
Surf Forecasts:
Huntington Cliffs surf forecast from 17 Jul 2026:
- Best quality surf: Monday 20 Jul, 2AM (local time) - 3ft (0.9m), 15s period, SSW swell with glassy winds.
- Most powerful swell: Monday 20 Jul, 11PM (local time) - 4.5ft (1.4m), 16s period, SSW swell with 950 kJ wave energy.
- Next surfable swell (1★+): Sunday 19 Jul, 8AM (local time) - 2ft (0.6m), 16s period with SW swell.
Best Forecast Surf Conditions for Huntington Cliffs this week:
The surf forecast for Huntington Cliffs over the next 16 days: The first swell (rated 1 star or higher) is forecast to arrive on Sunday (Jul 19) at 8AM. The primary swell is predicted to be 0.6m and 16s period with a secondary swell of 0.6m and 10s. The wind is predicted to be glassy as the swell arrives.
The most powerful waves expected at Huntington Cliffs in the next 16 days are 1.4m 16s and forecast to arrive on Monday (Jul 20) at 11PM. Winds are predicted to be onshore at the time the swell arrives.
| Wave Type | Time (PDT) & Date | Wave Height & Period |
|---|---|---|
| Next good surf (1 star+) | 8AM (Sun 19th Jul) | 2ft (0.6m) 16s |
| Best Surf | 2AM (Mon 20th Jul) | 3ft (0.9m) 15s |
| Most Powerful | 11PM (Mon 20th Jul) | 4.5ft (1.4m) 16s |
Table - best surf conditions forecast for Huntington Cliffs over the next 16 days.
The Lowdown
Alright folks, Rusty here. Let's have a look at what's cookin' for the next stretch.
We're in for a bit of a slow start, to be honest. The first few days are looking pretty flat and messy, so don't get your hopes up for a quick paddle out. The real action doesn't start to show its face until the 20th of July, and even then, it's gonna be a slow build.
The real standout is shaping up for the weekend of the 25th and 26th of July. Let's get into it.
Friday the 17th and Saturday the 18th of July are basically write-offs. Waves are tiny, maxing out at 2 ft, and that cross-onshore wind is chopping everything up. The combined energy is weak, bouncing around (141 to 352), and there's just no power in the water. Not worth wetting the wetsuit.
Sunday the 19th of July sees a slight bump, but it's still marginal. Swell stays small, around 2 ft to 3 ft from the SW, and the wind is onshore. The energy is starting to climb (431 to 689), but the conditions are still poor.
Monday the 20th of July is the first day it gets a little interesting. The swell picks up to 4.5 ft from the SSW, with a long period of 12 to 15 seconds. That's a proper groundswell, but the morning wind is light onshore, and the afternoon gets cross-onshore and choppy. The energy is moderate (564 to 954), but it's still a marginal call. It's a "maybe" session for the patient ones.
The real highlight comes on Saturday the 25th and Sunday the 26th of July. Swell jumps up to 5.5 ft to 6 ft from the SSW. That's a solid size, pushing into the big range for beginners, but still manageable for a confident intermediate. The period is long, 15 to 16 seconds, so it's got proper grunt. The combined energy is strong, hitting 2080 on Saturday morning and 1707 in the afternoon. Sunday morning holds at 4.5 ft with energy at 1201.
Now, the wind is the key. On Saturday morning, we've got a light cross-onshore breeze (6 mph), which is a major positive – it's gonna be clean. The afternoon has a gentle onshore, but it's still workable. The swell direction from the SSW is pretty much aligned with the optimum direction for the break (WSW), so it should wrap in nicely. This is the best window we've got. The crowds are a factor here, as this spot is "often" busy, so expect a lineup.
The water is about average for the time of year, so no nasty surprises there.
After that, Monday the 27th and Tuesday the 28th of July still have some decent energy, with swell around 3.5 ft to 4 ft from the SW and SSW, and a light onshore wind in the mornings. The period holds at 17 to 19 seconds, so the waves will have shape. The energy is moderate to strong (959 to 1188). It's a solid second option if you missed the weekend.
The last few days of July and into August drop off again. Swell fades to 2 ft to 2.5 ft, the wind is messy, and the energy drops (133 to 816). We're back to flat and choppy conditions.
So, to sum it up: the first week is a write-off, the second week has a clear winner on the weekend of the 25th and 26th of July. That's your best bet. Get out there Saturday morning for the cleanest conditions.
