Surf Forecasts:
Inch Reefs surf forecast from 14 Aug 2026:
- Best quality surf: Saturday 15 Aug, 1AM (local time) - 4.5ft (1.3m), 8s period, WNW swell with cross-offshore winds.
- Most powerful swell: Tuesday 18 Aug, 7AM (local time) - 7ft (2.1m), 8s period, WNW swell with 507 kJ wave energy.
- Next surfable swell (1★+): Saturday 15 Aug, 1AM (local time) - 4.5ft (1.3m), 8s period with WNW swell.
Best Forecast Surf Conditions for Inch Reefs this week:
The surf forecast for Inch Reefs over the next 16 days: The first swell (rated 1 star or higher) is forecast to arrive on Saturday (Aug 15) at 1AM. The primary swell is predicted to be 1.3m and 8s period. The wind is predicted to be cross-offshore as the swell arrives.
The most powerful waves expected at Inch Reefs in the next 16 days are 2.1m 8s and forecast to arrive on Tuesday (Aug 18) at 7AM. Winds are predicted to be cross-onshore at the time the swell arrives. The largest open ocean swell (not directed at the beach) is 4.0m 10s period and expected on Wednesday (Aug 19) at 10AM.
| Wave Type | Time (IST) & Date | Wave Height & Period |
|---|---|---|
| Next good surf (1 star+) | 1AM (Sat 15th Aug) | 4.5ft (1.3m) 8s |
| Best Surf | 1AM (Sat 15th Aug) | 4.5ft (1.3m) 8s |
| Most Powerful | 7AM (Tue 18th Aug) | 7ft (2.1m) 8s |
Table - best surf conditions forecast for Inch Reefs over the next 16 days.
The Lowdown
Alright folks, Rusty here. Let's have a look at what's on the cards for this spot.
Honestly, I’m not gonna sugarcoat it – the next week and a half is pretty grim. There’s a long, quiet stretch ahead before things get interesting. The first real sniff of action doesn't come until the 25th of August, so we're looking at over ten days of flat to tiny, poor-condition slop. For a spot like Inch Reefs, a blank run like this is more normal for the area, but it tends not to stay poor forever, and forecasts can change.
Let’s run through the dates. Friday the 14th through to the 22nd of August is just a write-off. We’re talking tiny waves, short period junk, and sketchy winds. You’ll see a few tiny pulses, like a 1ft swell on the 22nd with a glassy morning, but it’s so small it’s barely surfable. The combined swell energy is weak, barely cracking 83 (weak energy) on the 22nd. That’s not a session, that’s a float.
The 24th of August still looks poor. A 1.0ft SSW swell with a fresh breeze? Not worth suiting up.
Right, now for the one true standout. Tuesday the 25th of August. The afternoon session looks like the only real window in the whole 16 days. We’ve got a clean 4ft swell from the west with a period of 9 seconds. The combined energy jumps to 271 (moderate wave energy), which is a real step up. The wind is from the north at 15 km/h, giving us a clean cross-off breeze. The water is a bit cool, but it's about average for the time of year. This is a rare bright spot – a fun, surfable size on a decent swell direction for the exposed reef. Crowds are possible here, so expect a few others with the same idea.
Then, the 27th of August. Look, the swell size is predicted to be too big for this break. Thursday morning shows a 5ft SW swell with a 10-second period, and the energy is strong at 456 (moderate wave energy). But by Thursday afternoon, it’s a monster 12ft WSW swell with a 9-second period and energy through the roof at 2111 (strong wave energy). The wind is offshore and clean, but that’s expert territory. The 28th of August is even bigger – 25ft swell – clearly only for the absolute gun barrel riders, if anyone.
So, if you’re committed, pencil in the 25th of August afternoon. That’s your best bet. The rest is a waiting game.
Rusty, signing off.
