Surf Forecasts:
La Barra surf forecast from 16 Aug 2026:
- Most powerful swell: Friday 21 Aug, 4PM (local time) - 5ft (1.5m), 8s period, N swell with 249 kJ wave energy.
Best Forecast Surf Conditions for La Barra this week:
The most powerful waves expected at La Barra in the next 16 days are 1.5m 8s and forecast to arrive on Friday (Aug 21) at 4PM. Winds are predicted to be cross-onshore at the time the swell arrives. The largest open ocean swell (not directed at the beach) is 0.8m 7s period and expected on Sunday (Aug 16) at 10PM.
| Wave Type | Time (WEST) & Date | Wave Height & Period |
|---|---|---|
| Next good surf (1 star+) | - | - |
| Best Surf | - | - |
| Most Powerful | 4PM (Fri 21st Aug) | 5ft (1.5m) 8s |
Table - best surf conditions forecast for La Barra over the next 16 days.
The Lowdown
Alright, let’s take a proper look at what’s on the table for the next couple of weeks.
First off, I gotta be straight with ya. This stretch is pretty grim for quality surf. We’re looking at a long, nearly blank run with nothin’ worth paddling out for from now through to the end of the month. The wind’s been a constant pain—mostly cross-on or cross from the north and north-northeast, keepin’ things choppy and messy. The swell’s small and weak, mostly below 5 feet, with short period around 7 to 9 seconds. That means weak, crumbly waves if any. Not much energy behind ‘em at all—readings hover between 138 and 384 (combined swell energy), so it’s mostly on the low to moderate side and just not organized.
Now, if there’s one spot that could maybe, maybe offer a glimmer, it’s La Barra (Uruguay). It’s a beach and reef setup, very consistent, exposed to swell. The water temp sits at 75°F, which is about a degree and a half warmer than average for this time of year—comfy enough. But that’s the only good news.
The first few days? Nothin’. By Sunday 16th, waves around 3 to 4 feet, cross-onshore wind from the north at 9–12 mph, short period—it’s just poor. That trend continues right through the week, same story: small chop, no shape.
By the time we hit Thursday 27th, the swell bumps up a little, around 6 feet, but the period is still short (7 seconds) and the wind stays cross-on or cross. That’s gonna be a messy, walled-up mess—not fun for anyone but maybe the kites. For a beginner, 6 feet with these winds is not beginner-friendly; for experienced surfers, it’s just not good enough to get excited about.
We roll into the first days of September—Sunday 31st—with about 5 feet from the north-northeast, period still short at 7 seconds, and cross-onshore wind. The energy reading jumps to 384, but it’s all windswell junk. La Barra is exposed, but the direction is all wrong for it to set up nicely—optimum is west-northwest, and we’re gettin’ north and north-northeast. No dice.
Bottom line: this is one of those stretches where the ocean just doesn’t cooperate. A week and a half of poor conditions, no standout days, and no clean windows. If you’re desperate, maybe the 27th or 31st have the most size, but with that wind and short period, it’s more of a chop-fest than surf. Keep your board in the car and your expectations low—forecasts can change, but right now, it’s a waiting game.
Rusty.
Short Range ForecastMostly dry. Warm (max 24°C on Sun morning, min 21°C on Sun night). Wind will be generally light. | Days 4-6 Weather SummaryMostly dry. Warm (max 24°C on Wed morning, min 22°C on Wed morning). Wind will be generally light. | ||||||||||||||||||||
Sunday 16 | Monday 17 | Tuesday 18 | Wednesday 19 | Thursday 20 | Friday 21 | Saturday 22 | |||||||||||||||
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) | NNE 7 | NNE 7 | N 8 | NNE 8 | NNE 8 | NNE 9 | N 9 | N 8 | N 8 | N 8 | N 8 | N 8 | N 8 | N 8 | N 8 | N 8 | N 8 | N 7 | NNE 7 | NNE 7 | NNE 7 |
Wave Graph | |||||||||||||||||||||
