Surf Forecasts:
Nine Mile Reef surf forecast from 20 Aug 2026:
- Best quality surf: Thursday 20 Aug, 5AM (local time) - 7ft (2.2m), 14s period, SSW swell with cross-onshore winds.
- Most powerful swell: Thursday 20 Aug, 8AM (local time) - 8ft (2.5m), 14s period, SSW swell with 2,227 kJ wave energy.
- Next surfable swell (1★+): Thursday 20 Aug, 5AM (local time) - 7ft (2.2m), 14s period with SSW swell.
Best Forecast Surf Conditions for Nine Mile Reef this week:
The surf forecast for Nine Mile Reef over the next 16 days: The first swell (rated 1 star or higher) is forecast to arrive on Thursday (Aug 20) at 5AM. The primary swell is predicted to be 2.2m and 14s period. The wind is predicted to be cross-onshore as the swell arrives.
The most powerful waves expected at Nine Mile Reef in the next 16 days are 2.5m 14s and forecast to arrive on Thursday (Aug 20) 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 0.7m 11s period and expected on Tuesday (Aug 25) at 5AM.
| Wave Type | Time (SAST) & Date | Wave Height & Period |
|---|---|---|
| Next good surf (1 star+) | 5AM (Thu 20th Aug) | 7ft (2.2m) 14s |
| Best Surf | 5AM (Thu 20th Aug) | 7ft (2.2m) 14s |
| Most Powerful | 8AM (Thu 20th Aug) | 8ft (2.5m) 14s |
Table - best surf conditions forecast for Nine Mile Reef over the next 16 days.
The Lowdown
Alright, let’s get into it. The next couple of weeks are a mixed bag, so let's break it down.
The standout window is right at the start, Thursday the 20th. We’ve got a solid SSW swell rolling in, but here’s the catch – it’s too big for Nine Mile Reef. The waves are predicted to be in the 8ft range with a 13-second period, and that's just too much juice for this setup. It’s a shame because the wind and tide are favorable, but you'll be looking at close-outs and chaos. It’s a pass for me.
Friday the 21st sees that swell drop off quick. It’s down to 5ft in the morning, but the onshore wind is going to make it messy and choppy. Not a day to get excited about. The swell drops again into the weekend, but Saturday morning the 22nd shows a light offshore wind. Waves are small, around 4ft, but it might be a fun little clean session for the logs. The energy is weak though, so don't expect much push.
We have a lull for a few days after that. The swell stays small, but the wind turns onshore and the surf quality is just poor from Monday the 24th through Friday the 28th. It’s a flat, blown-out stretch, so you’re not missing anything. Save your energy.
Now, here’s where it gets interesting. Saturday the 29th is still bumpy with strong cross-onshore winds, but Sunday the 30th looks special. The wind drops to nothing—glassy conditions—and we’ve got a clean 3ft SW swell. It’s small, but clean and perfect for the reef. This is your best bet for a proper, fun surf. The energy is still low, but the quality will be top-notch.
Then, just when you think it’s over, Monday the 31st delivers a proper punch. A new SW swell pulses in, hitting 7ft with a 13-second period. But once again, that’s too big for Nine Mile. The conditions are glassy, it’ll look epic, but it’s just too much for this break. You’ll want to sit this one out and watch from the rocks. Tuesday the 1st of September is similar, with a solid 6ft swell, but a strong offshore wind will have it breaking like crazy, probably too unruly.
After that, the swell fades out and the wind goes nuts. Wednesday the 2nd and Thursday the 3rd are not worth your time. The forecast fades into nothing for the final days. The long-range stuff looks promising but it's too far out to get worked up about.
So, to sum it up: If you can only surf one day, make it Sunday the 30th. It's small, but it’s clean and will be the most fun you’ll have. The bigger swells are just too much for this spot. Stay patient, it might not stay flat for long.
