
Surf Forecasts:
Rainbow Bay surf forecast from 4 Aug 2026:
- Best quality surf: Friday 7 Aug, 1PM (local time) - 2.5ft (0.8m), 7s period, ENE swell with cross-offshore winds.
- Most powerful swell: Sunday 9 Aug, 7PM (local time) - 4.5ft (1.3m), 9s period, E swell with 288 kJ wave energy.
- Next surfable swell (1★+): Friday 7 Aug, 1PM (local time) - 2.5ft (0.8m), 7s period with ENE swell.
Best Forecast Surf Conditions for Rainbow Bay this week:
The surf forecast for Rainbow Bay over the next 16 days: The first swell (rated 1 star or higher) is forecast to arrive on Friday (Aug 07) at 1PM. The primary swell is predicted to be 0.8m and 7s period with a secondary swell of 0.5m and 10s. The wind is predicted to be cross-offshore as the swell arrives.
The most powerful waves expected at Rainbow Bay in the next 16 days are 1.3m 9s and forecast to arrive on Sunday (Aug 09) at 7PM. Winds are predicted to be 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 Saturday (Aug 08) at 7PM.
| Wave Type | Time (AEST) & Date | Wave Height & Period |
|---|---|---|
| Next good surf (1 star+) | 1PM (Fri 7th Aug) | 2.5ft (0.8m) 7s |
| Best Surf | 1PM (Fri 7th Aug) | 2.5ft (0.8m) 7s |
| Most Powerful | 7PM (Sun 9th Aug) | 4.5ft (1.3m) 9s |
Table - best surf conditions forecast for Rainbow Bay over the next 16 days.
The Lowdown
Alright, let’s have a look at what’s cooking. We’re talking Rainbow Bay, a sheltered point break that’s a good spot for beginners, breaks pretty consistently, and gets its best swell from the southeast. The water’s about 69°F, which is just a fraction cooler than the average for this time of year – no big deal.
The first week is a bit of a bust. From Tuesday the 4th through the end of the week, it’s small, weak, and messy. Swell heights are between 2ft and 4ft, with the combined energy barely getting past 99 to 320 (weak to moderate). Winds are all over the place, mostly cross-off or onshore, and the wave report keeps saying “poor surf conditions.” There’s a little window on Saturday morning the 8th with a moderate offshore wind from the south, but the swell is only 3ft and short period (7 seconds). Not worth the drive.
Sunday the 9th morning is the first hint of something: 4ft from the east, glassy conditions, and energy at 350 (moderate). It’s described as “surfable but ordinary,” so you can get a few, but it’s not a standout. After that, it’s back to small and choppy through Monday and Tuesday.
Now, the good stuff. It all changes on Thursday, August 13th. That morning brings a solid 6ft swell from the south, period 9 seconds, and the combined energy jumps to 1114 (strong). The wind is light and cross-off, keeping it clean. This is where the bay starts to wake up. Friday the 14th morning is the real gem – 10ft from the south-southeast, period 10 seconds, energy at 1994 (very strong). Winds are light and cross-off, so the waves will be clean and powerful. This is big, expert-only territory (over 8ft), so only the experienced should be out there. The point will handle it, but it’ll be heavy.
Saturday the 15th morning is another strong option: 8ft from the south-southeast, offshore winds from the south at 12 mph, energy at 1034 (strong). Offshore wind will keep it clean and hollow. Sunday the 16th and Monday the 17th keep the size up (7ft to 8ft), with offshore winds on Monday making for good, clean surf. The energy drops a bit (772 to 708), but it’s still moderate to strong.
The standout of the whole run is Friday morning, August 14th. That 10ft swell from the SSE with a 10-second period, light cross-off wind, and very strong energy (1994) is the best window. It’s a big, powerful groundswell that will wrap nicely into the point. Just remember, with that size, it’s for experts only, and the crowds are “often” here, so expect a packed lineup.
The second week also has a couple of strong days: Wednesday the 19th morning and afternoon offer 8ft to 10ft swell from the SSE, with moderate offshore winds and strong energy (1007 to 1379). That’s another big, clean window.
For the whole period, the best bet is Friday morning, August 14th – it’s the most powerful, cleanest, and most consistent. Thursday morning, August 13th is a close second, with slightly smaller but still solid waves.
Rusty.