172 | 114 | 80 | 178 | 207 | 193 | 190 | 136 | 130 | 169 | 169 | 136 | 167 | 169 | 228 | 219 | 249 | 236 | 171 | 147 | 140 | |
Wind (km/h) | |||||||||||||||||||||
Wind State on-shore cross-onshore cross-shore cross-offshore off-shore glassy | cross-on | cross | cross-on | cross-on | cross-on | cross-on | cross-on | cross | cross-on | cross-on | cross-on | on | cross-on | cross-on | cross-on | cross-on | cross-on | cross-on | cross-on | cross-on | cross-on |
High Tide | 4:33PM2.50m | 4:57AM2.24m | 5:12PM2.32m | 5:35AM2.12m | 5:52PM2.12m | 6:19AM1.98m | 6:40PM1.93m | 7:13AM1.86m | 7:44PM1.76m | 8:28AM1.79m | 9:16PM1.68m | 9:58AM1.81m | 10:48PM1.72m | ||||||||
Low Tide | 10:15AM0.45m | 10:45PM0.45m | 10:52AM0.58m | 11:20PM0.62m | 11:31AM0.74m | 11:58PM0.79m | 12:16PM0.90m | 00:43AM0.96m | 1:19PM1.05m | 1:49AM1.09m | 3:02PM1.12m | 3:33AM1.14m | 4:47PM1.05m | ||||||||
7:31 | — | — | 7:31 | — | — | 7:31 | — | — | 7:33 | — | — | 7:33 | — | — | 7:33 | — | — | 7:33 | — | — | |
— | 8:38 | — | — | 8:38 | — | — | 8:37 | — | — | 8:37 | — | — | 8:36 | — | — | 8:35 | — | — | 8:34 | — | |
mm | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
Temp °C | 24 | 24 | 23 | 23 | 24 | 22 | 23 | 24 | 23 | 24 | 24 | 23 | 24 | 24 | 23 | 24 | 24 | 23 | 23 | 23 | 22 |
Feels °C | 24 | 24 | 24 | 22 | 24 | 23 | 24 | 25 | 23 | 26 | 25 | 24 | 25 | 24 | 24 | 24 | 23 | 22 | 21 | 21 | 21 |
Swell 1 Height (m) Direction Period (s) | NNE 7 | NNE 7 | N 8 | NNW 8 | NNE 8 | NNE 9 | N 9 | N 8 | N 10 | N 8 | N 8 | WNW 10 | WNW 10 | WNW 9 | WNW 9 | WNW 8 | NW 8 | NW 8 | N 13 | NNW 12 | N 11 |
172 | 114 | 80 | 26 | 207 | 193 | 190 | 136 | 18 | 169 | 169 | 10 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 7 | 3 | 3 | 29 | 47 | 82 | |
Swell 2 Height (m) Direction Period (s) | NNW 9 | NNW 9 | NNW 9 | NW 8 | NNW 8 | NNW 8 | NNW 8 | NW 8 | NW 8 | NW 8 | NW 8 | S 14 | S 14 | S 13 | S 14 | S 14 | S 14 | NW 10 | NW 9 | NW 9 | NNW 8 |
33 | 32 | 44 | 3 | 26 | 11 | 6 | 2 | 3 | 3 | 2 | 4 | 4 | 3 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 6 | |
Swell 3 Height (m) Direction Period (s) | NW 8 | NW 8 | W 8 | SW 15 | NW 8 | NW 8 | NW 8 | S 13 | S 13 | S 13 | NW 11 | NW 11 | — | — | — | W 12 | W 11 | N 14 | S 13 | S 13 | NW 9 |
3 | 2 | 1 | 9 | 3 | 2 | 2 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 5 | 4 | — | — | — | 3 | 2 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 3 | |
Wind waves Height (m) Direction Period (s) | — | — | NE 7 | NNE 8 | — | — | — | — | N 8 | — | — | N 8 | N 8 | N 8 | N 8 | N 8 | N 8 | N 7 | NNE 7 | NNE 7 | NNE 7 |
— | — | 65 | 178 | — | — | — | — | 130 | — | — | 136 | 167 | 169 | 228 | 219 | 249 | 236 | 171 | 147 | 140 | |
Nearest Offshore or Glassy | |||||||||||||||||||||
Distance (km) | 35 | 35 | 48 | 35 | 35 | 35 | 35 | 1 | 35 | 35 | 35 | 35 | 35 | 35 | 35 | 48 | 49 | 49 | 48 | 35 | 35 |
Best forecast wave conditions in Gran Canaria | |||||||||||||||||||||
Best forecast wave conditions in Spain (Africa) | |||||||||||||||||||||
Header Global | |||||||||||||||||||||
- Map Icons:
Break
Live Wave Height (m)
Live Wind Speed (km/h)
Surf Rating (10 Max)
Ocean Swells (m)
Wind Speed (km/h)
Information about the La Barra Surf forecast
The above surf forecast table for La Barra provides essential information for determining whether the surfing conditions will be good over the next 16 days. A general guide to surfing at La Barra can be found by selecting the local surf guide option on the grey menu. Our La Barra 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 (La Barra) 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 La Barra 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.
La Barra is 4 km (2 miles) from Las Palmas. If you plan a holiday in Gran Canaria, look for hotels and other accommodation in Las Palmas. Las Palmas has rooms for a wide range of budgets as well as car hire and transport links.