Rusty
Short Range ForecastMostly dry. Very mild (max 19°C on Fri afternoon, min 11°C on Fri morning). Wind will be generally light. | Days 5-7 Weather SummaryMostly dry. Warm (max 25°C on Tue afternoon, min 13°C on Sun morning). Wind will be generally light. | ||||||||||||||||||
Thursday 20 | Friday 21 | Saturday 22 | Sunday 23 | Monday 24 | Tuesday 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) | SSW 13 | SSW 13 | SSW 13 | SSW 12 | SSW 11 | SSW 11 | SSW 11 | SSW 11 | SW 11 | SW 12 | SW 12 | SW 12 | SW 12 | SW 11 | SSW 14 | SW 15 | SW 13 | SW 13 | SW 13 |
Wave Graph | |||||||||||||||||||
1066 | 1949 | 1320 | 722 | 534 | 317 | 379 | 286 | 298 | 594 | 555 | 481 | 396 | 268 | 362 | 784 | 618 | 473 | 464 | |
Wind (km/h) | |||||||||||||||||||
Wind State on-shore cross-onshore cross-shore cross-offshore off-shore glassy | on | on | on | cross-on | cross-on | on | cross-on | off | cross | cross-on | on | on | on | on | on | cross-on | cross-on | cross-on | cross-off |
High Tide | 8:02AM1.00m | 8:28PM1.05m | 9:44AM0.92m | 10:23PM0.99m | 11:56AM0.97m | 00:07AM1.04m | 1:00PM1.07m | 1:03AM1.14m | 1:38PM1.20m | 1:41AM1.25m | 2:09PM1.32m | 2:14AM1.35m | |||||||
Low Tide | 1:53AM0.55m | 1:53PM0.63m | 3:15AM0.64m | 3:47PM0.72m | 5:33AM0.63m | 6:08PM0.67m | 6:47AM0.53m | 7:08PM0.57m | 7:28AM0.42m | 7:46PM0.46m | 8:00AM0.31m | 8:17PM0.35m | |||||||
— | 7:18 | — | — | 7:18 | — | — | 7:16 | — | — | 7:15 | — | — | 7:13 | — | — | 7:13 | — | — | |
6:16 | — | 6:17 | — | — | 6:19 | — | — | 6:19 | — | — | 6:20 | — | — | 6:21 | — | — | 6:22 | — | |
mm | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
Temp °C | 14 | 15 | 15 | 14 | 15 | 19 | 15 | 15 | 18 | 16 | 15 | 15 | 13 | 15 | 15 | 14 | 18 | 25 | 22 |
Feels °C | 13 | 12 | 11 | 11 | 13 | 18 | 15 | 12 | 16 | 16 | 14 | 12 | 11 | 12 | 11 | 11 | 15 | 23 | 19 |
Swell 1 Height (m) Direction Period (s) | SSW 13 | SSW 13 | SSW 13 | SSW 12 | SSW 11 | SSW 11 | SSW 11 | SSW 11 | SW 11 | SW 12 | SW 12 | SW 12 | SW 12 | SW 11 | SW 11 | SW 15 | SW 13 | SW 13 | SW 13 |
1066 | 1949 | 1320 | 722 | 534 | 317 | 379 | 286 | 298 | 594 | 555 | 481 | 396 | 268 | 229 | 784 | 618 | 473 | 464 | |
Swell 2 Height (m) Direction Period (s) | — | — | — | — | SSW 11 | SSW 10 | WSW 11 | WSW 10 | SW 17 | SW 14 | — | — | SW 14 | SSW 14 | SSW 14 | SSW 10 | SSW 16 | SSW 15 | SE 6 |
— | — | — | — | 401 | 310 | 291 | 198 | 12 | 102 | — | — | 52 | 115 | 163 | 80 | 212 | 123 | 45 | |
Swell 3 Height (m) Direction Period (s) | — | — | — | — | — | — | SSW 14 | — | — | SSW 12 | — | — | — | SSW 14 | SSW 14 | — | — | — | — |
— | — | — | — | — | — | 145 | — | — | 193 | — | — | — | 178 | 362 | — | — | — | — | |
Wind waves Height (m) Direction Period (s) | — | — | — | ESE 3 | ESE 4 | SSE 5 | — | — | NNW 3 | — | — | S 4 | SSE 4 | SE 4 | SSE 4 | SE 4 | SE 5 | SE 6 | ESE 6 |
— | — | — | 6 | 33 | 32 | — | — | 4 | — | — | 10 | 12 | 15 | 41 | 45 | 49 | 88 | 200 | |
Nearest Offshore or Glassy | |||||||||||||||||||
Distance (km) | 16 | 16 | 33 | 16 | 16 | 21 | 10 | 0 | 10 | 16 | 22 | 26 | 16 | 27 | 56 | 16 | 16 | 16 | 0 |
Best forecast wave conditions in Cape Town | |||||||||||||||||||
Best forecast wave conditions in South Africa | |||||||||||||||||||
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Information about the Nine Mile Reef Surf forecast
The above surf forecast table for Nine Mile Reef provides essential information for determining whether the surfing conditions will be good over the next 16 days. A general guide to surfing at Nine Mile Reef can be found by selecting the local surf guide option on the grey menu. Our Nine Mile Reef 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 (Nine Mile Reef) 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 Nine Mile Reef 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.
Nine Mile Reef is 19 km (12 miles) from the very large city of Bellville. If you plan a holiday in Cape Town, look for hotels and other accommodation in Bellville. Bellville has rooms for a wide range of budgets as well as cheap car hire and transport links.











