Surf Forecasts:
Horse Trails surf forecast from 28 Jul 2026:
- Best quality surf: Tuesday 28 Jul, 5PM (local time) - 7.5ft (2.3m), 14s period, SW swell with offshore winds.
- Most powerful swell: Tuesday 28 Jul, 5AM (local time) - 8ft (2.5m), 15s period, SW swell with 2,597 kJ wave energy.
- Next surfable swell (1★+): Tuesday 28 Jul, 5PM (local time) - 7.5ft (2.3m), 14s period with SW 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 Tuesday (Jul 28) at 5PM. The primary swell is predicted to be 2.3m and 14s period with a secondary swell of 1.3m and 8s. Another secondary swell of 1.7m and 7s is also forecast. The wind is predicted to be offshore as the swell arrives.
The most powerful waves expected at Horse Trails in the next 16 days are 2.5m 15s and forecast to arrive on Tuesday (Jul 28) at 5AM. Winds are predicted to be cross-offshore at the time the swell arrives. The largest open ocean swell (not directed at the beach) is 0.5m 3s period and expected on Monday (Aug 03) at 2PM.
| Wave Type | Time (SAST) & Date | Wave Height & Period |
|---|---|---|
| Next good surf (1 star+) | 5PM (Tue 28th Jul) | 7.5ft (2.3m) 14s |
| Best Surf | 5PM (Tue 28th Jul) | 7.5ft (2.3m) 14s |
| Most Powerful | 5AM (Tue 28th Jul) | 8ft (2.5m) 15s |
Table - best surf conditions forecast for Horse Trails over the next 16 days.
The Lowdown
Alright everyone, Rusty here again. Let’s break down Horse Trails in feet and miles per hour. This is a sandbar that’s fairly consistent, and it loves a SW swell. We’ve got a solid run of waves coming, but the conditions are going to keep you on your toes.
The first call is a bit of a wait. Tuesday the 28th of July, the morning is a bit iffy with a cross-offshore breeze and a solid 8ft SW swell. The energy is massive (2563), but the tide and conditions are a bit questionable. The real action starts Tuesday afternoon when the wind goes offshore from the east at 12 mph, cleaning up that same 8ft SW swell. That’s proper power for the experienced crew.
Wednesday the 29th of July, the morning is the call. An offshore breeze (E, 6 mph) and 6ft SW swell will have the waves glassy and lined up. The energy is still strong (1121). The afternoon gets a bit of a cross-onshore mess, so get in early. Thursday the 30th of July is a beauty in the morning. Glassy offshore winds (E, 3 mph) and a 5ft SW swell – clean, fun, and perfect for intermediates. The energy is moderate (802), but the quality is high.
We’ve got a bit of a small wave lull from Friday the 31st of July through the weekend. The swell drops to 3ft to 4ft, with mixed winds. There are a few clean moments, but it’s a paddle-board kind of vibe. Sunday the 2nd of August has a glassy afternoon with 4ft swell, but it’s small.
Now, mark your calendars for Monday the 3rd of August. A 8ft SW groundswell rolls in with a light offshore wind (N, 3 mph) and the energy is huge (2346). The period is 14 seconds, so those are long, powerful lines. This is for experienced surfers only – the paddle out will be a workout, but the waves will be firing.
The middle of the week gets wild. Wednesday the 5th of August, the swell is 7ft with a 15-second period, but the wind is cross-shore, making it lumpy. The energy is pumping (3226). Then Thursday the 6th of August, the swell jumps to 13ft! That’s a massive, dangerous swell (5739). It’s too big for this break, and unless you’ve got a tow-in rig, stay on the beach. The wind is cross-offshore, which is good, but the size is just insane.
The following week is a mess. Friday the 7th of August through Sunday the 9th of August is onshore winds, rain, and choppy conditions. The swell is still there, but it’s ugly.
We get one final pulse. Monday the 10th of August, a 8ft W swell with a short 9-second period rolls in, but the wind is cross-offshore from the SE, keeping it clean. The energy is solid (1226). It’s a bit crumbly, but still fun. From Tuesday the 11th of August, the swell gets too big again, hitting 10ft to 12ft, and it’s just too much.
The two standout sessions are Tuesday afternoon the 28th of July with that clean 8ft offshore swell, and Monday morning the 3rd of August with the 8ft groundswell and light offshore wind. Those are the ones to chase.
Rusty.
