Surf Forecasts:
Ocean Beach surf forecast from 20 Aug 2026:
- Best quality surf: Friday 21 Aug, 9AM (local time) - 5ft (1.6m), 16s period, S swell with offshore winds.
- Most powerful swell: Monday 24 Aug, 6PM (local time) - 8ft (2.5m), 14s period, S swell with 2,323 kJ wave energy.
- Next surfable swell (1★+): Thursday 20 Aug, 9PM (local time) - 5ft (1.5m), 8s period with S swell.
Best Forecast Surf Conditions for Ocean Beach this week:
The surf forecast for Ocean Beach over the next 16 days: The first swell (rated 1 star or higher) is forecast to arrive on Thursday (Aug 20) at 9PM. The primary swell is predicted to be 1.5m and 8s period with a secondary swell of 0.9m and 9s. The wind is predicted to be cross-offshore as the swell arrives.
The most powerful waves expected at Ocean Beach in the next 16 days are 2.5m 14s and forecast to arrive on Monday (Aug 24) at 6PM. Winds are predicted to be cross-onshore at the time the swell arrives. The largest open ocean swell (not directed at the beach) is 0.9m 4s period and expected on Thursday (Aug 27) at 3AM.
| Wave Type | Time (NZST) & Date | Wave Height & Period |
|---|---|---|
| Next good surf (1 star+) | 9PM (Thu 20th Aug) | 5ft (1.5m) 8s |
| Best Surf | 9AM (Fri 21st Aug) | 5ft (1.6m) 16s |
| Most Powerful | 6PM (Mon 24th Aug) | 8ft (2.5m) 14s |
Table - best surf conditions forecast for Ocean Beach over the next 16 days.
The Lowdown
Alright crew, Rusty here. Let’s break down what’s on the menu at Ocean Beach for the next couple of weeks. The water is 54°F, which is a bit colder than usual for this time of year – you’ll want a thicker wetsuit.
The action starts Thursday, August 20th, with a solid morning session. We’ve got a clean 7ft south swell running with a short 8-second period, pushed by a light cross-off breeze. The combined wave energy is strong at 1466, so there’s plenty of power. This is a good one for experienced surfers – it’s got some size and the conditions are clean. The afternoon will get a bit messy with a cross-shore breeze, so get on it early.
Friday, August 21st, is the real standout. Morning glass-off with a light offshore breeze and a clean 5ft south swell. What makes this special is the 16-second period – that’s a proper groundswell with heaps of energy and long, drawn-out lines. The combined energy is still strong at 1447. This is the best on offer, clean and punchy. The afternoon gets ruined by a cross-onshore breeze, so again, go early.
Saturday, August 22nd, offers a decent morning with 4ft south swell, 12-second period, and clean cross-off winds. The energy drops to moderate at 354, so it’ll be a bit weaker, but still fun for a paddle. Sunday, August 23rd, the swell drops significantly, with only 2ft in the morning and a strong cross-off wind making it marginal. The afternoon has a tiny 1ft ESE swell with a long period, but it’s barely surfable – better to take a day off.
After a few dull days, Tuesday, August 25th, brings a return of clean conditions. Morning sees 5ft south swell with a 13-second period and light cross-off wind, energy moderate at 865. This is a solid, clean option for experienced surfers and the best of the week. The rest of the week through to the end of August is mostly small and ordinary, with weak swells and onshore winds.
Now, here’s the real standout to keep an eye on, and it’s a long-range promise. Tuesday, September 1st, the morning is looking absolutely pristine. Glassy conditions, light wind, and a solid 7ft south swell with a 16-second period. The combined energy is a massive 2895 – that’s powerful, deep water energy. This is for experienced surfers only, as it’ll be pumping and powerful. The afternoon sees the wind shift, making it less clean. If you can get out that morning, it’s going to be a gem, but remember it’s still a week and a half away, so keep checking the forecasts.
The rest of the first week of September is a mix of clean but smaller surf, with a few fun mornings on the 2nd and 3rd, but nothing that really gets the heart racing like that 1st.
Rusty.
