
Surf Forecasts:
Inside Reef (Hikkaduwa) surf forecast from 18 Jul 2026:
- Most powerful swell: Monday 20 Jul, 5PM (local time) - 5.5ft (1.7m), 16s period, S swell with 1,564 kJ wave energy.
Best Forecast Surf Conditions for Inside Reef (Hikkaduwa) this week:
The most powerful waves expected at Inside Reef (Hikkaduwa) in the next 16 days are 1.7m 16s and forecast to arrive on Monday (Jul 20) at 5PM. Winds are predicted to be cross-onshore at the time the swell arrives. The largest open ocean swell (not directed at the beach) is 0.2m 8s period and expected on Tuesday (Jul 21) at 8AM.
| Wave Type | Time (+0530) & Date | Wave Height & Period |
|---|---|---|
| Next good surf (1 star+) | - | - |
| Best Surf | - | - |
| Most Powerful | 5PM (Mon 20th Jul) | 5.5ft (1.7m) 16s |
Table - best surf conditions forecast for Inside Reef (Hikkaduwa) over the next 16 days.
The Lowdown
Hey, it’s Rusty. I’m not gonna sugarcoat it – the next 16 days at Inside Reef (Hikkaduwa) are a bust for surf. There’s no good option in the whole stretch. The data is all “poor surf conditions” from start to finish.
It kicks off on Saturday, July 18th, with some clouds and a 12 mph cross-onshore wind from the west. The swell is a tiny 3 ft from the SSW, with a 13-second period. The combined energy is moderate (525), but the wind has it choppy and messy. Water temp is about 83°F, which is about 2°F warmer than normal – feels nice, but the waves are junk.
Sunday the 19th and Monday the 20th bring more thunderstorms and onshore winds. The swell picks up to 4 ft on Monday morning (S, 18 sec, energy 1287), and 6 ft on Monday afternoon (S, 16 sec, energy 1923), but it’s still cross-onshore and choppy. That long period has some groundswell punch, but it’s wasted in the wind.
Through the middle of the week, Tuesday the 21st to Thursday the 30th, the swell bounces between 2 ft and 5 ft, but the wind stays onshore or cross-onshore from the west at 9–16 mph. The energy ranges from 333 to 1949, but it’s all “poor” or “marginal.” The water temp anomaly is normal, but it doesn’t matter.
Then we get to the end of July. Friday the 31st brings the biggest swell – 7 ft in the morning and 8 ft in the afternoon from the SSW, with periods of 17–18 seconds and energy through the roof at 3436 and 3756. That’s strong energy, and for a reef break, that long period groundswell could be a dream. But the wind is still cross-onshore at 12–16 mph, and the forecast says “poor surf conditions.” Painful.
Saturday August 1st and Sunday the 2nd keep the same story: 7 ft swells dropping to 4 ft, but always with onshore or cross-onshore wind and a “poor” call. Energy stays high (1097–2362), but the wind ruins it.
So, a full 16-day blank. It’s one of those stretches where the wind just won’t let up. Don’t lose hope – these forecasts can change. But for now, the board stays dry. If you’re into kiting, the wind might be your friend. Keep an eye on that 8 ft groundswell on the 31st – it would have been a standout if the wind cooperated.
Rusty.
Short Range ForecastHeavy rain (total 33mm), heaviest during Sun night. Warm (max 28°C on Sat afternoon, min 26°C on Sun night). Wind will be generally light. | Days 5-7 Weather SummaryModerate rain (total 13mm), heaviest on Wed night. Warm (max 28°C on Tue afternoon, min 26°C on Wed night). Wind will be generally light. | |||||||||||||||||||
Sat 18 | Sunday 19 | Monday 20 | Tuesday 21 | Wednesday 22 | Thursday 23 | Friday 24 | ||||||||||||||
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) | SSW 13 | SSW 13 | SSW 13 | SSW 13 | SSW 13 | S 18 | S 16 | S 16 | S 15 | S 14 | SSW 14 | S 13 | SSW 13 | S 12 | S 12 | S 10 | S 11 | SW 15 | SSE 10 | SSW 13 |
Wave Graph | ||||||||||||||||||||