Short Range ForecastMostly dry. Warm (max 21°C on Wed morning, min 14°C on Thu night). Wind will be generally light. | Days 5-7 Weather SummaryMostly dry. Warm (max 23°C on Mon morning, min 14°C on Sat night). Wind will be generally light. | |||||||||||||||||||
Tue 4 | Wednesday 5 | Thursday 6 | Friday 7 | Saturday 8 | Sunday 9 | Monday 10 | ||||||||||||||
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) | SSE 8 | ESE 11 | E 10 | ESE 9 | ESE 8 | NE 7 | E 8 | ENE 7 | ENE 7 | ENE 7 | ENE 7 | ENE 7 | SSE 9 | E 8 | E 9 | E 9 | E 9 | E 9 | ENE 9 | E 9 |
Wave Graph | ||||||||||||||||||||
62 | 117 | 154 | 86 | 57 | 46 | 29 | 41 | 57 | 70 | 89 | 72 | 197 | 204 | 280 | 282 | 198 | 164 | 138 | 133 | |
Wind (km/h) | ||||||||||||||||||||
Wind State on-shore cross-onshore cross-shore cross-offshore off-shore glassy | on | cross-on | cross-on | cross-on | cross | cross-off | cross-off | cross-off | cross-off | cross-off | cross-off | off | cross-off | off | glassy | on | cross-on | cross-on | cross-off | cross-off |
High Tide | 11:52PM1.41m | 12:47PM1.40m | 00:46AM1.28m | 1:54PM1.44m | 1:54AM1.16m | 3:09PM1.51m | 3:16AM1.09m | 4:22PM1.62m | 4:38AM1.09m | 5:27PM1.74m | 5:48AM1.14m | 6:24PM1.85m | ||||||||
Low Tide | 5:47PM0.49m | 6:18AM0.31m | 6:54PM0.54m | 7:10AM0.32m | 8:18PM0.56m | 8:12AM0.33m | 9:49PM0.52m | 9:23AM0.31m | 11:08PM0.43m | 10:32AM0.27m | 00:12AM0.33m | 11:35AM0.22m | 1:05AM0.24m | |||||||
— | — | 6:26 | — | — | 6:24 | — | — | 6:24 | — | — | 6:22 | — | — | 6:22 | — | — | 6:22 | — | — | |
5:16 | — | — | 5:16 | — | — | 5:17 | — | — | 5:19 | — | — | 5:19 | — | — | 5:20 | — | — | 5:20 | — | |
mm | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
Temp °C | 18 | 18 | 21 | 20 | 18 | 18 | 17 | 15 | 17 | 17 | 16 | 19 | 18 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 17 | 23 | 23 | 16 |
Feels °C | 15 | 16 | 18 | 17 | 16 | 15 | 15 | 14 | 15 | 15 | 15 | 15 | 14 | 14 | 16 | 16 | 15 | 19 | 20 | 12 |
Swell 1 Height (m) Direction Period (s) | SSE 8 | ESE 11 | E 10 | ESE 9 | NE 4 | NE 7 | ENE 6 | ENE 7 | ENE 7 | ENE 7 | ENE 7 | ENE 7 | ENE 8 | E 8 | E 9 | E 9 | E 9 | E 9 | ENE 9 | E 9 |
62 | 117 | 154 | 86 | 19 | 46 | 27 | 41 | 57 | 70 | 89 | 72 | 81 | 204 | 280 | 282 | 198 | 164 | 138 | 133 | |
Swell 2 Height (m) Direction Period (s) | ESE 8 | ENE 6 | SSE 9 | ENE 8 | ESE 8 | E 8 | E 8 | ESE 9 | SSE 10 | S 10 | SSE 10 | SSE 10 | E 9 | S 5 | NE 8 | NE 8 | NE 8 | NNE 6 | S 8 | NNE 5 |
24 | 16 | 7 | 37 | 57 | 34 | 29 | 26 | 33 | 48 | 54 | 52 | 38 | 11 | 43 | 34 | 17 | 53 | 1 | 8 | |
Swell 3 Height (m) Direction Period (s) | ENE 6 | SSE 8 | NE 9 | SE 8 | ENE 7 | S 7 | S 7 | S 5 | E 10 | E 10 | ESE 10 | ESE 9 | E 14 | SSE 9 | SSE 9 | SSE 8 | S 8 | S 8 | E 13 | NE 7 |
13 | 28 | 3 | 3 | 19 | 15 | 8 | 4 | 18 | 17 | 18 | 26 | 4 | 28 | 27 | 24 | 12 | 1 | 3 | 8 | |
Wind waves Height (m) Direction Period (s) | — | N 3 | — | NNW 3 | N 4 | — | SE 2 | — | S 4 | S 4 | S 4 | S 4 | SSE 9 | — | — | — | N 4 | NNW 4 | N 5 | SW 3 |
— | 1 | — | 1 | 7 | — | 1 | — | 3 | 9 | 3 | 9 | 197 | — | — | — | 36 | 35 | 54 | 2 | |
Nearest Offshore or Glassy | ||||||||||||||||||||
Distance (km) | 54 | 1 | 1 | 53 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 157 | 40 | 5 | 0 | 0 |
Best forecast wave conditions in Gold Coast | ||||||||||||||||||||
Best forecast wave conditions in Australia | ||||||||||||||||||||
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Information about the Rainbow Bay Surf forecast
The above surf forecast table for Rainbow Bay provides essential information for determining whether the surfing conditions will be good over the next 16 days. A general guide to surfing at Rainbow Bay can be found by selecting the local surf guide option on the grey menu. Our Rainbow 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 (Rainbow 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 Rainbow 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.
Rainbow Bay is 6 km (4 miles) from Banora Point. If you plan a holiday in Gold Coast, look for hotels and other accommodation in Banora Point. Banora Point has rooms for a wide range of budgets as well as car hire and transport links.











