Surf Forecasts:
Rainbow Bay surf forecast from 30 Aug 2026:
- Best quality surf: Monday 31 Aug, 7AM (local time) - 4ft (1.2m), 9s period, SSE swell with offshore winds.
- Most powerful swell: Monday 31 Aug, 4PM (local time) - 4.5ft (1.4m), 9s period, SSE swell with 297 kJ wave energy.
- Next surfable swell (1★+): Monday 31 Aug, 7AM (local time) - 4ft (1.2m), 9s period with SSE 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 Monday (Aug 31) at 7AM. The primary swell is predicted to be 1.2m and 9s period with a secondary swell of 0.4m and 9s. Another secondary swell of 1.0m and 9s is also forecast. The wind is predicted to be offshore as the swell arrives.
The most powerful waves expected at Rainbow Bay in the next 16 days are 1.4m 9s and forecast to arrive on Monday (Aug 31) at 4PM. Winds are predicted to be cross-offshore at the time the swell arrives. The largest open ocean swell (not directed at the beach) is 1.5m 6s period and expected on Saturday (Sep 05) at 10PM.
| Wave Type | Time (AEST) & Date | Wave Height & Period |
|---|---|---|
| Next good surf (1 star+) | 7AM (Mon 31st Aug) | 4ft (1.2m) 9s |
| Best Surf | 7AM (Mon 31st Aug) | 4ft (1.2m) 9s |
| Most Powerful | 4PM (Mon 31st Aug) | 4.5ft (1.4m) 9s |
Table - best surf conditions forecast for Rainbow Bay over the next 16 days.
The Lowdown
Alright, let me tell you what’s going on.
The first part of this forecast – from Monday the 31st of August through the first week of September – is mostly flat and forgettable. We’re talking tiny swell, onshore winds, and messy conditions. Waves hover around 1 to 2 feet most days, with no real energy. If you really want to get out, Monday morning the 31st offers a small 4-foot SSE swell with cleanish wind, but it’s weak and just okay. Not worth rushing.
The real action starts in the second week. A big pulse of swell lights things up. The standout is Wednesday morning the 9th of September – mark it on your calendar. We’ve got a solid 11-foot swell from the south, with a 9-second period, and the combined energy is strong at 2019. Best of all, the wind is glassy – dead calm. That’s a rare treat at Rainbow Bay, a sheltered point that can handle the slightly south direction. The waves will wrap in clean and powerful. But at 11 feet, this is for experts only. The crowds here are often, but with that size you might get a bit more room. The week before was dead, so the locals will be keen – but that’s the price you pay.
Later that week, Thursday morning the 10th holds even bigger 15-foot SSE swell with cross-off wind and some rain – still clean but massive energy (3417). That’s for the truly experienced. By Saturday the 12th, the swell drops to a more manageable 8-foot from the SE, with clean cross-off breeze – still big for intermediates, but good quality. Sunday and Monday ease off further, but the mid-week pulse is the clear winner.
So: first week is a dud, second week brings a powerful, clean run starting Wednesday the 9th. That glassy 11-foot S swell at Rainbow Bay is your best call – just make sure you’re ready for the size.
Stay safe out there.
