
Surf Forecasts:
Lowestoft surf forecast from 9 Aug 2026:
- Most powerful swell: Sunday 16 Aug, 7PM (local time) - 5ft (1.5m), 6s period, NE swell with 164 kJ wave energy.
Best Forecast Surf Conditions for Lowestoft this week:
The most powerful waves expected at Lowestoft in the next 16 days are 1.5m 6s and forecast to arrive on Sunday (Aug 16) at 7PM. Winds are predicted to be cross-shore at the time the swell arrives. The largest open ocean swell (not directed at the beach) is 0.6m 4s period and expected on Monday (Aug 10) at 10AM.
| Wave Type | Time (BST) & Date | Wave Height & Period |
|---|---|---|
| Next good surf (1 star+) | - | - |
| Best Surf | - | - |
| Most Powerful | 7PM (Sun 16th Aug) | 5ft (1.5m) 6s |
Table - best surf conditions forecast for Lowestoft over the next 16 days.
The Lowdown
Alright folks, Rusty here. Let’s be straight with you. I’ve looked at the next couple of weeks for our stretch of coast, and it’s a tough one. We’re staring down a long, flat spell with very little on the table. It’s one of those times where you might want to get the kite gear dusted off, because there’s plenty of wind but almost no surf to speak of.
The first real chance of anything even rideable doesn't show up until Sunday the 16th. For over a week before that, we are looking at waves mostly under 3 feet, a lot of it under a foot and a half. The energy in the water is weak, with readings like 1 and 8 (combined energy) early on. There's onshore and cross-onshore breezes messing with things, so the water is going to be lumpy and messy. Not worth the paddle. The one bright spot during that stretch is the early morning of Monday the 10th, which is clean, but with only 0.3ft of swell, it’s a non-event. It’s a tough stretch, so maybe work on your pop-up.
When we get to the 16th, things get a little more interesting, but it’s not a day for the faint of heart. There’s a bump of swell filling in, peaking at 5ft on Sunday afternoon. The energy jumps to 156, which is at least moderate. But the wind is a fresh, cross-shore from the NNE, making it lumpy and difficult. That size at Lowestoft, with that wind, is going to be a bit of a battle. Sunday the 16th is the biggest, but it’s surfing for the dedicated, not for the casual.
After that, it’s more of the same. A small pulse on Monday the 17th with the swell dropping back to 3ft, but the wind stays strong and cross-shore. It will be a mess. Beyond that, the energy just fades right away. There’s a bit of hope for the morning of Tuesday the 18th, with a light wind and clean conditions, but the swell is down to 2ft, which is barely a ripple. The long-range stuff into the final week looks weak, with no real swell showing on the charts.
Now, for the one and only standout. There isn’t a classic, clean, green-room day in this whole window. But if you’re desperate, the high point of the entire run is the afternoon of Sunday, August 16th. The swell is the biggest we’ll see, with a 5ft wave from the NE. And yes, it’s cross-shore and lumpy. It won't be pretty but it’s the only time we get above 5 feet. Lowestoft (Suffolk) is where you’ll want to be if you’re an expert or a masochist. The water is still warm for this time of year, about 68°, so you won’t need a thick suit, just a good attitude and a short board you don’t mind bouncing off the sand.
The rest of the second week is a write-off. It's weak, it's small, and mostly messy. From the 21st onward, we’re stuck in that pattern of knee-high slop. There is really nothing else to get excited about. It’s a blank run, and for this area, that’s not unusual. Forecasts can change, so keep an eye out, but don’t hold your breath.
It’s not what we wanted to hear, but it is what it is.
