
Surf Forecasts:
Mavericks surf forecast from 20 Jul 2026:
- Best quality surf: Monday 20 Jul, 8AM (local time) - 2ft (0.6m), 16s period, SW swell with glassy winds.
- Most powerful swell: Saturday 25 Jul, 8AM (local time) - 3ft (0.9m), 21s period, SW swell with 763 kJ wave energy.
- Next surfable swell (1★+): Monday 20 Jul, 8AM (local time) - 2ft (0.6m), 16s period with SW swell.
Best Forecast Surf Conditions for Mavericks this week:
The surf forecast for Mavericks over the next 16 days: The first swell (rated 1 star or higher) is forecast to arrive on Monday (Jul 20) at 8AM. The primary swell is predicted to be 0.6m and 16s period with a secondary swell of 0.7m and 8s. The wind is predicted to be glassy as the swell arrives.
The most powerful waves expected at Mavericks in the next 16 days are 0.9m 21s and forecast to arrive on Saturday (Jul 25) at 8AM. Winds are predicted to be cross-onshore at the time the swell arrives. The largest open ocean swell (not directed at the beach) is 0.5m 8s period and expected on Wednesday (Jul 22) at 8PM.
| Wave Type | Time (PDT) & Date | Wave Height & Period |
|---|---|---|
| Next good surf (1 star+) | 8AM (Mon 20th Jul) | 2ft (0.6m) 16s |
| Best Surf | 8AM (Mon 20th Jul) | 2ft (0.6m) 16s |
| Most Powerful | 8AM (Sat 25th Jul) | 3ft (0.9m) 21s |
Table - best surf conditions forecast for Mavericks over the next 16 days.
The Lowdown
Alright folks, Rusty here. Let’s take a look at what’s on the table for the next couple of weeks.
First off, I gotta be straight with you – the next week or so at Mavericks is looking pretty grim. We’ve got a solid run of tiny, weak swell, and the wind is almost always cross-onshore or onshore, keeping things messy. The combined energy is sitting mostly in the 200s to 800s, which is weak to moderate, but the poor conditions mean it’s just not worth paddling out for. The water temp is about average for this time of year, so no surprises there.
The first real flicker of hope comes on the morning of July 28th. We see a jump in swell to 7ft from the WNW, but the period is a short 9 seconds, so it’s windswell, not groundswell. The energy climbs to 1741 (strong), but it’s still cross-on with a gentle breeze, so it’s a bit of a gamble. This is really only for the experienced crew – 7ft is getting into expert territory.
The standout for this whole period is actually the morning of July 29th. The swell picks up to 8ft from the WNW, still a short 9-second period, but the wind goes light and onshore from the W. The energy is the highest we’ll see at 1865 (very strong). This is a proper big-wave window, but the short period means it’s going to be a bit lumpy and closed out at a beach break. For a reef like Mavericks, it could still be a goer for the brave, but it’s strictly for experts only.
After that, the swell holds through the 30th (7ft, WNW, 9 seconds) but with better wind on the morning of the 30th – light and onshore from the WSW. The energy drops to 1420 (still strong), but the conditions are cleaner. That afternoon of the 30th is also worth a look, with similar size and period.
The first week of August sees the swell back down to 4ft – 6ft, with a bit more period (10 seconds) by the 3rd and 4th. The winds are light and cross-on, which is not ideal, but the energy is moderate (736 on the 3rd morning). It’s a marginal setup, but for a mid-sized day with light winds, there might be a few clean ones for the crew who are willing to pick through the sets.
Bottom line: if you’re an expert, the 29th and 30th of July are your best bets for size, but the quality is a question mark. Everyone else, you’re waiting until the first few days of August for something more manageable, but don’t expect perfection. It’s a tough run for the next 16 days.
Rusty.
