
Surf Forecasts:
Southport Main Beach surf forecast from 11 Aug 2026:
- Best quality surf: Friday 14 Aug, 4AM (local time) - 4.5ft (1.4m), 8s period, SSE swell with cross-offshore winds.
- Most powerful swell: Wednesday 19 Aug, 4AM (local time) - 8ft (2.5m), 8s period, SE swell with 921 kJ wave energy.
- Next surfable swell (1★+): Wednesday 12 Aug, 7AM (local time) - 2ft (0.6m), 9s period with E swell.
Best Forecast Surf Conditions for Southport Main Beach this week:
The surf forecast for Southport Main Beach over the next 16 days: The first swell (rated 1 star or higher) is forecast to arrive on Wednesday (Aug 12) at 7AM. The primary swell is predicted to be 0.6m and 9s period. The wind is predicted to be offshore as the swell arrives.
The most powerful waves expected at Southport Main Beach in the next 16 days are 2.5m 8s and forecast to arrive on Wednesday (Aug 19) at 4AM. Winds are predicted to be cross-onshore at the time the swell arrives. The largest open ocean swell (not directed at the beach) is 0.3m 6s period and expected on Wednesday (Aug 12) at 7AM.
| Wave Type | Time (AEST) & Date | Wave Height & Period |
|---|---|---|
| Next good surf (1 star+) | 7AM (Wed 12th Aug) | 2ft (0.6m) 9s |
| Best Surf | 4AM (Fri 14th Aug) | 4.5ft (1.4m) 8s |
| Most Powerful | 4AM (Wed 19th Aug) | 8ft (2.5m) 8s |
Table - best surf conditions forecast for Southport Main Beach over the next 16 days.
The Lowdown
Alright folks, Rusty here. Let’s have a look at what Southport Main Beach has in store for us over the next couple of weeks.
To be straight with you, the first week and a half is a real struggle. We’ve got a long gap of nothing good until the 22nd of August. The wind is a mess, mostly cross or cross-onshore, and that small east swell just can’t handle it. The water temp is sitting about average for this time of year, so no surprises there.
Wednesday the 12th has the best conditions we’ll see for a while. A clean 2ft east swell rolling in with a 9-second period, light offshore wind in the morning turning glassy in the afternoon. The combined energy is weak (65-66), but it’s ridable. Don’t get excited, it’s just a small, fun little wave for a beginner on a foamie. It’s consistent, but it’s not a standout.
From Thursday the 13th through to the 21st, the wind just ruins it. The swell builds, but it’s mostly crossed-up, lumpy, and choppy. The 18th and 19th see the swell push over 6ft, hitting 8ft on the Wednesday morning with a strong 1421 combined energy – but it’s a cross-onshore mess. That’s only for experienced surfers, and even then, it’s not worth it. This setup looks more interesting for kite surfing than paddle surfing.
Now, the one true standout. Saturday the 22nd of August. That morning is the one to circle. The swell is a solid 6ft from the east with a nice 11-second period, which is a proper groundswell. That’s a good energy level too (802). The wind? Glassy. Absolutely glassy. NNE light air, clean as a whistle. The break is very consistent, exposed to the swell, and the crowd factor is just “sometimes”, so you might have a few friends out, but it won’t be a zoo. For a beach break, that long period can make the waves a bit straight, but when it’s this clean, you’ll be smiling. That’s the best on offer, no question.
The Sunday the 23rd morning is worth a mention too – clean with a cross-offshore wind, 5ft east swell, but it’s a step down in quality. The 25th of August has a glassy morning, small at 5ft, but it’s a short period east swell. It’s okay, but not a standout.
As for the very end, the 27th of August is a long-range tease. A 8ft SSE swell with a 10-second period, strong energy (1245), and clean cross-offshore wind. It’s a promising look, but it’s a way off, so keep an eye on it. That’s a bigger wave, so only for the experienced crew.
Rusty.