Stay salty,
Rusty
Short Range ForecastMostly dry. Warm (max 28°C on Sun afternoon, min 16°C on Sun night). Mainly fresh winds. | Days 4-6 Weather SummaryMostly dry. Warm (max 32°C on Fri afternoon, min 18°C on Wed morning). Wind will be generally light. | ||||||||||||||||||||
Sunday 9 | Monday 10 | Tuesday 11 | Wednesday 12 | Thursday 13 | Friday 14 | Saturday 15 | |||||||||||||||
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) | N 6 | S 3 | NNW 3 | N 9 | N 5 | N 5 | N 7 | N 8 | N 9 | NNE 8 | NNE 8 | E 4 | ENE 5 | ESE 4 | E 4 | SE 4 | SE 4 | NE 3 | NE 3 | NNE 4 | NE 5 |
Wave Graph | |||||||||||||||||||||
1 | 5 | 0 | 2 | 20 | 7 | 25 | 35 | 39 | 22 | 21 | 15 | 9 | 14 | 7 | 8 | 12 | 2 | 6 | 10 | 65 | |
Wind (km/h) | |||||||||||||||||||||
Wind State on-shore cross-onshore cross-shore cross-offshore off-shore glassy | cross-off | cross-off | cross | cross-off | cross | on | on | on | on | cross-on | on | on | cross-on | cross-on | cross-on | cross-on | cross-on | cross | cross | cross | cross-on |
High Tide | 7:18PM2.29m | 7:41AM2.25m | 8:42PM2.37m | 8:43AM2.38m | 9:41PM2.47m | 9:35AM2.52m | 10:31PM2.54m | 10:22AM2.65m | 11:16PM2.55m | 11:05AM2.74m | 11:58PM2.51m | 11:47AM2.77m | 00:39AM2.42m | ||||||||
Low Tide | 12:47PM1.07m | 1:33AM1.07m | 2:22PM0.87m | 2:49AM1.01m | 3:21PM0.61m | 3:40AM0.94m | 4:10PM0.39m | 4:25AM0.87m | 4:55PM0.23m | 5:06AM0.82m | 5:38PM0.17m | 5:45AM0.81m | 6:20PM0.21m | ||||||||
5:24 | — | — | 5:26 | — | — | 5:26 | — | — | 5:28 | — | — | 5:31 | — | — | 5:31 | — | — | 5:33 | — | — | |
— | 8:30 | — | — | 8:29 | — | — | 8:27 | — | — | 8:24 | — | — | 8:22 | — | — | 8:21 | — | — | 8:19 | — | |
mm | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
Temp °C | 27 | 28 | 25 | 19 | 17 | 16 | 16 | 16 | 17 | 19 | 22 | 25 | 24 | 28 | 29 | 28 | 32 | 21 | 19 | 18 | 17 |
Feels °C | 23 | 23 | 24 | 14 | 12 | 14 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 16 | 18 | 22 | 20 | 24 | 25 | 24 | 26 | 19 | 15 | 13 | 13 |
Swell 1 Height (m) Direction Period (s) | SE 4 | — | SSE 3 | — | — | N 5 | N 7 | N 8 | N 9 | NNE 8 | NNE 8 | NNE 7 | ENE 5 | N 7 | N 7 | E 4 | ENE 5 | SSE 3 | N 9 | N 9 | NE 5 |
3 | — | 2 | — | — | 7 | 25 | 35 | 39 | 22 | 21 | 11 | 9 | 1 | 1 | 9 | 5 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 65 | |
Swell 2 Height (m) Direction Period (s) | N 6 | N 6 | — | N 9 | — | N 9 | — | NNE 9 | — | — | — | — | N 7 | N 7 | — | N 8 | N 8 | N 9 | — | — | — |
1 | 1 | — | 2 | — | 2 | — | 7 | — | — | — | — | 4 | 4 | — | 1 | 1 | 2 | — | — | — | |
Swell 3 Height (m) Direction Period (s) | — | N 10 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | N 8 | N 10 | N 9 | — | — | — |
— | 2 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | 1 | 2 | 2 | — | — | — | |
Wind waves Height (m) Direction Period (s) | — | S 3 | NNW 3 | N 4 | N 5 | ENE 4 | E 3 | E 3 | E 4 | ESE 4 | ESE 4 | E 4 | SE 4 | ESE 4 | E 4 | SE 4 | SE 4 | NE 3 | NE 3 | NNE 4 | — |
— | 5 | 4 | 9 | 20 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 22 | 19 | 14 | 15 | 9 | 14 | 7 | 8 | 12 | 2 | 6 | 10 | — | |
Nearest Offshore or Glassy | |||||||||||||||||||||
Distance (km) | 577 | 644 | 629 | 558 | 195 | 195 | 626 | 168 | 195 | 195 | 381 | 245 | 394 | 563 | 282 | 407 | 567 | 563 | 471 | 384 | 405 |
Best forecast wave conditions in East Anglia | |||||||||||||||||||||
Best forecast wave conditions in United Kingdom | |||||||||||||||||||||
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Information about the Lowestoft Surf forecast
The above surf forecast table for Lowestoft provides essential information for determining whether the surfing conditions will be good over the next 16 days. A general guide to surfing at Lowestoft can be found by selecting the local surf guide option on the grey menu. Our Lowestoft 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 (Lowestoft) 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 Lowestoft 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.
Lowestoft is 1 km (1 miles) from the city of Lowestoft. If you plan a holiday in East Anglia, look for hotels and other accommodation in Lowestoft. Lowestoft has rooms for a wide range of budgets as well as car hire and transport links.