Short Range ForecastMostly dry. Very mild (max 18°C on Thu afternoon, min 12°C on Mon night). Wind will be generally light. | Days 5-7 Weather SummaryMostly dry. Warm (max 23°C on Sat afternoon, min 13°C on Sat night). Wind will be generally light. | ||||||||||||||||||
Tuesday 28 | Wednesday 29 | Thursday 30 | Friday 31 | Saturday 1 | Sunday 2 | ||||||||||||||
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) | SW 15 | SW 14 | SW 14 | SW 13 | SW 13 | SW 13 | SW 13 | SW 13 | SW 13 | SW 13 | SW 12 | SW 12 | SW 11 | SW 14 | SW 13 | SW 13 | SW 13 | SW 12 | WSW 15 |
Wave Graph  | |||||||||||||||||||
 kJ | 3144 | 2247 | 2004 | 1367 | 1067 | 1083 | 976 | 796 | 732 | 663 | 471 | 361 | 250 | 589 | 501 | 632 | 511 | 428 | 1761 |
Wind (km/h) | |||||||||||||||||||
Wind State on-shore cross-onshore cross-shore cross-offshore off-shore glassy | cross-off | cross-off | off | cross-off | off | cross-on | off | off | cross-on | cross-off | cross-off | cross-on | cross-off | off | glassy | cross-off | cross | glassy | glassy |
High Tide | 2:33AM1.32m | 3:02PM1.36m | 3:06AM1.38m | 3:33PM1.43m | 3:38AM1.41m | 4:03PM1.49m | 4:09AM1.43m | 4:33PM1.52m | 4:41AM1.42m | 5:03PM1.53m | 5:13AM1.39m | 5:34PM1.52m | |||||||
Low Tide | 8:36PM0.38m | 8:52AM0.23m | 9:09PM0.31m | 9:22AM0.17m | 9:40PM0.25m | 9:50AM0.13m | 10:11PM0.22m | 10:18AM0.12m | 10:42PM0.20m | 10:47AM0.13m | 11:13PM0.20m | 11:16AM0.16m | 11:47PM0.21m | ||||||
 |  | | | | |  |  | | | | | | | | | | | | |
 | — | 7:41 | — | — | 7:41 | — | — | 7:39 | — | — | 7:39 | — | — | 7:37 | — | — | 7:37 | — | — |
 | 6:02 | — | 6:02 | — | — | 6:04 | — | — | 6:05 | — | — | 6:05 | — | — | 6:06 | — | — | 6:07 | — |
mm | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
Temp °C | 13 | 14 | 17 | 14 | 14 | 17 | 16 | 15 | 18 | 17 | 18 | 21 | 20 | 21 | 23 | 18 | 15 | 17 | 15 |
Feels °C | 8 | 10 | 13 | 11 | 11 | 15 | 13 | 12 | 16 | 15 | 15 | 18 | 17 | 18 | 20 | 16 | 13 | 15 | 15 |
Swell 1 Height (m) Direction Period (s) | SW 15 | SW 14 | SW 14 | SW 13 | SW 13 | SW 13 | SW 13 | SW 13 | SW 13 | SW 13 | SW 12 | SW 12 | SW 11 | SW 14 | SW 13 | SW 13 | SW 13 | SW 12 | WSW 15 |
| kJ | 3144 | 2247 | 2004 | 1367 | 1067 | 1083 | 976 | 796 | 732 | 663 | 471 | 361 | 250 | 589 | 501 | 632 | 511 | 428 | 1761 |
Swell 2 Height (m) Direction Period (s) | — | — | SSE 8 | SSE 8 | SE 7 | SSE 7 | SSE 6 | SSE 6 | SSE 5 | SSE 6 | W 19 | WSW 18 | WSW 16 | SE 10 | SSE 5 | — | S 9 | WSW 18 | — |
| kJ | — | — | 207 | 79 | 54 | 18 | 14 | 6 | 5 | 13 | 7 | 61 | 164 | 25 | 6 | — | 7 | 128 | — |
Swell 3 Height (m) Direction Period (s) | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | SW 18 | WSW 18 | SSE 5 | — | SE 11 | — | — | S 9 | — |
| kJ | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | 13 | 60 | 6 | — | 5 | — | — | 6 | — |
Wind waves Height (m) Direction Period (s) | SSE 8 | SSE 8 | SSE 7 | SE 7 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | NNW 5 | NNW 3 | NW 4 | — |
| kJ | 427 | 316 | 311 | 126 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | 5 | 4 | 3 | — |
Nearest Offshore or Glassy | |||||||||||||||||||
Distance (km) | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 6 | 0 | 0 |
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.
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