Onrus Surf Break

Lat Long: 34.41° S 19.17° E

Onrus Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Issued: 7 am 08 Sep 2026 (local time)

Forecast update in  hr  min

Today's Onrus sea temperature is
13.3°C
2.4° 

Onrus surf forecast is for near shore open water. Breaking waves will often be smaller at less exposed spots.


Onrus surf forecast from 8 Sep 2026:

  • Best quality surf: Monday 14 Sep, 2AM (local time) - 4ft (1.2m), 13s period, SW swell with offshore winds.
  • Most powerful swell: Saturday 12 Sep, 5PM (local time) - 7.5ft (2.3m), 16s period, SW swell with 2,733 kJ wave energy.
  • Next surfable swell (1★+): Tuesday 8 Sep, 11AM (local time) - 3ft (0.9m), 12s period with WSW swell.

Best Forecast Surf Conditions for Onrus this week:

The surf forecast for Onrus over the next 16 days: The first swell (rated 1 star or higher) is forecast to arrive on Tuesday (Sep 08) at 11AM. The primary swell is predicted to be 0.9m and 12s period with a secondary swell of 0.9m and 11s. The wind is predicted to be cross-offshore as the swell arrives.

The most powerful waves expected at Onrus in the next 16 days are 2.3m 16s and forecast to arrive on Saturday (Sep 12) at 5PM. 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 5s period and expected on Monday (Sep 14) at 2PM.

Wave TypeTime (SAST) & Date Wave Height & Period
Next good surf (1 star+)11AM (Tue 8th Sep)3ft (0.9m) 12s
Best Surf 2AM (Mon 14th Sep)4ft (1.2m) 13s
Most Powerful 5PM (Sat 12th Sep)7.5ft (2.3m) 16s

Table - best surf conditions forecast for Onrus over the next 16 days.


The Lowdown

G’day, Rusty here. Let’s have a proper look at what’s coming down the line for the next couple of weeks.

The early days are looking small but clean, a bit of a slow start with a few fun waves on offer. But don’t get too comfortable, because there’s a big pulse of energy coming, and it’s going to shake things up. We’ve got a couple of proper standouts in the mix, but also some proper messy periods where you’ll want to find something else to do.

First up, Onrus (Western Cape). Tuesday morning is your gentle introduction. We’ve got a clean 3ft of WSW swell with a 12-second period, and the light north wind is just cross-off. The water is a chilly 56°, and it’s much colder than normal for this time of year, so you’ll want the thick rubber. It’s a bit inconsistent, that’s the nature of this reef, but the energy is weak at 481, so it’s all about the clean lines, not raw power.

Tuesday afternoon goes glassy with the wind dropping out. Swell drops slightly to 3ft, and it’s pure, clean conditions. It’s a nice little window to get wet, but nothing to write home about. Wednesday is similar size, but the wind swings to a light cross-onshore, putting a few ripples on the face. It’s still surfable, but not as pretty.

Thursday is when things start to ramp up. The swell pushes to 7ft from the SW with a 15-second period, and the energy jumps to a strong 2061. However, the wind is cross-onshore, so it’s going to be bumpy and a bit wild. This is more of a challenge than a pleasure, and for the average punter, this is getting into the too-big and messy territory. Friday and Saturday are a write-off. The onshore wind is howling at 15-18 mph, and the swell is still solid and messy. This is when the coast looks more interesting for kite surfing than paddle surfing, to be honest.

Sunday sees the wind ease a bit, but it’s still cross-onshore and choppy, with a solid 6ft of SW swell. It’s not great. But then, Monday brings a lovely reprieve. The wind goes light and cross-off again, the swell settles to a clean 4ft, and the energy drops back. This will be a clean, fun day, with the better conditions in the morning. It’s not big, but it’ll be fun.

Now, here’s where things get interesting. Tuesday the 15th is a real standout. The wind swings offshore and fresh, at 18 mph, grooming the face. The swell is a solid 4ft from the SW, but the period is a massive 26 seconds. This is very long-period groundswell, bringing amazing shape but also long gaps between sets. The energy is a very strong 2094. This is a proper session for the intermediate crew who know this reef.

But hold on, that afternoon is the one. The wind picks up to a strong 25 mph offshore, and the swell explodes to a solid 10ft from the SW with a 22-second period. The energy is a massive 8268. This is huge. The problem is, it's too big for this break. It says the wind and tide are favorable, but the swell is just too much. This is strictly for experts, and even then, it’s a serious paddle and a serious commitment. It’s promising, but you have to be a level above. After that, the ocean goes into a messy, windy, and rainy phase for a few days, with onshores and building swell. Gutted.

The week ahead improves slightly. Saturday the 19th cleans up with a cross-off wind and a fun 5ft of SW swell. It’s not huge, but it’ll be clean and fun. But the real highlight of the second week is Sunday the 20th. The morning is glassy, with a clean 5ft of SW swell on a 13-second period. The energy is moderate at 907, and it’s going to be proper. This is the one to pencil in. It’s clean, it has some push, and it’s a better size for the spot.