Rusty
Short Range ForecastMostly dry. Warm (max 23°C on Wed morning, min 16°C on Sun night). Wind will be generally light. | Days 5-7 Weather SummaryMostly dry. Warm (max 27°C on Thu morning, min 18°C on Wed night). Wind will be generally light. | ||||||||||||||||||
Monday 31 | Tuesday 1 | Wednesday 2 | Thursday 3 | Friday 4 | Saturday 5 | ||||||||||||||
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 10 | SSE 9 | SSE 9 | SSE 8 | SSE 8 | ENE 10 | E 10 | E 10 | E 10 | E 9 | E 9 | N 5 | E 10 | E 10 | E 9 | SSE 10 | N 6 | N 6 | E 10 |
Wave Graph  | |||||||||||||||||||
 kJ | 284 | 218 | 297 | 140 | 103 | 102 | 68 | 70 | 51 | 45 | 45 | 73 | 33 | 28 | 28 | 31 | 62 | 151 | 18 |
Wind (km/h) | |||||||||||||||||||
Wind State on-shore cross-onshore cross-shore cross-offshore off-shore glassy | off | off | cross-off | off | cross-off | cross-on | cross-on | cross-on | on | cross-on | cross-on | on | glassy | glassy | cross-on | cross-on | on | on | cross-on |
High Tide | 9:51AM1.48m | 10:01PM1.53m | 10:32AM1.50m | 10:41PM1.41m | 11:20AM1.50m | 11:28PM1.27m | 12:19PM1.49m | 00:27AM1.14m | 1:29PM1.49m | 1:44AM1.05m | 2:50PM1.54m | 3:16AM1.03m | |||||||
Low Tide | 3:43AM0.23m | 3:52PM0.31m | 4:16AM0.24m | 4:39PM0.36m | 4:53AM0.26m | 5:35PM0.42m | 5:38AM0.30m | 6:46PM0.49m | 6:33AM0.35m | 8:15PM0.52m | 7:45AM0.38m | 9:46PM0.47m | |||||||
 |  | |  | | | | | | | |  | | | | | | | | |
 | — | 6:01 | — | — | 6:00 | — | — | 5:58 | — | — | 5:58 | — | — | 5:56 | — | — | 5:56 | — | — |
 | — | — | 5:30 | — | — | 5:30 | — | — | 5:31 | — | — | 5:31 | — | — | 5:32 | — | — | 5:32 | — |
mm | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
Temp °C | 17 | 20 | 19 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 18 | 23 | 22 | 19 | 27 | 23 | 21 | 23 | 22 | 21 | 26 | 22 | 21 |
Feels °C | 15 | 16 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 17 | 16 | 19 | 19 | 17 | 23 | 19 | 20 | 23 | 22 | 20 | 22 | 20 | 20 |
Swell 1 Height (m) Direction Period (s) | E 9 | E 9 | E 8 | SSE 8 | SSE 8 | ENE 10 | E 10 | E 10 | E 10 | E 9 | E 9 | E 9 | NNE 6 | NNE 6 | SSE 4 | S 7 | S 10 | SSE 9 | E 10 |
| kJ | 39 | 23 | 22 | 140 | 103 | 102 | 68 | 70 | 48 | 45 | 45 | 28 | 55 | 34 | 8 | 27 | 50 | 28 | 18 |
Swell 2 Height (m) Direction Period (s) | NE 13 | SSE 18 | SSE 17 | E 8 | E 10 | SSE 10 | S 10 | SSE 9 | S 10 | SSE 10 | SSE 10 | SSE 10 | E 10 | E 10 | E 9 | SSE 10 | E 9 | E 10 | SSE 10 |
| kJ | 7 | 33 | 28 | 22 | 73 | 72 | 65 | 28 | 51 | 33 | 34 | 33 | 28 | 28 | 28 | 31 | 27 | 19 | 10 |
Swell 3 Height (m) Direction Period (s) | NE 13 | NE 13 | E 12 | E 11 | SSE 16 | SSE 15 | NE 12 | ENE 5 | NE 11 | NE 11 | NE 8 | NE 10 | SSE 10 | SSE 4 | SSE 10 | E 9 | SE 18 | SE 15 | S 8 |
| kJ | 7 | 7 | 3 | 36 | 25 | 22 | 5 | 4 | 5 | 5 | 2 | 4 | 33 | 5 | 19 | 27 | 13 | 9 | 5 |
Wind waves Height (m) Direction Period (s) | SSE 10 | SSE 9 | SSE 9 | — | — | — | NNE 4 | NNW 3 | N 4 | N 4 | N 5 | N 5 | — | — | NNE 5 | NNE 5 | N 6 | N 6 | N 6 |
| kJ | 284 | 218 | 297 | — | — | — | 7 | 7 | 30 | 22 | 38 | 73 | — | — | 19 | 17 | 62 | 151 | 126 |
Nearest Offshore or Glassy | |||||||||||||||||||
Distance (km) | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 204 | 1 | 10 | 265 | 10 | 40 | 75 | 0 | 0 | 183 | 1 | 40 | 211 | 17 |
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.
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