
Surf Forecasts:
Indicator surf forecast from 13 Sep 2026:
- Best quality surf: Monday 14 Sep, 2AM (local time) - 4.5ft (1.3m), 8s period, W swell with offshore winds.
- Most powerful swell: Saturday 19 Sep, 2PM (local time) - 2ft (0.6m), 18s period, SW swell with 252 kJ wave energy.
- Next surfable swell (1★+): Sunday 13 Sep, 8AM (local time) - 1.5ft (0.5m), 14s period with SW swell.
Best Forecast Surf Conditions for Indicator this week:
The surf forecast for Indicator over the next 16 days: The first swell (rated 1 star or higher) is forecast to arrive on Sunday (Sep 13) at 8AM. The primary swell is predicted to be 0.5m and 14s period with a secondary swell of 0.8m and 6s. The wind is predicted to be offshore as the swell arrives.
The most powerful waves expected at Indicator in the next 16 days are 0.6m 18s and forecast to arrive on Saturday (Sep 19) at 2PM. Winds are predicted to be cross-onshore at the time the swell arrives. The largest open ocean swell (not directed at the beach) is 0.6m 17s period and expected on Wednesday (Sep 16) at 11AM.
| Wave Type | Time (PDT) & Date | Wave Height & Period |
|---|---|---|
| Next good surf (1 star+) | 8AM (Sun 13th Sep) | 1.5ft (0.5m) 14s |
| Best Surf | 2AM (Mon 14th Sep) | 4.5ft (1.3m) 8s |
| Most Powerful | 2PM (Sat 19th Sep) | 2ft (0.6m) 18s |
Table - best surf conditions forecast for Indicator over the next 16 days.
The Lowdown
Alright folks, Rusty here. Let’s have a look at what’s on the cards for this stretch.
Right off the bat, things are pretty quiet. We’re looking at a long run of very ordinary conditions for the Indicator reef and point break. The first week is a bit of a write-off, to be honest. From Sunday the 13th right through to Saturday the 19th, it’s a slog. The swell is tiny, mostly around 1ft to 2ft, and the wind is all over the shop – mostly cross or cross-onshore, keeping things messy. The wave energy is mostly weak, with a few days showing moderate energy like 158 on Sunday morning or 130 on Monday morning, but the quality just isn’t there for a decent paddle. There’s a real gap of poor surf here, not much to get excited about at all.
Now, if you’re patient, there’s a flicker of hope as we head into the second week. Sunday the 20th morning is where things start to turn. The wind swings around to a light offshore from the SE, and we’ve got a 2ft SW groundswell with a solid 18-second period. The combined energy bumps up to 313, which is moderate, and the forecast says “expect good surf conditions”. That’s the standout of the whole period. It’s still small, but with that long period and clean offshores, it’ll be lined up and fun for an intermediate. Keep in mind, with a period over 15 seconds, this point and reef setup will be the spot to be – it’ll handle that long-period energy better than a beachie. The water temp is about average for this time of year, so nothing wild there.
Monday the 21st morning is another decent shout, with similar 2ft SW swell, offshore SE wind at 9 mph, and a combined energy of 337. It’s clean and surfable, though the afternoon gets a bit iffy with cross-shore winds. Tuesday the 22nd morning holds some clean 2ft swell, but the energy drops a bit.
For the rest of that second week, from Wednesday the 23rd onward, it’s back to that poor run. The swell stays small, the wind is mostly cross or cross-on, and the energy fades into the weak zone again by Saturday the 26th. The odd morning like Friday the 25th shows “surfable waves but very ordinary conditions,” but nothing you’d race for.
If I’m picking the true standout, it’s Sunday morning, September 20th. That’s your best chance for a clean, glassy session on a long-period groundswell. Monday morning the 21st is a solid backup. The rest? Honestly, it’s a waiting game. A long blank run like this is a bit of a bummer, but the forecasts can change, and when it does switch on, that reef and point can be magic.
Stay patient, keep an eye on the charts, and I’ll see you in the water when it’s good.
Rusty.