277 | 277 | 242 | 285 | 303 | 759 | 1564 | 858 | 957 | 931 | 465 | 572 | 282 | 344 | 139 | 148 | 223 | 217 | 167 | 229 | |
Wind (km/h) | ||||||||||||||||||||
Wind State on-shore cross-onshore cross-shore cross-offshore off-shore glassy | cross-on | on | on | on | on | cross-on | cross-on | cross-on | cross-on | cross-on | on | cross-on | cross-on | on | on | on | on | on | cross-on | cross-on |
High Tide | 4:28PM0.63m | 5:13AM0.59m | 4:57PM0.59m | 5:50AM0.57m | 5:25PM0.53m | 6:30AM0.53m | 5:53PM0.47m | 7:16AM0.49m | 6:20PM0.40m | 8:24AM0.45m | 6:51PM0.33m | 10:19AM0.43m | 10:43PM0.29m | |||||||
Low Tide | 10:49PM0.05m | 10:57AM0.19m | 11:17PM0.07m | 11:33AM0.22m | 11:45PM0.10m | 12:12PM0.26m | 00:14AM0.14m | 1:03PM0.29m | 00:48AM0.18m | 2:53PM0.31m | 1:41AM0.21m | 7:10PM0.26m | 4:00AM0.23m | |||||||
— | — | 6:01 | — | — | 6:01 | — | — | 6:03 | — | — | 6:03 | — | — | 6:03 | — | — | 6:03 | — | — | |
6:28 | — | — | 6:28 | — | — | 6:28 | — | — | 6:28 | — | — | 6:28 | — | — | 6:28 | — | — | 6:28 | — | |
mm | — | 5 | 4 | 4 | 8 | 4 | 3 | 5 | — | — | 2 | — | — | 4 | 3 | 1 | 3 | — | — | 1 |
Temp °C | 28 | 27 | 28 | 28 | 27 | 27 | 27 | 27 | 28 | 28 | 27 | 28 | 28 | 27 | 28 | 28 | 27 | 28 | 28 | 27 |
Feels °C | 28 | 29 | 29 | 29 | 29 | 28 | 28 | 29 | 29 | 29 | 30 | 30 | 29 | 30 | 30 | 30 | 30 | 30 | 29 | 30 |
Swell 1 Height (m) Direction Period (s) | SSW 13 | SSW 13 | SSW 13 | SSW 13 | SSW 13 | S 18 | S 16 | S 16 | S 15 | S 14 | SSW 14 | S 13 | SSW 13 | S 12 | S 12 | S 10 | S 11 | S 10 | SSE 10 | SSE 10 |
277 | 277 | 242 | 285 | 303 | 759 | 1564 | 858 | 957 | 931 | 465 | 572 | 282 | 344 | 139 | 148 | 223 | 184 | 163 | 169 | |
Swell 2 Height (m) Direction Period (s) | S 9 | WNW 9 | WNW 10 | WNW 10 | WNW 10 | SSW 13 | W 10 | W 10 | SE 8 | ESE 8 | S 9 | W 9 | SSE 8 | W 10 | S 9 | W 9 | SSW 16 | SW 15 | SW 14 | SSW 13 |
76 | 118 | 123 | 128 | 157 | 294 | 154 | 122 | 10 | 6 | 94 | 54 | 70 | 96 | 78 | 79 | 166 | 217 | 167 | 229 | |
Swell 3 Height (m) Direction Period (s) | WNW 10 | S 9 | S 8 | SSE 8 | S 8 | W 10 | SSW 13 | S 10 | W 9 | W 9 | SW 18 | WNW 11 | W 8 | SW 16 | W 9 | SSW 11 | W 8 | W 8 | W 8 | W 8 |
100 | 54 | 49 | 38 | 66 | 154 | 125 | 122 | 2 | 1 | 12 | 25 | 32 | 41 | 83 | 71 | 51 | 33 | 33 | 21 | |
Wind waves Height (m) Direction Period (s) | W 6 | W 5 | W 6 | W 6 | W 6 | W 6 | W 6 | W 5 | W 9 | W 9 | W 9 | W 6 | W 6 | W 5 | WNW 6 | W 6 | W 5 | W 6 | WNW 6 | W 6 |
72 | 70 | 86 | 103 | 89 | 80 | 80 | 69 | 287 | 240 | 153 | 39 | 39 | 29 | 33 | 41 | 37 | 41 | 42 | 69 | |
Nearest Offshore or Glassy | ||||||||||||||||||||
Distance (km) | 211 | 211 | 210 | 738 | 211 | 210 | 210 | 210 | 205 | 738 | 211 | 739 | 739 | 58 | 719 | 739 | 24 | 719 | 739 | 211 |
Best forecast wave conditions in West Sri Lanka | ||||||||||||||||||||
Best forecast wave conditions in Sri Lanka | ||||||||||||||||||||
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Information about the Inside Reef (Hikkaduwa) Surf forecast
The above surf forecast table for Inside Reef (Hikkaduwa) provides essential information for determining whether the surfing conditions will be good over the next 16 days. A general guide to surfing at Inside Reef (Hikkaduwa) can be found by selecting the local surf guide option on the grey menu. Our Inside Reef (Hikkaduwa) 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 (Inside Reef (Hikkaduwa)) 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 Inside Reef (Hikkaduwa) 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.
Inside Reef (Hikkaduwa) is 9 km (6 miles) from the city of Ambalangoda. If you plan a holiday in West Sri Lanka, look for hotels and other accommodation in Ambalangoda. Ambalangoda has rooms for a wide range of budgets as well as car hire and transport links.










