Surf Forecasts:
Nobbys Reef surf forecast from 27 Aug 2026:
- Best quality surf: Friday 28 Aug, 7AM (local time) - 5ft (1.6m), 12s period, SSE swell with offshore winds.
- Most powerful swell: Friday 28 Aug, 7AM (local time) - 5ft (1.6m), 12s period, SSE swell with 730 kJ wave energy.
- Next surfable swell (1★+): Thursday 27 Aug, 10PM (local time) - 4.5ft (1.4m), 9s period with S swell.
Best Forecast Surf Conditions for Nobbys Reef this week:
The surf forecast for Nobbys Reef over the next 16 days: The first swell (rated 1 star or higher) is forecast to arrive on Thursday (Aug 27) at 10PM. The primary swell is predicted to be 1.4m and 9s period with a secondary swell of 0.4m and 9s. The wind is predicted to be glassy as the swell arrives.
The most powerful waves expected at Nobbys Reef in the next 16 days are 1.6m 12s and forecast to arrive on Friday (Aug 28) at 7AM. Winds are predicted to be offshore at the time the swell arrives. The largest open ocean swell (not directed at the beach) is 0.5m 3s period and expected on Wednesday (Sep 02) at 1PM.
| Wave Type | Time (AEST) & Date | Wave Height & Period |
|---|---|---|
| Next good surf (1 star+) | 10PM (Thu 27th Aug) | 4.5ft (1.4m) 9s |
| Best Surf | 7AM (Fri 28th Aug) | 5ft (1.6m) 12s |
| Most Powerful | 7AM (Fri 28th Aug) | 5ft (1.6m) 12s |
Table - best surf conditions forecast for Nobbys Reef over the next 16 days.
The Lowdown
Alright, let’s get into it. It’s a bit of a mixed bag for the next couple of weeks. The main swell window is short, and there’s a pretty big gap in the middle with nothing much to get excited about. Most of the decent action is on the new swell arriving early next week, but then it fades out almost completely for a solid run of days.
The standout session is Friday morning, August 28 at Nobbys Reef. We’ve got a clean 6 ft swell coming from the SSE with a solid 11-second period, and the wind is offshore from the NW at just 3 mph. That’s going to mean clean, glassy conditions with good shape. The combined energy is moderate (754), so there’s enough push for a fun session. Water temp is sitting around 64°, which is close to the long-term average for this time of year.
Sunday morning, August 30 is another good call. A smaller 3 ft swell from the S, but the wind is back to NW offshore at 3 mph. Combined energy is lower (258), but it’s clean and glassy, so it’ll be a nice, less crowded morning.
Monday morning, August 31 is a bit of a bonus. The swell drops to 4 ft from the S, but the wind is dead calm, glassy conditions. That’s rare and worth a paddle if you can get out. Combined energy is 362, so it’s still surfable, just not as punchy.
After that, things get weak. From Tuesday, September 1, through to Saturday, September 6, the swell drops below 3 ft, and the energy is low (mostly under 200). There’s a bit of offshore wind on a few mornings, but the waves are just too small to get excited about. It’s more of a longboard or funboard situation if you’re desperate.
Monday, September 7 sees a bit of a pulse: 5 ft to 5 ft from the S with offshore or cross-off wind, and combined energy back up to 316-459. But the wave comment is “marginal surf forecast or questionable tide conditions,” so it’s not a guarantee. Worth keeping an eye on, but not a standout.
After that, from Tuesday, September 8, through to the end of the forecast, it’s back to tiny waves under 2 ft, with very low energy, and mostly poor conditions. The 11th of September has a long-period 20-second swell from the SSE, but combined energy is only 146 and the wind is onshore, so it’s not going to be clean.
So, if you’re going to pick a session, Friday morning, August 28 is your best bet. The offshore wind, clean conditions, and decent size should make it a solid session. Monday morning, August 31 is a close second for the glassy conditions. Otherwise, it’s a waiting game.
Rusty.
