Redhead Surf Break

Lat Long: 33.02° S 151.72° E

Redhead Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Issued: 9 am 13 Aug 2026 (local time)

Forecast update in  hr  min

Today's Redhead sea temperature is
17.4° C
1.1° 

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


Redhead surf forecast from 13 Aug 2026:

  • Best quality surf: Wednesday 19 Aug, 7AM (local time) - 4.5ft (1.4m), 7s period, ESE swell with cross-offshore winds.
  • Most powerful swell: Wednesday 19 Aug, 1AM (local time) - 5ft (1.5m), 7s period, ESE swell with 204 kJ wave energy.
  • Next surfable swell (1★+): Wednesday 19 Aug, 7AM (local time) - 4.5ft (1.4m), 7s period with ESE swell.

Best Forecast Surf Conditions for Redhead this week:

The surf forecast for Redhead over the next 16 days: The first swell (rated 1 star or higher) is forecast to arrive on Wednesday (Aug 19) at 7AM. The primary swell is predicted to be 1.4m and 7s period with a secondary swell of 0.4m and 10s. The wind is predicted to be cross-offshore as the swell arrives.

The most powerful waves expected at Redhead in the next 16 days are 1.5m 7s and forecast to arrive on Wednesday (Aug 19) at 1AM. Winds are predicted to be cross-shore at the time the swell arrives. The largest open ocean swell (not directed at the beach) is 1.5m 9s period and expected on Thursday (Aug 13) at 7PM.

Wave TypeTime (AEST) & Date Wave Height & Period
Next good surf (1 star+) 7AM (Wed 19th Aug)4.5ft (1.4m) 7s
Best Surf 7AM (Wed 19th Aug)4.5ft (1.4m) 7s
Most Powerful 1AM (Wed 19th Aug)5ft (1.5m) 7s

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


The Lowdown

G’day, Rusty here. Let’s break it down for Redhead over the next couple of weeks. I’ll be straight with you—this isn’t a prime stretch for paddle surfing. The first ten days or so are mostly a write-off, with only a couple of moments where you might snag a half-decent wave. The real highlight, if you can call it that, doesn’t show up until late in the period, and it’s far from guaranteed.

Right from the start, Thursday the 13th, we’ve got tiny swell—about 1 ft to 2 ft from the ENE with a period around 10 seconds, but the winds are messy: onshore or cross-shore. The combined wave energy is weak (30 or less). Water temp is about 63°F, which is a bit colder than average for this time of year—you’ll feel that chill. It’s just poor surf conditions, so don’t bother.

Friday the 14th and Saturday the 15th are still tiny. Friday morning does go glassy with a light WSW breeze at 3 mph, and that’s clean, but with only 1 ft on the face and combined energy of 18, you’re basically floating. Not worth the paddle.

Sunday the 16th and Monday the 17th see a bit more size—up to 4 ft on Monday morning from the ESE, with the period dropping to a short 7 seconds. The combined energy climbs into moderate territory (154), but that’s wind swell, and the cross-onshore winds at 9–12 mph chop it up. The wave comment calls it poor surf conditions, and I’ve gotta agree. You could wrestle it, but it won’t be fun.

The first real chance comes on Wednesday the 19th morning. Redhead sees clean, glassy conditions with no wind and a 4 ft ESE swell—still a short period of 7 seconds, but the calm air makes it surfable, though very ordinary. Combined energy sits at 196, so there’s some push. It’s the best of a rough week, but not a standout.

From Thursday the 20th through the end of the first week, things drop off again. Swell sizes range from 1 ft to 4 ft, with some light offshore winds (NNW or N) on a few mornings, but the energy stays low—usually under 100. Thursday the 20th morning has a 4 ft SE swell at 7 seconds, with a light NNW offshore, so that’ll be clean but weak. For a proper groundswell, you need more period.

The second week—from Monday the 24th onward—is a dry spell. Sizes stay under 2 ft, mostly from the ENE or E, with periods around 6–10 seconds. Winds are often cross-off or offshore, keeping it clean, but the wave energy is low (mostly below 70). Monday the 24th morning has a 2 ft ENE swell with a clean cross-off breeze—surfable but very ordinary. It’s a real stretch to call anything here a session.

Then it crashes from Thursday the 27th. Strong southerly winds at 25–28 mph, tiny 0.3 ft–0.7 ft swell, and messy conditions. That’s kite-surfing weather, not paddle surfing. Combined energy drops to single digits.

So, what’s the best on offer? Honestly, the whole 16-day window is rough. The only moment that stands out—barely—is Wednesday the 19th morning. The glassy conditions at Redhead give that 4 ft ENE swell a chance to be rideable, and with a beginner-friendly reef break that’s fairly consistent, you could get a few fun ones. But the short period (7 seconds) means the waves won’t have much shape or power—it’ll be a bit fat and crumbly. Crowds are possible here (the guidance says “sometimes”), so you might have company. If you’re a beginner, that 4 ft is fine; if you’re more advanced, it’s weak.

