
Surf Forecasts:
Pennington Bay surf forecast from 11 Aug 2026:
- Best quality surf: Monday 17 Aug, 12AM (local time) - 4.5ft (1.4m), 14s period, S swell with cross-offshore winds.
- Most powerful swell: Thursday 13 Aug, 3AM (local time) - 10ft (3.0m), 16s period, S swell with 4,904 kJ wave energy.
- Next surfable swell (1★+): Monday 17 Aug, 12AM (local time) - 4.5ft (1.4m), 14s period with S swell.
Best Forecast Surf Conditions for Pennington Bay this week:
The surf forecast for Pennington Bay over the next 16 days: The first swell (rated 1 star or higher) is forecast to arrive on Monday (Aug 17) at 12AM. The primary swell is predicted to be 1.4m and 14s period. The wind is predicted to be cross-offshore as the swell arrives.
The most powerful waves expected at Pennington Bay in the next 16 days are 3.0m 16s and forecast to arrive on Thursday (Aug 13) at 3AM. Winds are predicted to be cross-onshore at the time the swell arrives. The largest open ocean swell (not directed at the beach) is 1.1m 5s period and expected on Tuesday (Aug 11) at 12PM.
| Wave Type | Time (ACST) & Date | Wave Height & Period |
|---|---|---|
| Next good surf (1 star+) | 12AM (Mon 17th Aug) | 4.5ft (1.4m) 14s |
| Best Surf | 12AM (Mon 17th Aug) | 4.5ft (1.4m) 14s |
| Most Powerful | 3AM (Thu 13th Aug) | 10ft (3.0m) 16s |
Table - best surf conditions forecast for Pennington Bay over the next 16 days.
The Lowdown
G’day, Rusty here. Let’s have a look at what’s comin’ for Pennington Bay over the next couple of weeks. It’s a bit of a mixed bag, but there’s a couple of ripper windows if you’re patient.
First thing – the water temp is sitting at 58.3°F, which is bang on average for this time of year, so no surprises there.
Now, the surf kicks off Tuesday, August 11th, with a solid 4.9ft S swell at 15 seconds – that’s proper groundswell energy. The morning looks clean with a cross-off wind, but the wind is a fresh 22 mph, so it’s gonna be a bit lumpy. The combined energy is moderate (986). Tuesday afternoon the swell bumps up to 5.2ft, and the period stretches to 18 seconds – that’s very long period groundswell. Energy jumps to strong (2188), but it’s still cross-off at 19 mph. This long period, straight S swell, will be breaking a bit straight at the beach, so it’s not the best shape. Still, it’s rideable for the experienced.
Wednesday, August 12th, things turn ugly. The swell jumps to 8.2ft, but it’s cross-on, choppy, and the surf quality is poor. Not one for the paddle.
Thursday, August 13th, the swell peaks at 9.8ft – that’s heavy, only for experts. The wind is cross-on, so it’s choppy, and the energy is very strong (4161). Honestly, this is more of a kite-surfing day than a paddle session.
Friday, August 14th, still big (9.8ft) in the morning, but the wind drops to a light breeze, cross-on, so it’s a little cleaner. Energy is still very strong (4030). The afternoon sees the swell drop to 8.2ft with a light onshore wind, making it a bit more manageable for experienced surfers, but still not great.
Saturday, August 15th, the swell drops to 7.2ft, and we get a cross-shore wind, which is better. Energy is strong (2352). It’s a nice day for a more advanced surfer, but the shape is still a bit wonky from the cross-chop.
Sunday, August 16th, the swell drops to 5.2ft, and the wind stays cross-shore, but the period drops to 14 seconds. Energy is moderate (1092). Conditions are decent but not setting the world on fire.
Now, here’s where it gets good. Monday, August 17th, the swell drops to 3.6ft, but the wind turns cross-off, and it’s a light breeze. The surf is clean, and the energy is moderate (711). This is a nice little window for the beginners and intermediate crew.
Tuesday, August 18th, is a standout. The swell is 4.3ft from the SSW with a 17-second period, and the wind is offshore, light to moderate. The surf is clean, and the energy is strong (1074). This is a top pick for the week – clean, lined-up waves, not too big, and the offshore wind will hold the face open. The consistent offshore wind from the NNE means the sandbar will be working nicely.
From Wednesday, August 19th, through to Sunday, August 23rd, we see a steady drop in swell. The swell hangs around 3.0ft to 3.6ft, with mostly offshore winds, keeping the surf clean but small. The energy is moderate to weak (377 to 434). It’s a good run of friendly, small waves for the learner crowd.
The real gem pops up on Friday, August 21st. The swell jumps back to 5.2ft from the SSW, with a 17-second period, and a light offshore wind. The surf is clean, and the energy is strong (1350). This is the best day on offer – proper groundswell, clean, and the wind is silky. For the experienced crew, this is the one to circle. The combined energy level is strong, and the conditions are excellent.
Saturday, August 22nd, is still fun, with a 3.6ft SSW swell and offshore wind, but it’s a bit smaller.
Sunday, August 23rd, the swell drops to 1.3ft, and the energy is weak (228). The window closes for a bit.
We get a big spike on Wednesday, August 26th. The swell jumps to 6.6ft from the SSW, but the period is only 12 seconds, so it’s a bit shorter. The wind is cross-off and fresh, so it’s clean. The energy is strong (2261). The following day, Thursday, August 27th, sees a 9.8ft SW swell, short period (11 seconds), with a fresh cross-off wind. The energy is very strong (3549). This is a big, powerful, short-period swell – it’s going to be a bit raw and lumpy, but for the experienced crew, it’ll be a wild ride. This is a promising, long-range call, but it’s a week and a half away, so keep an eye on it.