Don’t get too excited, though. From Monday the 21st onwards, the onshore wind is back in force, blowing 15-18 mph, and it’s bringing choppy, lumpy conditions with it. The swell stays around the 5ft to 8ft mark, but it’s just messy. There are a few windows in there, but nothing that’s going to get the heart racing.

So, to wrap it up: get on it early Tuesday morning, be ready for the monster on the 15th afternoon if you’re a gun, and mark Sunday the 20th as your best bet for a clean, fun session.

Stay stoked, and I’ll see you out there.

Rusty.

Short Range Forecast

Mostly dry. Warm (max 26°C on Tue morning, min 14°C on Wed night). Wind will be generally light.

Days 4-6 Weather Summary

Light rain (total 2mm), mostly falling on Sat morning. Warm (max 22°C on Sun afternoon, min 14°C on Fri morning). Winds decreasing (fresh winds from the SE on Fri afternoon, light winds from the ENE by Sun night).

Tuesday
8
Wednesday
9
Thursday
10
Friday
11
Saturday
12
Sunday
13
Monday
14
AM
PM
Night
AM
PM
Night
AM
PM
Night
AM
PM
Night
AM
PM
Night
AM
PM
Night
AM
PM
Night
Rating
(10 max)
2
2
1
1
1
2
3
2
2
0
0
0
0
0
1
2
1
3
2
3
1
Swell
Height Map
Height Map
Height Map
Height Map
Height Map
Height Map
Height Map
Height Map
Wave
Height (m)
Direction
Period (s)
0.9
WSW
12
0.8
WSW
11
0.8
SW
11
0.9
WSW
13
0.9
WSW
13
1.4
SW
12
2.2
SW
15
2.1
WSW
14
1.8
WSW
13
1.6
WSW
12
1.4
SW
12
1.2
WSW
12
1.8
SW
14
2.3
SW
16
2.1
SW
15
1.8
SW
14
1.6
SW
13
1.2
SW
13
1
SW
12
1.7
WNW
7
0.8
SW
12
Wave Graph
Metric surfscale
Energy kJ
251
163
142
304
295
617
2061
1590
1100
746
578
359
1238
2733
1881
1226
852
473
286
277
197
Wind (km/h)
5
NNE
5
S
10
ENE
10
SSW
10
S
10
E
10
SSE
15
SSE
15
E
20
ESE
35
SE
15
ESE
25
ESE
25
ESE
15
E
10
E
20
ESE
10
NW
5
WNW
25
NW
15
N
Wind State
cross-off
glassy
cross-on
cross
cross-on
cross-on
on
cross-on
cross-on
cross-on
on
on
on
cross-on
cross-on
cross-on
on
off
cross-off
off
cross-off
High Tide
1:37PM1.47m
1:55AM1.47m
2:17PM1.61m
2:35AM1.55m
2:53PM1.70m
3:11AM1.59m
3:27PM1.75m
3:45AM1.60m
3:59PM1.73m
4:17AM1.56m
4:30PM1.67m
4:48AM1.49m
4:59PM1.58m
Low Tide
7:53PM0.22m
8:07AM0.13m
8:34PM0.10m
8:44AM0.06m
9:11PM0.03m
9:17AM0.03m
9:45PM0.00m
9:49AM0.04m
10:16PM0.03m
10:20AM0.09m
10:46PM0.09m
10:49AM0.17m
11:15PM0.19m
clear
clear
clear
clear
clear
part cloud
cloud
cloud
cloud
part cloud
part cloud
cloud
light rain
light rain
cloud
part cloud
part cloud
part cloud
light rain
rain showers
clear
<span class="translation_missing" title="translation missing: en.weather_tables.sunrise">Sunrise</span>
6:52
6:52
6:50
6:48
6:47
6:46
6:45
<span class="translation_missing" title="translation missing: en.weather_tables.sunset">Sunset</span>
6:29
6:30
6:30
6:30
6:31
6:31
6:32
 mm
1
1
1
2
Temp °C
26
24
21
19
19
15
17
18
15
17
18
15
16
18
17
19
22
19
17
17
16
Feels °C
26
22
21
19
18
15
16
16
13
13
14
11
12
15
16
19
21
19
16
13
13
  • Map Icons:
  • Break
  • Live Wave Height (m)
  • Live Wind Speed (km/h)
  • Surf Rating (10 Max)
  • Ocean Swells (m)
  • Wind Speed (km/h)
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Information about the Onrus Surf forecast

The above surf forecast table for Onrus provides essential information for determining whether the surfing conditions will be good over the next 16 days. A general guide to surfing at Onrus can be found by selecting the local surf guide option on the grey menu. Our Onrus 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 (Onrus) 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 Onrus 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.

Onrus is 6 km (4 miles) from Hermanus. If you plan a holiday in Overberg, look for hotels and other accommodation in Hermanus. Hermanus has rooms for a wide range of budgets as well as car hire and transport links.

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