Short Range ForecastMostly dry. Warm (max 22°C on Fri morning, min 20°C on Thu night). Wind will be generally light. | Days 5-7 Weather SummaryMostly dry. Warm (max 25°C on Tue afternoon, min 20°C on Sun night). Wind will be generally light. | ||||||||||||||||||
Friday 17 | Saturday 18 | Sunday 19 | Monday 20 | Tuesday 21 | Wednesday 22 | ||||||||||||||
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 19 | SW 19 | SW 14 | SW 15 | SW 18 | SW 18 | S 11 | SW 17 | SW 17 | SSW 15 | SSW 12 | SSW 15 | SSW 13 | SSW 16 | SSW 15 | SSW 15 | SSW 15 | S 15 | S 13 |
Wave Graph | |||||||||||||||||||
126 | 130 | 74 | 77 | 246 | 255 | 83 | 232 | 424 | 358 | 540 | 860 | 586 | 322 | 358 | 439 | 334 | 447 | 423 | |
Wind (km/h) | |||||||||||||||||||
Wind State on-shore cross-onshore cross-shore cross-offshore off-shore glassy | cross | cross-on | cross-on | cross | cross-on | on | cross-on | on | on | glassy | on | cross-on | cross-on | cross-on | cross-on | on | cross-on | cross-on | cross-on |
High Tide | 11:20PM2.26m | 12:53PM1.81m | 00:09AM2.01m | 1:35PM1.84m | 1:03AM1.74m | 2:19PM1.87m | 2:08AM1.48m | 3:06PM1.88m | 3:43AM1.29m | 3:57PM1.89m | 5:55AM1.24m | 4:51PM1.91m | |||||||
Low Tide | 6:19AM0.15m | 6:16PM0.94m | 6:56AM0.35m | 7:23PM0.95m | 7:32AM0.57m | 8:41PM0.94m | 8:08AM0.79m | 10:11PM0.88m | 8:46AM0.98m | 11:39PM0.76m | 9:36AM1.13m | 00:46AM0.63m | |||||||
— | 5:52 | — | — | 5:54 | — | — | 5:54 | — | — | 5:54 | — | — | 5:56 | — | — | 5:56 | — | — | |
8:01 | — | 8:01 | — | — | 8:00 | — | — | 8:00 | — | — | 8:00 | — | — | 8:00 | — | — | 7:59 | — | |
mm | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
Temp °C | 21 | 22 | 22 | 21 | 22 | 22 | 21 | 22 | 22 | 21 | 23 | 24 | 23 | 24 | 25 | 24 | 23 | 24 | 22 |
Feels °C | 22 | 22 | 21 | 21 | 22 | 21 | 22 | 22 | 21 | 22 | 23 | 23 | 22 | 23 | 23 | 23 | 23 | 23 | 23 |
Swell 1 Height (m) Direction Period (s) | W 7 | W 7 | SW 14 | SW 15 | SW 18 | SW 18 | S 11 | S 10 | SW 17 | S 12 | SSW 12 | SSW 15 | SSW 13 | SSW 16 | SSW 15 | SSW 15 | SSW 15 | S 15 | S 13 |
26 | 23 | 74 | 77 | 246 | 255 | 83 | 108 | 424 | 276 | 540 | 860 | 586 | 322 | 358 | 439 | 334 | 447 | 423 | |
Swell 2 Height (m) Direction Period (s) | SW 15 | SW 19 | W 7 | W 6 | S 12 | S 12 | SW 16 | SW 17 | S 11 | SSW 15 | W 5 | SSW 20 | SSW 17 | SSW 10 | SSW 9 | SSW 8 | S 16 | SSW 14 | W 6 |
77 | 130 | 14 | 7 | 43 | 70 | 65 | 232 | 112 | 358 | 4 | 75 | 159 | 131 | 90 | 62 | 186 | 264 | 66 | |
Swell 3 Height (m) Direction Period (s) | SW 19 | SW 14 | SW 18 | S 12 | W 6 | SW 13 | W 16 | S 14 | S 13 | WNW 15 | SSE 14 | SSE 14 | SSE 14 | SW 13 | SW 11 | S 14 | SSW 8 | SW 20 | SSW 14 |
126 | 54 | 51 | 25 | 6 | 27 | 42 | 91 | 153 | 21 | 20 | 19 | 38 | 134 | 46 | 101 | 37 | 15 | 178 | |
Wind waves Height (m) Direction Period (s) | — | SSE 3 | SSE 3 | SSE 3 | SSE 3 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | W 4 | W 4 | WSW 7 | — |
— | 2 | 2 | 1 | 2 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | 4 | 3 | 62 | — | |
Nearest Offshore or Glassy | |||||||||||||||||||
Distance (km) | 36 | 36 | 36 | 36 | 36 | 36 | 36 | 36 | 135 | 0 | 36 | 76 | 36 | 36 | 135 | 17 | 135 | 135 | 34 |
Best forecast wave conditions in Orange County | |||||||||||||||||||
Best forecast wave conditions in United States | |||||||||||||||||||
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Information about the Huntington Cliffs Surf forecast
The above surf forecast table for Huntington Cliffs provides essential information for determining whether the surfing conditions will be good over the next 16 days. A general guide to surfing at Huntington Cliffs can be found by selecting the local surf guide option on the grey menu. Our Huntington Cliffs 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 (Huntington Cliffs) 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 Huntington Cliffs 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.
Huntington Cliffs is 6 km (4 miles) from the city of Huntington Beach. If you plan a vacation in Orange County, look for hotels and other accommodation in Huntington Beach. Huntington Beach has rooms for a wide range of budgets as well as car hire and transport links.










