Surf Forecasts:
Nobbys Reef surf forecast from 18 Aug 2026:
- Best quality surf: Wednesday 19 Aug, 1AM (local time) - 3.5ft (1.1m), 8s period, E swell with glassy winds.
- Most powerful swell: Wednesday 19 Aug, 7PM (local time) - 3.5ft (1.1m), 9s period, ESE swell with 225 kJ wave energy.
- Next surfable swell (1★+): Wednesday 19 Aug, 1AM (local time) - 3.5ft (1.1m), 8s period with E 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 Wednesday (Aug 19) at 1AM. The primary swell is predicted to be 1.1m and 8s period with a secondary swell of 1.0m and 8s. Another secondary swell of 0.6m and 11s is also forecast. 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 1.1m 9s and forecast to arrive on Wednesday (Aug 19) 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 3s period and expected on Tuesday (Aug 25) at 7AM.
| Wave Type | Time (AEST) & Date | Wave Height & Period |
|---|---|---|
| Next good surf (1 star+) | 1AM (Wed 19th Aug) | 3.5ft (1.1m) 8s |
| Best Surf | 1AM (Wed 19th Aug) | 3.5ft (1.1m) 8s |
| Most Powerful | 7PM (Wed 19th Aug) | 3.5ft (1.1m) 9s |
Table - best surf conditions forecast for Nobbys Reef over the next 16 days.
The Lowdown
Alright, Rusty here again. Let's break down the next couple weeks for Nobbys Reef. It's a slow start, a long flat spell, and then a big finish that will get your heart pumping.
The water is about 63°F, which is a bit below the usual for this time of year. You'll want the full rubber.
We kick off Tuesday the 18th with a bit of chop. There’s around 4ft of ESE swell, but an east wind is making it messy. Not worth your time. Wednesday the 19th has a window in the morning with the wind going glassy, and we have 2ft of swell with a 10-second period. It's small and inconsistent, but if you're desperate, you might find a ripple. The energy is only moderate, around 204.
From Thursday the 20th all the way through the end of the month, it’s flat and weak. We're talking waves under 3ft, often a lot less, with the energy dropping to almost nothing. There are clean days, but the waves just aren't there. This is a solid ten-day drought, which is a long time to wait.
Then, on Monday the 31st of August, the switch flips. The morning starts with 5ft of south swell and a strong offshore wind blowing over 18 mph. The energy is kicking up to 511. This is promising. But the real gem is the afternoon. The swell bumps up to 6ft from the south, still with a 10-second period, but the wind eases off to a gentle offshore breeze. The energy jumps to 755 and the forecast is for very good surf. This is your session.
Tuesday the 1st of September is for the big dogs only. The swell is forecast to be a massive 12ft from the south with a long 11-second period. The wind is offshore and light, but it's simply too big for this break. The energy is a massive 4337. Unless you are an expert and know the reef like the back of your hand, give this a wide berth. The afternoon settles to 8ft, but the wind swings onshore, messing it up.
Wednesday the 2nd is still big but messy. The morning swell is 6ft from the southeast, but the onshore wind will make it lumpy. The energy is high, but it won't be fun. So, mark your calendar for that Monday afternoon. The 6ft of clean south swell with that offshore wind is the standout of the whole period. That's the one you want.
Rusty.