Short Range ForecastMostly dry. Very mild (max 16°C on Sat afternoon, min 7°C on Fri night). Wind will be generally light. | Days 4-6 Weather SummaryMostly dry. Very mild (max 18°C on Sun morning, min 7°C on Mon night). Wind will be generally light. | ||||||||||||||||||||
Thursday 20 | Friday 21 | Saturday 22 | Sunday 23 | Monday 24 | Tuesday 25 | Wednesday 26 | |||||||||||||||
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) | S 8 | S 8 | S 8 | S 16 | S 16 | S 12 | S 12 | S 11 | S 11 | S 10 | ESE 13 | ESE 13 | SSW 8 | SSW 12 | S 14 | S 13 | S 12 | S 10 | S 10 | SSW 17 | SSW 16 |
Wave Graph | |||||||||||||||||||||
565 | 601 | 313 | 1322 | 1211 | 513 | 327 | 250 | 185 | 96 | 58 | 33 | 223 | 541 | 2247 | 825 | 464 | 167 | 90 | 172 | 188 | |
Wind (km/h) | |||||||||||||||||||||
Wind State on-shore cross-onshore cross-shore cross-offshore off-shore glassy | cross-off | cross | glassy | off | cross-on | off | cross-off | cross-off | cross-off | cross-off | off | cross-off | off | cross-on | off | cross-off | cross-on | off | cross-off | cross-off | cross-off |
High Tide | 11:21AM1.41m | 11:42PM1.35m | 12:09PM1.38m | 00:30AM1.31m | 12:56PM1.36m | 1:18AM1.28m | 1:44PM1.34m | 2:05AM1.26m | 2:32PM1.34m | 2:52AM1.26m | 3:20PM1.35m | 3:40AM1.26m | 4:07PM1.37m | ||||||||
Low Tide | 5:37PM0.25m | 5:56AM0.26m | 6:25PM0.30m | 6:42AM0.30m | 7:12PM0.33m | 7:28AM0.32m | 8:00PM0.35m | 8:14AM0.33m | 8:48PM0.35m | 9:01AM0.32m | 9:36PM0.34m | 9:48AM0.30m | 10:24PM0.32m | ||||||||
6:52 | — | — | 6:52 | — | — | 6:50 | — | — | 6:48 | — | — | 6:48 | — | — | 6:46 | — | — | 6:45 | — | — | |
— | 5:37 | — | — | 5:37 | — | — | 5:38 | — | — | 5:39 | — | — | 5:40 | — | — | 5:42 | — | — | 5:43 | — | |
mm | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
Temp °C | 12 | 12 | 10 | 12 | 12 | 10 | 15 | 16 | 13 | 18 | 17 | 11 | 13 | 13 | 11 | 13 | 14 | 12 | 16 | 17 | 16 |
Feels °C | 8 | 8 | 8 | 9 | 8 | 7 | 12 | 13 | 10 | 13 | 13 | 7 | 10 | 8 | 7 | 11 | 11 | 9 | 12 | 15 | 14 |
Swell 1 Height (m) Direction Period (s) | S 8 | S 8 | S 8 | S 16 | S 16 | S 12 | S 12 | S 11 | S 11 | S 10 | NNE 5 | SW 6 | SSW 8 | SSW 12 | S 14 | S 13 | S 12 | S 10 | S 10 | S 9 | SSW 16 |
392 | 392 | 313 | 1322 | 1211 | 513 | 327 | 250 | 185 | 96 | 17 | 9 | 223 | 541 | 2247 | 825 | 464 | 167 | 90 | 42 | 188 | |
Swell 2 Height (m) Direction Period (s) | SE 8 | ESE 9 | ESE 9 | ESE 10 | ESE 10 | ESE 10 | SE 9 | ESE 9 | ESE 13 | ESE 13 | S 10 | ESE 13 | ESE 13 | S 14 | ESE 14 | ESE 13 | ESE 13 | NE 4 | SW 14 | SSW 17 | ESE 13 |
211 | 130 | 92 | 125 | 92 | 61 | 22 | 16 | 34 | 34 | 50 | 33 | 33 | 417 | 36 | 34 | 17 | 6 | 51 | 172 | 17 | |
Swell 3 Height (m) Direction Period (s) | SSW 13 | SSW 12 | S 17 | — | — | S 16 | E 15 | E 14 | — | — | ESE 13 | NE 5 | NE 5 | ESE 13 | ESE 14 | — | E 11 | SSW 15 | SSW 17 | ESE 13 | S 9 |
298 | 150 | 210 | — | — | 124 | 4 | 16 | — | — | 58 | 3 | 1 | 34 | 36 | — | 2 | 77 | 57 | 17 | 6 | |
Wind waves Height (m) Direction Period (s) | S 8 | S 8 | — | — | — | NNE 3 | NNE 3 | NNE 3 | N 4 | N 5 | NW 4 | WNW 3 | WNW 3 | — | — | NNE 4 | NNE 3 | — | — | NNE 3 | N 4 |
565 | 601 | — | — | — | 6 | 1 | 1 | 6 | 80 | 16 | 4 | 2 | — | — | 6 | 2 | — | — | 1 | 18 | |
Nearest Offshore or Glassy | |||||||||||||||||||||
Distance (km) | 0 | 15 | 0 | 0 | 67 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 8 | 0 | 113 | 0 | 67 | 0 | 0 | 67 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Best forecast wave conditions in Hawkes Bay | |||||||||||||||||||||
Best forecast wave conditions in New Zealand | |||||||||||||||||||||
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Information about the Ocean Beach Surf forecast
The above surf forecast table for Ocean Beach provides essential information for determining whether the surfing conditions will be good over the next 16 days. A general guide to surfing at Ocean Beach can be found by selecting the local surf guide option on the grey menu. Our Ocean 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 (Ocean 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 Ocean 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.
Ocean Beach is 20 km (12 miles) from the city of Hastings. If you plan a holiday in Hawkes Bay, look for hotels and other accommodation in Hastings. Hastings has rooms for a wide range of budgets as well as car hire and transport links.