Short Range ForecastMostly dry. Very mild (max 19°C on Wed afternoon, min 13°C on Sun night). Wind will be generally light. | Days 5-7 Weather SummaryMostly dry. Very mild (max 17°C on Thu morning, min 11°C on Fri night). Wind will be generally light. | ||||||||||||||||||
Monday 20 | Tuesday 21 | Wednesday 22 | Thursday 23 | Friday 24 | Saturday 25 | ||||||||||||||
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 16 | SW 16 | SW 16 | SW 16 | SSW 14 | SSW 14 | SSW 15 | SW 15 | SW 14 | SW 14 | SW 14 | SSW 14 | SSW 13 | SW 24 | SW 24 | SW 22 | SW 21 | SW 21 | SW 20 |
Wave Graph | |||||||||||||||||||
261 | 196 | 196 | 251 | 303 | 321 | 148 | 191 | 155 | 208 | 206 | 210 | 237 | 448 | 444 | 298 | 548 | 365 | 455 | |
Wind (km/h) | |||||||||||||||||||
Wind State on-shore cross-onshore cross-shore cross-offshore off-shore glassy | cross | cross-on | on | cross-on | cross-on | cross-on | glassy | on | on | glassy | on | cross-on | cross-on | cross-on | cross-on | cross-on | cross-on | cross-on | cross-on |
High Tide | 3:40AM1.21m | 4:22PM1.67m | 5:05AM1.06m | 5:04PM1.67m | 6:50AM1.01m | 5:49PM1.67m | 8:25AM1.06m | 6:36PM1.68m | 9:33AM1.15m | 7:25PM1.69m | 10:22AM1.22m | 8:12PM1.72m | |||||||
Low Tide | 10:05PM0.49m | 9:40AM0.41m | 11:14PM0.40m | 10:29AM0.62m | 00:22AM0.29m | 11:25AM0.80m | 1:25AM0.19m | 12:30PM0.93m | 2:19AM0.09m | 1:34PM1.00m | 3:07AM0.01m | 2:30PM1.02m | 3:48AM-0.05m | ||||||
— | 6:03 | — | — | 6:05 | — | — | 6:05 | — | — | 6:05 | — | — | 6:07 | — | — | 6:07 | — | — | |
8:28 | — | 8:28 | — | — | 8:27 | — | — | 8:25 | — | — | 8:24 | — | — | 8:24 | — | — | 8:23 | — | |
mm | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
Temp °C | 13 | 16 | 16 | 14 | 16 | 17 | 15 | 17 | 19 | 15 | 17 | 16 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 12 | 14 | 14 | 12 |
Feels °C | 13 | 15 | 14 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 13 | 16 | 18 | 14 | 16 | 13 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 10 | 12 | 11 | 10 |
Swell 1 Height (m) Direction Period (s) | SW 16 | WNW 8 | SW 16 | SW 16 | SSW 14 | SSW 14 | SSW 11 | SW 15 | SW 14 | SW 14 | SW 14 | SSW 14 | WNW 6 | SSW 13 | SSW 13 | WNW 7 | WNW 7 | SSW 13 | WNW 7 |
261 | 62 | 196 | 251 | 303 | 321 | 148 | 191 | 155 | 208 | 206 | 210 | 61 | 229 | 204 | 113 | 131 | 154 | 188 | |
Swell 2 Height (m) Direction Period (s) | WNW 8 | SW 16 | WNW 8 | WNW 8 | WNW 8 | W 13 | SSW 15 | SSW 10 | SSW 9 | S 8 | WNW 11 | SSW 7 | SSW 13 | SW 24 | SW 24 | SSW 13 | SW 21 | SW 21 | SW 20 |
62 | 196 | 61 | 46 | 45 | 30 | 148 | 72 | 44 | 30 | 44 | 9 | 204 | 448 | 444 | 178 | 548 | 365 | 455 | |
Swell 3 Height (m) Direction Period (s) | W 14 | S 12 | S 12 | S 11 | W 13 | SW 18 | WNW 8 | NW 8 | NW 8 | NW 7 | SSW 7 | WNW 10 | SW 26 | SW 13 | SW 16 | SW 22 | SSW 12 | — | SSW 12 |
102 | 76 | 71 | 37 | 30 | 49 | 25 | 16 | 15 | 14 | 17 | 21 | 237 | 44 | 42 | 298 | 172 | — | 129 | |
Wind waves Height (m) Direction Period (s) | — | — | — | — | — | WNW 9 | — | — | — | — | — | WNW 3 | — | WNW 6 | WNW 7 | — | — | WNW 7 | — |
— | — | — | — | — | 49 | — | — | — | — | — | 4 | — | 100 | 110 | — | — | 127 | — | |
Nearest Offshore or Glassy | |||||||||||||||||||
Distance (km) | 5 | 35 | 48 | 35 | 71 | 48 | 0 | 76 | 71 | 0 | 71 | 310 | 35 | 35 | 73 | 35 | 35 | 73 | 35 |
Best forecast wave conditions in San Mateo | |||||||||||||||||||
Best forecast wave conditions in United States | |||||||||||||||||||
Header Global | |||||||||||||||||||
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Information about the Mavericks Surf forecast
The above surf forecast table for Mavericks provides essential information for determining whether the surfing conditions will be good over the next 16 days. A general guide to surfing at Mavericks can be found by selecting the local surf guide option on the grey menu. Our Mavericks 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 (Mavericks) 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 Mavericks 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.
Mavericks is 13 km (8 miles) from Pacifica. If you plan a vacation in San Mateo, look for hotels and other accommodation in Pacifica. Pacifica has rooms for a wide range of budgets as well as car hire and transport links.