Short Range ForecastLight rain (total 2mm), mostly falling on Tue morning. Warm (max 21°C on Thu morning, min 13°C on Wed night). Wind will be generally light. | Days 4-6 Weather SummaryLight rain (total 2mm), mostly falling on Fri night. Very mild (max 18°C on Sat morning, min 13°C on Sat night). Wind will be generally light. | ||||||||||||||||||||
Tuesday 18 | Wednesday 19 | Thursday 20 | Friday 21 | Saturday 22 | Sunday 23 | Monday 24 | |||||||||||||||
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) | ESE 7 | ESE 7 | E 8 | ESE 10 | ESE 10 | ESE 9 | ESE 7 | ESE 7 | E 6 | E 6 | ENE 6 | ENE 6 | ENE 6 | S 9 | S 8 | S 9 | SSE 16 | S 11 | S 10 | S 10 | S 10 |
Wave Graph  | |||||||||||||||||||||
 kJ | 120 | 127 | 157 | 92 | 214 | 169 | 64 | 50 | 65 | 20 | 12 | 7 | 4 | 6 | 12 | 7 | 51 | 55 | 45 | 48 | 45 |
Wind (km/h) | |||||||||||||||||||||
Wind State on-shore cross-onshore cross-shore cross-offshore off-shore glassy | cross-on | cross-on | glassy | glassy | cross-on | cross-off | cross-off | cross | off | off | off | off | cross-off | cross-on | off | glassy | cross-on | cross-off | off | cross | off |
High Tide | 12:12PM1.39m | 00:16AM1.16m | 12:59PM1.36m | 1:04AM1.03m | 1:52PM1.34m | 2:06AM0.94m | 2:52PM1.35m | 3:30AM0.91m | 3:55PM1.38m | 4:54AM0.95m | 4:52PM1.43m | 5:52AM1.02m | 5:41PM1.50m | ||||||||
Low Tide | 6:30PM0.53m | 6:20AM0.46m | 7:31PM0.60m | 6:59AM0.54m | 8:45PM0.63m | 7:47AM0.60m | 10:07PM0.62m | 8:49AM0.64m | 11:13PM0.55m | 9:57AM0.64m | 11:59PM0.47m | 11:00AM0.61m | 00:36AM0.38m | ||||||||
 |  |  |  | |  | |  |  | | |  | | | | | | | | | | |
 | 6:28 | — | — | 6:26 | — | — | 6:26 | — | — | 6:24 | — | — | 6:22 | — | — | 6:22 | — | — | 6:20 | — | — |
 | — | 5:24 | — | — | 5:25 | — | — | 5:27 | — | — | 5:27 | — | — | 5:28 | — | — | 5:29 | — | — | 5:29 | — |
mm | 1 | — | 1 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | 2 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | 4 |
Temp °C | 16 | 17 | 16 | 16 | 16 | 16 | 21 | 20 | 19 | 16 | 16 | 14 | 18 | 17 | 16 | 16 | 17 | 16 | 23 | 22 | 19 |
Feels °C | 13 | 15 | 14 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 18 | 16 | 16 | 13 | 14 | 11 | 17 | 15 | 15 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 21 | 19 | 17 |
Swell 1 Height (m) Direction Period (s) | S 8 | S 11 | ESE 8 | ESE 7 | ESE 10 | ESE 9 | ESE 7 | ESE 7 | E 6 | E 6 | ENE 6 | ENE 6 | ENE 6 | ENE 6 | S 8 | S 6 | SSE 16 | S 11 | S 10 | S 10 | ENE 7 |
| kJ | 34 | 55 | 125 | 86 | 214 | 169 | 64 | 50 | 65 | 20 | 12 | 7 | 4 | 3 | 12 | 7 | 51 | 55 | 45 | 48 | 29 |
Swell 2 Height (m) Direction Period (s) | S 12 | SE 14 | ESE 11 | ESE 10 | S 9 | E 11 | E 11 | E 10 | S 13 | SE 7 | SE 7 | SE 7 | SE 7 | S 9 | S 4 | S 9 | S 9 | ENE 4 | ENE 8 | ENE 7 | S 10 |
| kJ | 10 | 47 | 85 | 92 | 14 | 10 | 9 | 8 | 3 | 7 | 7 | 2 | 2 | 6 | 2 | 6 | 14 | 6 | 11 | 4 | 45 |
Swell 3 Height (m) Direction Period (s) | SE 15 | S 17 | S 10 | S 9 | — | — | E 11 | — | — | S 12 | — | S 10 | S 6 | S 5 | ENE 6 | ENE 8 | S 6 | ENE 8 | S 18 | ENE 8 | S 15 |
| kJ | 9 | 6 | 30 | 26 | — | — | 9 | — | — | 3 | — | 2 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 7 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 7 | 5 |
Wind waves Height (m) Direction Period (s) | ESE 7 | ESE 7 | E 8 | — | ENE 3 | NE 5 | — | ENE 3 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | ENE 8 | NE 4 | — | NE 7 | — |
| kJ | 120 | 127 | 157 | — | 4 | 37 | — | 2 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | 24 | 9 | — | 23 | — |
Nearest Offshore or Glassy | |||||||||||||||||||||
Distance (km) | 125 | 137 | 0 | 0 | 294 | 0 | 0 | 81 | 0 | 23 | 97 | 164 | 281 | 739 | 75 | 30 | 294 | 0 | 0 | 81 | 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.
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