | 57 | |
Wind waves Height (m) Direction Period (s) | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | SSW 11 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
— | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | 582 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | |
Nearest Offshore or Glassy | |||||||||||||||||||||
Distance (km) | 0 | 31 | 2 | 2 | 41 | 1 | 2 | 36 | 0 | 52 | 401 | 0 | 2 | 72 | 2 | 2 | 15 | 2 | 2 | 41 | 2 |
Best forecast wave conditions in Cape Town | |||||||||||||||||||||
Best forecast wave conditions in South Africa | |||||||||||||||||||||
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Information about the Horse Trails Surf forecast
The above surf forecast table for Horse Trails provides essential information for determining whether the surfing conditions will be good over the next 16 days. A general guide to surfing at Horse Trails can be found by selecting the local surf guide option on the grey menu. Our Horse Trails 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 (Horse Trails) 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 Horse Trails 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.
Horse Trails is 8 km (5 miles) from the very large city of Robben Island. If you plan a holiday in Cape Town, look for hotels and other accommodation in Robben Island. Robben Island has rooms for a wide range of budgets as well as cheap car hire and transport links.











