Surf Forecasts:
Japs Cove surf forecast from 27 Aug 2026:
- Best quality surf: Saturday 29 Aug, 2AM (local time) - 3ft (0.9m), 17s period, SSW swell with glassy winds.
- Most powerful swell: Thursday 3 Sep, 2PM (local time) - 3.5ft (1.1m), 14s period, SSW swell with 501 kJ wave energy.
- Next surfable swell (1★+): Saturday 29 Aug, 2AM (local time) - 3ft (0.9m), 17s period with SSW swell.
Best Forecast Surf Conditions for Japs Cove this week:
The surf forecast for Japs Cove over the next 16 days: The first swell (rated 1 star or higher) is forecast to arrive on Saturday (Aug 29) at 2AM. The primary swell is predicted to be 0.9m and 17s period with a secondary swell of 1.1m and 7s. The wind is predicted to be glassy as the swell arrives.
The most powerful waves expected at Japs Cove in the next 16 days are 1.1m 14s and forecast to arrive on Thursday (Sep 03) at 2PM. Winds are predicted to be cross-onshore at the time the swell arrives.
| Wave Type | Time (PDT) & Date | Wave Height & Period |
|---|---|---|
| Next good surf (1 star+) | 2AM (Sat 29th Aug) | 3ft (0.9m) 17s |
| Best Surf | 2AM (Sat 29th Aug) | 3ft (0.9m) 17s |
| Most Powerful | 2PM (Thu 3rd Sep) | 3.5ft (1.1m) 14s |
Table - best surf conditions forecast for Japs Cove over the next 16 days.
The Lowdown
Alright, Rusty here. Let’s have a look at what’s on the table.
First up, we’re looking at Japs Cove, a sheltered reef set-up that only really works for the advanced crew. It’s inconsistent at the best of times, and sadly, this 16-day stretch is mostly a write-off. We’re talking a long, flat, and messy gap from now, right through until the first week of September. There’s barely a whisper of proper swell, and the wind is nearly always cross-onshore, chopping up what little bump there is.
The only real flicker of hope comes on Thursday, 3rd September, in the morning. The swell bumps up a little, hitting 4 ft from the SSW, with a decent period of 14 seconds and solid energy behind it (538). The wind is light and onshore, so it’s not clean, but the wave comment calls it “marginal surf forecast or questionable tide conditions”—which, for Japs Cove’s standards in this bleak window, is about as good as it gets. It’s still not a standout, just the least poor option.
Then on Tuesday, 8th September, the morning shows some promise. Swell is small at 2 ft, but the period is long at 18 seconds from the SW, and the wind is glassy. The wave comment says “surfable waves but very ordinary conditions,” and the energy is moderate (278). It’s small, it’s inconsistent, and the spot rarely breaks, so don’t get your hopes up, but if you’re desperate for a groove, that glassy patch might just give you a couple of clean ones.
Water temp on the first day of note was 72°, which is a whopping 6° warmer than usual—very unusual for this time of year, so you can leave the thick rubber at home.
Honestly, this is a tough outlook. If it weren’t for those two brief windows, it’d be a total blank. For a spot that’s already inconsistent, this run of poor conditions is pretty normal for the area. Don’t hold your breath, but keep an eye on the forecasts—these things can change.
Rusty.