No other period offers quality surf. The rest is either too small, too choppy, or too windy. If you’re itching for a paddle, check the clean mornings with offshore winds (like the 22nd or 24th), but don’t expect much.

Bottom line: Redhead is in a flat spell. It’s one of those stretches where the ocean just isn’t cooperating. Forecasts can change, but right now, I’d say give the board a rest and check back later. I’ll be watching for a proper swell.

Rusty.

Short Range Forecast

Moderate rain (total 14mm), heaviest on Fri night. Very mild (max 16°C on Thu morning, min 11°C on Thu night). Wind will be generally light.

Days 4-6 Weather Summary

Light rain (total 6mm), mostly falling on Sun morning. Very mild (max 16°C on Sun afternoon, min 12°C on Tue night). Wind will be generally light.

Thursday
13
Friday
14
Saturday
15
Sunday
16
Monday
17
Tuesday
18
Wednesday
19
AM
PM
Night
AM
PM
Night
AM
PM
Night
AM
PM
Night
AM
PM
Night
AM
PM
Night
AM
PM
Night
Rating
(10 max)
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
1
1
0
1
Swell
Height Map
Height Map
Height Map
Height Map
Height Map
Height Map
Height Map
Height Map
Wave
Height (m)
Direction
Period (s)
0.4
ENE
10
0.3
ENE
9
0.3
ENE
9
0.3
ENE
10
0.3
ENE
9
0.3
ENE
9
0.3
ENE
9
0.3
ENE
10
0.2
ENE
10
0.3
ENE
10
0.2
E
10
1.4
ESE
6
1.3
ESE
7
1.3
ESE
7
1.4
ESE
7
1.1
ESE
7
1.1
ESE
7
1.5
ESE
7
1.3
ESE
7
1.2
ESE
7
1.2
ESE
7
Wave Graph
Metric surfscale
Energy kJ
30
17
17
18
17
17
17
18
9
20
8
155
154
163
170
110
110
204
159
123
134
Wind (km/h)
20
SW
15
SSE
15
WSW
5
WSW
15
ESE
5
ENE
10
S
15
SSE
20
SSW
25
SE
20
SE
20
ESE
15
ESE
20
ESE
20
ESE
15
ESE
15
ESE
5
WSW
0
WSW
15
E
5
NW
Wind State
cross
on
cross
glassy
cross-on
glassy
on
on
cross-on
cross-on
cross-on
cross-on
cross-on
cross-on
cross-on
cross-on
cross-on
cross
glassy
cross-on
cross-off
High Tide
8:47PM1.55m
9:22AM1.21m
9:31PM1.49m
10:03AM1.24m
10:13PM1.40m
10:44AM1.25m
10:54PM1.27m
11:26AM1.23m
11:36PM1.12m
12:11PM1.19m
00:18AM0.98m
12:58PM1.15m
1:07AM0.85m
Low Tide
2:24PM0.15m
3:21AM0.01m
3:13PM0.14m
3:59AM0.03m
4:01PM0.16m
4:37AM0.09m
4:50PM0.21m
5:14AM0.15m
5:40PM0.28m
5:50AM0.23m
6:34PM0.35m
6:28AM0.31m
7:34PM0.41m
clear
clear
clear
clear
clear
rain showers
rain showers
light rain
rain showers
rain showers
cloud
rain showers
rain showers
clear
rain showers
clear
clear
rain showers
clear
clear
clear
<span class="translation_missing" title="translation missing: en.weather_tables.sunrise">Sunrise</span>
6:33
6:31
6:31
6:30
6:28
6:28
6:26
<span class="translation_missing" title="translation missing: en.weather_tables.sunset">Sunset</span>
5:22
5:22
5:23
5:23
5:24
5:25
5:25
 mm
4
3
3
4
1
2
1
1
1
Temp °C
16
16
16
14
16
15
15
16
16
15
16
16
16
15
16
16
16
15
16
16
15
Feels °C
12
12
14
11
13
14
13
12
13
10
12
12
12
11
13
13
13
13
14
14
13
  • Map Icons:
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  • 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 Redhead Surf forecast

The above surf forecast table for Redhead provides essential information for determining whether the surfing conditions will be good over the next 16 days. A general guide to surfing at Redhead can be found by selecting the local surf guide option on the grey menu. Our Redhead 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 (Redhead) 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 Redhead 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 Newcastle? If you are looking for accommodation near Redhead, camping, hotels and holiday cottages in Newcastle, consider staying in Newcastle which is 12 km (7 miles) away. Other places in and around Newcastle where you can find information about places to rent, and car hire include Catherine Hill Bay which is 19 km (12 miles) away, Cessnock, Port Stephens and Central Coast.

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