Short Range ForecastLight rain (total 3mm), mostly falling on Wed night. Warm (max 21°C on Wed morning, min 13°C on Wed night). Winds increasing (calm on Wed afternoon, fresh winds from the SE by Fri afternoon). | Days 5-7 Weather SummaryLight rain (total 9mm), mostly falling on Mon morning. Warm (max 20°C on Sat morning, min 14°C on Sun night). Mainly fresh winds. | ||||||||||||||||||
Wednesday 12 | Thursday 13 | Friday 14 | Saturday 15 | Sunday 16 | Monday 17 | ||||||||||||||
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) | E 9 | E 9 | E 9 | E 9 | E 9 | E 9 | ENE 9 | ENE 9 | SE 6 | SSE 6 | ENE 9 | SE 6 | SE 7 | SSE 6 | SE 6 | SSE 6 | SE 6 | ESE 6 | ESE 8 |
Wave Graph | |||||||||||||||||||
61 | 60 | 61 | 61 | 42 | 42 | 28 | 28 | 40 | 165 | 28 | 105 | 73 | 48 | 93 | 87 | 157 | 93 | 331 | |
Wind (km/h) | |||||||||||||||||||
Wind State on-shore cross-onshore cross-shore cross-offshore off-shore glassy | off | off | glassy | off | cross-off | cross-on | cross-off | cross | cross-on | cross | cross | cross | cross | cross | cross | cross-off | cross-on | cross-on | cross-on |
High Tide | 7:53AM1.17m | 8:15PM1.78m | 8:37AM1.24m | 8:57PM1.74m | 9:20AM1.28m | 9:37PM1.65m | 10:01AM1.30m | 10:15PM1.52m | 10:43AM1.29m | 10:51PM1.38m | 11:26AM1.27m | 11:27PM1.22m | |||||||
Low Tide | 2:06AM0.18m | 1:34PM0.13m | 2:47AM0.14m | 2:23PM0.12m | 3:25AM0.12m | 3:09PM0.14m | 4:01AM0.14m | 3:54PM0.20m | 4:37AM0.17m | 4:40PM0.29m | 5:11AM0.21m | 5:28PM0.39m | |||||||
— | 6:20 | — | — | 6:18 | — | — | 6:18 | — | — | 6:18 | — | — | 6:16 | — | — | 6:16 | — | — | |
— | — | 5:22 | — | — | 5:22 | — | — | 5:22 | — | — | 5:22 | — | — | 5:23 | — | — | 5:23 | — | |
mm | — | — | 1 | 2 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | 2 | — | — | 1 | 4 | 2 | 8 |
Temp °C | 16 | 21 | 21 | 14 | 19 | 18 | 16 | 19 | 18 | 16 | 20 | 19 | 15 | 19 | 18 | 16 | 18 | 17 | 17 |
Feels °C | 12 | 18 | 20 | 12 | 15 | 13 | 13 | 14 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 13 | 10 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 12 | 11 | 12 |
Swell 1 Height (m) Direction Period (s) | E 9 | E 9 | E 9 | E 9 | E 9 | E 9 | ENE 9 | SE 7 | E 9 | SE 6 | ENE 9 | ENE 9 | ENE 9 | E 6 | ENE 10 | ESE 6 | ESE 6 | E 8 | E 13 |
61 | 60 | 61 | 61 | 42 | 42 | 28 | 21 | 26 | 31 | 28 | 28 | 29 | 24 | 32 | 61 | 82 | 22 | 3 | |
Swell 2 Height (m) Direction Period (s) | NE 6 | NNE 6 | NNE 6 | NNE 6 | N 6 | SSE 8 | SE 9 | ENE 9 | SE 10 | ENE 9 | E 5 | — | S 20 | ENE 10 | E 15 | E 10 | E 10 | E 13 | — |
6 | 3 | 3 | 4 | 3 | 11 | 20 | 28 | 4 | 28 | 4 | — | 8 | 31 | 5 | 17 | 16 | 3 | — | |
Swell 3 Height (m) Direction Period (s) | S 10 | SE 11 | SE 11 | SE 11 | S 7 | NE 7 | NE 7 | NE 7 | N 7 | S 19 | SE 10 | — | E 16 | E 15 | — | E 8 | S 10 | — | — |
2 | 5 | 5 | 4 | 3 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 7 | 4 | — | 5 | 5 | — | 1 | 2 | — | — | |
Wind waves Height (m) Direction Period (s) | — | — | — | — | — | ESE 2 | SE 4 | — | SE 6 | SSE 6 | SSE 6 | SE 6 | SE 7 | SSE 6 | SE 6 | SSE 6 | SE 6 | ESE 6 | ESE 8 |
— | — | — | — | — | 1 | 7 | — | 40 | 165 | 25 | 105 | 73 | 48 | 93 | 87 | 157 | 93 | 331 | |
Nearest Offshore or Glassy | |||||||||||||||||||
Distance (km) | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 24 | 3 | 24 | 24 | 8 | 24 | 344 | 24 | 24 | 24 | 4 | 24 | 24 | 24 |
Best forecast wave conditions in Gold Coast | |||||||||||||||||||
Best forecast wave conditions in Australia | |||||||||||||||||||
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Information about the Southport Main Beach Surf forecast
The above surf forecast table for Southport Main Beach provides essential information for determining whether the surfing conditions will be good over the next 16 days. A general guide to surfing at Southport Main Beach can be found by selecting the local surf guide option on the grey menu. Our Southport Main Beach 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 (Southport Main Beach) 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 Southport Main Beach 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.
Southport Main Beach is 3 km (2 miles) from Surfers Paradise. If you plan a holiday in Gold Coast, look for hotels and other accommodation in Surfers Paradise. Surfers Paradise has rooms for a wide range of budgets as well as car hire and transport links.