Short Range ForecastMostly dry. Warm (max 23°C on Sun afternoon, min 20°C on Sat night). Wind will be generally light. | Days 5-7 Weather SummaryMostly dry. Warm (max 22°C on Fri afternoon, min 19°C on Tue night). Wind will be generally light. | ||||||||||||||||||
Sunday 13 | Monday 14 | Tuesday 15 | Wednesday 16 | Thursday 17 | Friday 18 | ||||||||||||||
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 14 | SW 19 | W 7 | W 8 | SW 18 | SW 18 | SW 17 | SW 16 | W 9 | SW 16 | WSW 6 | SW 15 | SW 14 | SW 21 | SW 14 | W 5 | SW 19 | SW 19 | SW 19 |
Wave Graph | |||||||||||||||||||
96 | 63 | 21 | 212 | 51 | 108 | 106 | 90 | 39 | 39 | 10 | 37 | 33 | 71 | 32 | 13 | 184 | 184 | 131 | |
Wind (km/h) | |||||||||||||||||||
Wind State on-shore cross-onshore cross-shore cross-offshore off-shore glassy | off | off | cross-on | off | off | cross-off | off | off | cross-off | off | cross-off | cross-on | cross | cross | cross-on | cross-on | cross | cross-on | glassy |
High Tide | 10:56PM1.86m | 11:06AM2.08m | 11:41PM1.67m | 11:34AM2.05m | 00:31AM1.48m | 12:04PM1.98m | 1:39AM1.31m | 12:38PM1.89m | 4:30AM1.23m | 1:26PM1.80m | 2:47PM1.73m | ||||||||
Low Tide | 4:50AM0.63m | 5:38PM0.51m | 5:14AM0.81m | 6:26PM0.56m | 5:34AM0.98m | 7:22PM0.64m | 5:47AM1.12m | 8:36PM0.71m | 10:17PM0.72m | 11:43PM0.65m | |||||||||
— | 6:35 | — | — | 6:35 | — | — | 6:35 | — | — | 6:37 | — | — | 6:37 | — | — | 6:37 | — | — | |
— | — | 7:02 | — | — | 7:01 | — | — | 7:00 | — | — | 6:59 | — | — | 6:57 | — | — | 6:55 | — | |
mm | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
Temp °C | 21 | 22 | 23 | 22 | 22 | 22 | 21 | 21 | 21 | 20 | 20 | 21 | 20 | 20 | 20 | 20 | 21 | 22 | 22 |
Feels °C | 22 | 23 | 23 | 22 | 21 | 22 | 23 | 21 | 20 | 21 | 21 | 21 | 20 | 21 | 19 | 20 | 22 | 21 | 21 |
Swell 1 Height (m) Direction Period (s) | W 6 | W 6 | W 7 | W 8 | W 7 | W 7 | W 6 | W 6 | W 9 | W 6 | SSW 17 | SSW 17 | S 16 | SSW 16 | SSW 15 | SSW 15 | SW 19 | SW 19 | W 6 |
47 | 37 | 21 | 212 | 51 | 32 | 20 | 18 | 39 | 11 | 200 | 101 | 132 | 144 | 74 | 121 | 184 | 184 | 47 | |
Swell 2 Height (m) Direction Period (s) | SW 14 | SW 13 | SW 13 | SW 13 | W 10 | SW 18 | SW 17 | SW 16 | SW 16 | SW 16 | WSW 6 | SW 15 | SW 14 | SW 21 | S 12 | W 5 | W 5 | SSW 14 | SSW 13 |
96 | 63 | 45 | 44 | 31 | 108 | 106 | 90 | 64 | 39 | 10 | 37 | 33 | 71 | 44 | 13 | 14 | 61 | 59 | |
Swell 3 Height (m) Direction Period (s) | WSW 12 | SW 19 | W 10 | SW 19 | SW 18 | W 10 | W 9 | W 9 | SSW 20 | SSW 19 | S 9 | WSW 5 | W 5 | S 12 | SW 14 | SW 21 | SSW 14 | S 11 | SW 19 |
15 | 58 | 17 | 57 | 48 | 29 | 14 | 15 | 75 | 35 | 7 | 6 | 5 | 26 | 32 | 110 | 69 | 9 | 131 | |
Wind waves Height (m) Direction Period (s) | — | — | — | — | SE 2 | — | — | SE 3 | — | — | — | — | — | — | W 2 | — | — | W 6 | — |
— | — | — | — | 1 | — | — | 1 | — | — | — | — | — | — | 2 | — | — | 21 | — | |
Nearest Offshore or Glassy | |||||||||||||||||||
Distance (km) | 0 | 0 | 62 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 117 | 16 | 166 | 62 | 9 | 148 | 117 | 0 |
Best forecast wave conditions in Los Angeles County | |||||||||||||||||||
Best forecast wave conditions in United States | |||||||||||||||||||
Header Global | |||||||||||||||||||
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Information about the Indicator Surf forecast
The above surf forecast table for Indicator provides essential information for determining whether the surfing conditions will be good over the next 16 days. A general guide to surfing at Indicator can be found by selecting the local surf guide option on the grey menu. Our Indicator 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 (Indicator) 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 Indicator 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.
Indicator is 5 km (3 miles) from the city of Rancho Palos Verdes. If you plan a vacation in Los Angeles County, look for hotels and other accommodation in Rancho Palos Verdes. Rancho Palos Verdes has rooms for a wide range of budgets as well as car hire and transport links.