Short Range ForecastMostly dry. Warm (max 26°C on Thu afternoon, min 22°C on Sat night). Wind will be generally light. | Days 4-6 Weather SummaryMostly dry. Warm (max 22°C on Sun morning, min 20°C on Sun night). Wind will be generally light. | ||||||||||||||||||||
Thursday 27 | Friday 28 | Saturday 29 | Sunday 30 | Monday 31 | Tuesday 1 | Wednesday 2 | |||||||||||||||
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) | SW 14 | S 11 | SSW 17 | SSW 17 | SSW 19 | SSW 17 | SSW 17 | SSW 16 | SSW 16 | SSW 15 | SSW 14 | SSW 14 | SSW 14 | S 12 | S 12 | S 11 | SSW 13 | SW 18 | S 13 | SSW 12 | SSW 13 |
Wave Graph | |||||||||||||||||||||
74 | 85 | 119 | 186 | 125 | 475 | 373 | 402 | 392 | 249 | 239 | 180 | 134 | 112 | 103 | 67 | 68 | 108 | 161 | 205 | 212 | |
Wind (km/h) | |||||||||||||||||||||
Wind State on-shore cross-onshore cross-shore cross-offshore off-shore glassy | on | cross-on | cross-on | on | cross-on | glassy | on | cross-on | on | cross-on | cross-on | on | on | cross-on | cross-on | on | cross-on | cross | cross-on | cross | cross-on |
High Tide | 10:04AM1.73m | 9:25PM2.16m | 10:25AM1.81m | 10:00PM2.08m | 10:48AM1.89m | 10:38PM1.95m | 11:13AM1.95m | 11:18PM1.78m | 11:41AM2.00m | 00:06AM1.58m | 12:15PM2.03m | 1:09AM1.38m | 12:57PM2.03m | 2:54AM1.23m | |||||||
Low Tide | 3:22PM0.87m | 4:08AM0.30m | 3:59PM0.78m | 4:31AM0.39m | 4:38PM0.71m | 4:54AM0.51m | 5:22PM0.67m | 5:18AM0.65m | 6:12PM0.65m | 5:41AM0.81m | 7:14PM0.65m | 6:06AM0.96m | 8:35PM0.64m | ||||||||
6:22 | — | — | 6:24 | — | — | 6:24 | — | — | 6:24 | — | — | 6:26 | — | — | 6:26 | — | — | 6:26 | — | — | |
— | 7:24 | — | — | 7:23 | — | — | 7:22 | — | — | 7:21 | — | — | 7:20 | — | — | 7:19 | — | — | 7:16 | — | |
mm | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
Temp °C | 24 | 26 | 24 | 25 | 26 | 26 | 24 | 24 | 23 | 22 | 22 | 22 | 21 | 21 | 21 | 21 | 22 | 21 | 21 | 22 | 22 |
Feels °C | 27 | 28 | 25 | 28 | 28 | 27 | 26 | 24 | 22 | 24 | 22 | 23 | 21 | 20 | 20 | 21 | 20 | 21 | 20 | 20 | 20 |
Swell 1 Height (m) Direction Period (s) | S 10 | S 11 | S 10 | W 8 | SW 16 | W 7 | W 6 | SSW 16 | W 8 | W 7 | SSW 14 | W 7 | W 6 | S 12 | W 5 | SSW 13 | SSW 13 | S 12 | S 13 | SSW 12 | SSW 13 |
51 | 85 | 50 | 45 | 65 | 107 | 67 | 402 | 216 | 91 | 239 | 88 | 47 | 112 | 18 | 67 | 68 | 108 | 161 | 205 | 212 | |
Swell 2 Height (m) Direction Period (s) | SW 14 | W 12 | SSW 17 | SSW 17 | SSW 19 | SSW 17 | SSW 17 | W 9 | SSW 16 | SSW 15 | W 9 | SSW 14 | SSW 14 | SSW 13 | S 12 | S 11 | SSE 10 | W 4 | SW 16 | SW 16 | SSW 17 |
74 | 45 | 119 | 186 | 125 | 475 | 373 | 15 | 392 | 249 | 15 | 180 | 134 | 70 | 103 | 61 | 33 | 6 | 69 | 67 | 184 | |
Swell 3 Height (m) Direction Period (s) | S 12 | SW 14 | W 8 | S 9 | S 9 | S 8 | W 9 | S 8 | S 8 | SSE 14 | SSE 13 | SSE 12 | SSE 14 | SW 19 | SSW 13 | W 5 | S 11 | SW 18 | W 4 | W 10 | W 4 |
47 | 74 | 20 | 41 | 25 | 12 | 15 | 5 | 6 | 18 | 33 | 50 | 63 | 14 | 68 | 8 | 10 | 79 | 3 | 2 | 6 | |
Wind waves Height (m) Direction Period (s) | — | — | — | — | W 7 | — | — | W 7 | W 8 | — | W 7 | — | — | W 5 | — | — | W 5 | — | — | W 3 | W 4 |
— | — | — | — | 32 | — | — | 56 | 387 | — | 58 | — | — | 21 | — | — | 8 | — | — | 2 | 10 | |
Nearest Offshore or Glassy | |||||||||||||||||||||
Distance (km) | 9 | 40 | 9 | 11 | 73 | 0 | 11 | 64 | 27 | 10 | 64 | 11 | 11 | 73 | 15 | 11 | 127 | 40 | 156 | 51 | 11 |
Best forecast wave conditions in Los Angeles County | |||||||||||||||||||||
Best forecast wave conditions in United States | |||||||||||||||||||||
Header Global | |||||||||||||||||||||
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Information about the Japs Cove Surf forecast
The above surf forecast table for Japs Cove provides essential information for determining whether the surfing conditions will be good over the next 16 days. A general guide to surfing at Japs Cove can be found by selecting the local surf guide option on the grey menu. Our Japs Cove 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 (Japs Cove) 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 Japs Cove 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.
Japs Cove is 5 km (3 miles) from 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.