Short Range ForecastSome drizzle, heaviest during Sat morning. Very mild (max 17°C on Fri morning, min 12°C on Thu night). Wind will be generally light. | Days 5-7 Weather SummaryMostly dry. Warm (max 25°C on Wed morning, min 13°C on Sun night). Wind will be generally light. | |||||||||||||||||||
Thu 27 | Friday 28 | Saturday 29 | Sunday 30 | Monday 31 | Tuesday 1 | Wednesday 2 | ||||||||||||||
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) | S 9 | S 9 | SSE 11 | SSE 10 | SSE 10 | SSE 10 | SSE 9 | SE 9 | SE 10 | S 9 | S 9 | S 9 | SSE 16 | SSE 11 | S 10 | SSE 11 | S 11 | S 10 | S 10 | SSE 10 |
Wave Graph | ||||||||||||||||||||
455 | 269 | 679 | 478 | 312 | 269 | 485 | 203 | 134 | 145 | 235 | 229 | 269 | 187 | 90 | 202 | 149 | 80 | 52 | 31 | |
Wind (km/h) | ||||||||||||||||||||
Wind State on-shore cross-onshore cross-shore cross-offshore off-shore glassy | on | off | off | on | cross-on | cross-on | on | glassy | off | on | cross-on | glassy | cross-on | cross-off | cross-off | cross-off | off | off | off | off |
High Tide | 7:40PM1.65m | 8:19AM1.35m | 8:17PM1.66m | 8:52AM1.41m | 8:54PM1.63m | 9:27AM1.45m | 9:33PM1.57m | 10:03AM1.49m | 10:13PM1.48m | 10:43AM1.51m | 10:58PM1.36m | 11:28AM1.51m | 11:50PM1.23m | |||||||
Low Tide | 2:14AM0.17m | 2:02PM0.35m | 2:46AM0.15m | 2:42PM0.30m | 3:18AM0.15m | 3:23PM0.28m | 3:50AM0.18m | 4:07PM0.29m | 4:25AM0.23m | 4:56PM0.32m | 5:03AM0.31m | 5:53PM0.37m | ||||||||
— | — | 6:16 | — | — | 6:15 | — | — | 6:13 | — | — | 6:11 | — | — | 6:11 | — | — | 6:09 | — | — | |
5:30 | — | — | 5:31 | — | — | 5:32 | — | — | 5:32 | — | — | 5:34 | — | — | 5:35 | — | — | 5:35 | — | |
mm | — | — | — | — | — | 1 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | 1 |
Temp °C | 15 | 15 | 17 | 16 | 15 | 15 | 16 | 15 | 17 | 16 | 15 | 16 | 16 | 15 | 22 | 24 | 21 | 25 | 26 | 22 |
Feels °C | 13 | 14 | 16 | 13 | 14 | 12 | 14 | 15 | 15 | 14 | 15 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 19 | 20 | 18 | 19 | 22 | 19 |
Swell 1 Height (m) Direction Period (s) | S 9 | S 9 | SSE 11 | SSE 10 | SSE 10 | SSE 10 | SSE 9 | SE 9 | S 9 | S 9 | S 9 | S 9 | S 8 | SSE 11 | S 10 | SSE 11 | S 11 | S 10 | S 10 | SSE 10 |
455 | 269 | 679 | 478 | 312 | 269 | 485 | 203 | 93 | 145 | 235 | 215 | 131 | 187 | 90 | 202 | 149 | 80 | 52 | 31 | |
Swell 2 Height (m) Direction Period (s) | ENE 8 | SSE 14 | ENE 8 | ENE 8 | ENE 8 | ENE 8 | ENE 8 | S 8 | SE 10 | SE 9 | SSE 16 | SSE 17 | SSE 16 | S 16 | S 12 | ENE 11 | ENE 5 | ENE 10 | ENE 10 | ENE 10 |
21 | 76 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 99 | 134 | 87 | 53 | 229 | 269 | 129 | 69 | 37 | 8 | 33 | 32 | 31 | |
Swell 3 Height (m) Direction Period (s) | SSE 15 | ENE 8 | SSW 13 | ENE 8 | S 11 | ENE 8 | ENE 9 | ENE 9 | ENE 9 | ENE 9 | ENE 9 | ENE 9 | E 9 | E 9 | ENE 11 | — | ENE 10 | NE 5 | S 18 | NE 5 |
21 | 24 | 60 | 25 | 39 | 28 | 25 | 16 | 15 | 15 | 15 | 17 | 14 | 13 | 22 | — | 33 | 1 | 6 | 1 | |
Wind waves Height (m) Direction Period (s) | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | NNE 3 | — | NE 4 | — | NW 3 | NW 3 | NW 3 |
— | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | 4 | — | 12 | — | 3 | 5 | 5 | |
Nearest Offshore or Glassy | ||||||||||||||||||||
Distance (km) | 9 | 0 | 0 | 221 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 30 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Best forecast wave conditions in Newcastle | ||||||||||||||||||||
Best forecast wave conditions in Australia | ||||||||||||||||||||
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Information about the Nobbys Reef Surf forecast
The above surf forecast table for Nobbys Reef provides essential information for determining whether the surfing conditions will be good over the next 16 days. A general guide to surfing at Nobbys Reef can be found by selecting the local surf guide option on the grey menu. Our Nobbys 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 (Nobbys 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 Nobbys 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.
Are you planning a holiday in Newcastle? If you are looking for accommodation near Nobbys Reef, camping, hotels and holiday cottages in Newcastle, consider staying in Newcastle which is 3 km (2 miles) away. Other places in and around Newcastle where you can find information about places to rent, and car hire include Catherine Hill Bay which is 31 km (19 miles) away, Port Stephens, Cessnock and Central Coast.