Short Range ForecastSome drizzle, heaviest during Sun afternoon. Very mild (max 17°C on Fri morning, min 13°C on Fri night). Wind will be generally light. | Days 4-6 Weather SummaryLight rain (total 2mm), mostly falling on Mon afternoon. Very mild (max 19°C on Mon morning, min 14°C on Mon night). Winds decreasing (fresh winds from the WNW on Tue night, calm by Wed night). | ||||||||||||||||||||
Friday 14 | Saturday 15 | Sunday 16 | Monday 17 | Tuesday 18 | Wednesday 19 | Thursday 20 | |||||||||||||||
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) | W 8 | W 8 | WNW 8 | W 7 | WSW 8 | W 7 | WSW 7 | W 8 | W 8 | WSW 8 | WSW 5 | W 7 | SSW 17 | SSW 17 | SSW 17 | SSW 16 | SSW 16 | SW 16 | WSW 8 | W 9 | W 9 |
Wave Graph | |||||||||||||||||||||
169 | 185 | 223 | 37 | 22 | 26 | 10 | 249 | 196 | 101 | 76 | 315 | 27 | 28 | 29 | 25 | 24 | 61 | 90 | 74 | 54 | |
Wind (km/h) | |||||||||||||||||||||
Wind State on-shore cross-onshore cross-shore cross-offshore off-shore glassy | cross-off | cross-off | cross-off | cross-off | cross-off | glassy | cross-on | on | on | on | cross-on | cross-on | cross-on | cross-on | cross-on | cross | cross | on | glassy | glassy | cross-off |
High Tide | 6:41PM3.77m | 7:10AM3.54m | 7:21PM3.67m | 7:49AM3.43m | 8:01PM3.48m | 8:27AM3.25m | 8:40PM3.22m | 9:06AM3.03m | 9:22PM2.93m | 9:48AM2.80m | 10:09PM2.65m | 10:37AM2.58m | 11:09PM2.42m | ||||||||
Low Tide | 12:22PM0.13m | 00:49AM-0.13m | 1:02PM0.17m | 1:27AM-0.01m | 1:41PM0.29m | 2:05AM0.20m | 2:20PM0.48m | 2:42AM0.47m | 3:00PM0.70m | 3:22AM0.76m | 3:45PM0.94m | 4:08AM1.04m | 4:43PM1.16m | ||||||||
6:20 | — | — | 6:22 | — | — | 6:24 | — | — | 6:24 | — | — | 6:26 | — | — | 6:28 | — | — | 6:30 | — | — | |
— | — | 9:07 | — | — | 9:05 | — | — | 9:02 | — | — | 9:00 | — | 8:59 | — | — | 8:57 | — | — | 8:54 | — | |
mm | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | 1 | — | — | 1 | — | — | — | — | — | — | 1 | 1 | — | 1 |
Temp °C | 17 | 16 | 15 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 15 | 17 | 16 | 19 | 18 | 17 | 16 | 17 | 16 | 16 | 16 | 15 | 15 | 16 | 15 |
Feels °C | 16 | 14 | 13 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 13 | 18 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 17 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 12 | 12 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 14 |
Swell 1 Height (m) Direction Period (s) | W 8 | W 8 | WNW 8 | NW 8 | NW 8 | NW 8 | WNW 8 | NW 8 | W 8 | WSW 8 | NW 6 | N 8 | SSW 17 | SSW 17 | SSW 17 | SSW 16 | SSW 16 | NW 9 | NW 8 | NW 8 | NW 7 |
169 | 185 | 223 | 135 | 133 | 101 | 109 | 28 | 196 | 101 | 10 | 4 | 27 | 28 | 29 | 25 | 24 | 798 | 151 | 84 | 56 | |
Swell 2 Height (m) Direction Period (s) | S 11 | SW 10 | N 10 | W 7 | WSW 8 | W 7 | WSW 7 | N 9 | NNW 8 | NNW 7 | N 8 | SW 16 | N 7 | — | — | — | — | N 10 | N 8 | N 8 | N 7 |
2 | 4 | 2 | 37 | 22 | 26 | 10 | 6 | 22 | 18 | 11 | 10 | 4 | — | — | — | — | 80 | 105 | 55 | 36 | |
Swell 3 Height (m) Direction Period (s) | S 13 | N 11 | SW 13 | SW 8 | N 9 | N 9 | N 9 | S 13 | N 9 | N 8 | SW 18 | S 12 | — | — | — | — | — | SW 16 | WSW 8 | W 9 | W 9 |
3 | 2 | 7 | 15 | 7 | 2 | 2 | 3 | 6 | 12 | 12 | 3 | — | — | — | — | — | 61 | 90 | 74 | 54 | |
Wind waves Height (m) Direction Period (s) | — | — | — | — | — | — | SSW 3 | W 8 | — | — | WSW 5 | W 7 | WNW 8 | WNW 10 | WNW 10 | WNW 10 | NW 10 | — | — | — | — |
— | — | — | — | — | — | 4 | 249 | — | — | 76 | 315 | 644 | 1326 | 1482 | 2682 | 2230 | — | — | — | — | |
Nearest Offshore or Glassy | |||||||||||||||||||||
Distance (km) | 0 | 3 | 0 | 243 | 597 | 15 | 15 | 14 | 15 | 14 | 355 | 777 | 11 | 566 | 565 | 1017 | 367 | 7 | 0 | 0 | 14 |
Best forecast wave conditions in Kerry | |||||||||||||||||||||
Best forecast wave conditions in Ireland | |||||||||||||||||||||
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Information about the Inch Reefs Surf forecast
The above surf forecast table for Inch Reefs provides essential information for determining whether the surfing conditions will be good over the next 16 days. A general guide to surfing at Inch Reefs can be found by selecting the local surf guide option on the grey menu. Our Inch Reefs 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 (Inch Reefs) 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 Inch Reefs 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.
Are you planning a holiday in Kerry? If you are looking for accommodation near Inch Reefs, camping, hotels and holiday cottages in Kerry, consider staying in Fenit which is 18 km (11 miles) away. Other places in and around Kerry where you can find information about places to rent, and car hire include Tra Li which is 24 km (15 miles) away, Valentia, Bantry and Foynes.