Overall, the best two days are Tuesday, August 18th, and Friday, August 21st. Tuesday has the offshore wind and clean lines, while Friday has the
Short Range ForecastSome drizzle, heaviest during Wed afternoon. Very mild (max 15°C on Tue afternoon, min 12°C on Tue night). Winds decreasing (fresh winds from the SW on Tue night, light winds from the WNW by Thu night). | Days 4-6 Weather SummaryMostly dry. Very mild (max 13°C on Fri morning, min 12°C on Fri night). Wind will be generally light. | ||||||||||||||||||||
Tuesday 11 | Wednesday 12 | Thursday 13 | Friday 14 | Saturday 15 | Sunday 16 | Monday 17 | |||||||||||||||
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 15 | S 18 | S 16 | SSW 16 | SSW 17 | S 16 | S 16 | S 15 | S 16 | S 16 | S 16 | S 16 | S 16 | S 16 | S 15 | S 14 | S 14 | S 14 | S 16 | SSW 16 | SSW 15 |
Wave Graph | |||||||||||||||||||||
978 | 1610 | 2410 | 3755 | 3847 | 4302 | 4161 | 3062 | 3833 | 4030 | 3143 | 2864 | 2352 | 1927 | 1513 | 1092 | 1045 | 779 | 605 | 882 | 648 | |
Wind (km/h) | |||||||||||||||||||||
Wind State on-shore cross-onshore cross-shore cross-offshore off-shore glassy | cross-off | cross-off | cross-off | cross-on | cross-on | cross | cross-on | cross-on | cross-on | cross-on | on | cross-on | cross | cross | cross-off | cross | cross | cross-off | cross-off | cross-off | cross-off |
High Tide | 3:22PM1.31m | 6:14AM0.82m | 4:05PM1.35m | 5:44AM0.88m | 4:39PM1.37m | 5:38AM0.99m | 5:06PM1.35m | 5:45AM1.12m | 5:31PM1.30m | 6:01AM1.24m | 5:53PM1.22m | 6:22AM1.35m | 6:13PM1.14m | ||||||||
Low Tide | 11:16PM0.25m | 9:21AM0.74m | 11:23PM0.28m | 10:06AM0.63m | 11:29PM0.32m | 10:44AM0.54m | 11:36PM0.34m | 11:18AM0.48m | 11:44PM0.35m | 11:52AM0.45m | 11:55PM0.33m | 12:26PM0.45m | 00:09AM0.31m | ||||||||
7:05 | — | — | 7:05 | — | — | 7:03 | — | — | 7:03 | — | — | 7:01 | — | — | 7:00 | — | — | 6:58 | — | — | |
— | 5:42 | — | — | 5:43 | — | — | 5:44 | — | — | 5:45 | — | — | 5:45 | — | — | 5:45 | — | — | 5:46 | — | |
mm | — | — | — | — | 1 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
Temp °C | 14 | 15 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 15 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 13 | 15 | 16 | 16 |
Feels °C | 7 | 9 | 7 | 8 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 7 | 7 | 11 | 11 | 12 | 12 |
Swell 1 Height (m) Direction Period (s) | S 15 | S 18 | S 16 | SSW 16 | SSW 17 | S 16 | S 16 | S 15 | S 16 | S 16 | S 16 | S 16 | S 16 | S 16 | S 15 | S 14 | S 14 | S 14 | S 16 | SSW 16 | SSW 15 |
978 | 1610 | 2410 | 3755 | 3847 | 4302 | 4161 | 3062 | 3833 | 4030 | 3143 | 2864 | 2352 | 1927 | 1513 | 1092 | 1045 | 779 | 605 | 882 | 648 | |
Swell 2 Height (m) Direction Period (s) | SSE 6 | SSW 18 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | SSW 13 | S 22 | S 19 |
8 | 578 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | 95 | 84 | 470 | |
Swell 3 Height (m) Direction Period (s) | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | S 24 | — | S 10 |
— | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | 11 | — | 29 | |
Wind waves Height (m) Direction Period (s) | NNW 4 | NNW 5 | NW 4 | SW 7 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | ESE 4 | ESE 4 | E 3 | — | ESE 3 | E 4 | E 4 |
40 | 50 | 11 | 234 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | 10 | 9 | 2 | — | 7 | 16 | 10 | |
Nearest Offshore or Glassy | |||||||||||||||||||||
Distance (km) | 363 | 439 | 87 | 616 | 616 | 87 | 57 | 87 | 57 | 57 | 57 | 57 | 57 | 57 | 57 | 57 | 57 | 54 | 54 | 54 | 89 |
Best forecast wave conditions in Kangaroo Island | |||||||||||||||||||||
Best forecast wave conditions in Australia | |||||||||||||||||||||
Header Global | |||||||||||||||||||||
- Map Icons:
Break
Live Wave Height (m)
Live Wind Speed (km/h)
Surf Rating (10 Max)
Ocean Swells (m)
Wind Speed (km/h)
Latest Updates
Information about the Pennington Bay Surf forecast
The above surf forecast table for Pennington Bay provides essential information for determining whether the surfing conditions will be good over the next 16 days. A general guide to surfing at Pennington Bay can be found by selecting the local surf guide option on the grey menu. Our Pennington Bay 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 (Pennington Bay) 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 Pennington Bay 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 Kangaroo Island? If you are looking for accommodation near Pennington Bay, camping, hotels and holiday cottages in Kangaroo Island, consider staying in Kingscote which is 25 km (16 miles) away. Alternatively, find information about places to stay and car hire in Rapid Bay which is 54 km (34 miles) away











