Rhino Head Surf Break

Lat Long: 35.28° S 136.95° E

Rhino Head Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Issued: 2 am 25 Aug 2026 (local time)

Forecast update in  hr  min

Today's Rhino Head sea temperature is
15.0°C
0.5° 

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


Rhino Head surf forecast from 24 Aug 2026:

  • Best quality surf: Thursday 27 Aug, 3PM (local time) - 3ft (0.9m), 19s period, SW swell with cross-offshore winds.
  • Most powerful swell: Sunday 30 Aug, 6PM (local time) - 5.5ft (1.7m), 19s period, SSW swell with 1,960 kJ wave energy.
  • Next surfable swell (1★+): Tuesday 25 Aug, 9PM (local time) - 4.5ft (1.4m), 14s period with SW swell.

Best Forecast Surf Conditions for Rhino Head this week:

The surf forecast for Rhino Head over the next 16 days: The first swell (rated 1 star or higher) is forecast to arrive on Tuesday (Aug 25) at 9PM. 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 Rhino Head in the next 16 days are 1.7m 19s and forecast to arrive on Sunday (Aug 30) at 6PM. Winds are predicted to be cross-onshore at the time the swell arrives. The largest open ocean swell (not directed at the beach) is 0.8m 4s period and expected on Tuesday (Aug 25) at 6PM.

Wave TypeTime (ACST) & Date Wave Height & Period
Next good surf (1 star+) 9PM (Tue 25th Aug)4.5ft (1.4m) 14s
Best Surf 3PM (Thu 27th Aug)3ft (0.9m) 19s
Most Powerful 6PM (Sun 30th Aug)5.5ft (1.7m) 19s

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


The Lowdown

Alright folks, Rusty here. Let's get into it.

Alright, the outlook starts a bit shaky. We've got a decent-sized swell on the way, but the winds are going to mess it up early on. The real standout is a bit of a wait, but it looks worth it.

Tuesday the 25th is a write-off. There's a solid 6ft SSW groundswell at Rhino Head, with a long 16-second period and some serious energy (2453), but that strong cross-shore wind will chop it up. Not worth the paddle.

We don't see the first real, clean, surfable waves until Wednesday morning, the 26th. The swell drops a bit to 3-4ft from the SW, but the wind goes light and cross-offshore, making for clean conditions. Still just building into it.

The real highlight on offer here is Thursday afternoon, the 27th. The swell dips to 3ft from the SW, but the period stretches out to a very long 19 seconds. That's proper groundswell energy (1066) and with a gentle cross-offshore breeze, the lines will be smooth and clean. It's a beginner-friendly reef break, but with that long period, the waves will hold up nicely. Expect clean, fun waves. It's the best call in the first few days.

After that, it gets messy again until Monday the 31st. The water temp is sitting at 59°F, which is about average for this time of year, so nothing wild there. Monday morning sees a return to clean conditions with a 5ft SSW swell and a light, cross-offshore breeze. Good energy levels (1247) and clean faces make for a solid session.

Now, if you can wait, the absolute standout is Sunday the 6th of September. This is the one to circle on the calendar. We’ve got a 7ft SW groundswell, long 17-second period, and huge energy (2475). The morning is glassy with no wind—just dead calm and clean. This is excellent surf for experienced surfers; it’s too big for beginners. The afternoon stays clean with a light cross-offshore wind. This is the best on offer, hands down.

A couple of days later on the 9th, we still have 7ft SW swell, but the winds are stronger and more onshore, making it a bit raw, though still surfable.

So, if you're keen, target Thursday afternoon the 27th for the fun little groundswell, but for the real power and quality, wait for that glassy Sunday the 6th of September.

Rusty.

Short Range Forecast

Mostly dry. Very mild (max 17°C on Thu afternoon, min 12°C on Tue night). Winds decreasing (fresh winds from the SSW on Tue morning, calm by Tue night).

Days 4-6 Weather Summary

Mostly dry. Very mild (max 17°C on Fri morning, min 12°C on Sat night). Wind will be generally light.

Tuesday
25
Wednesday
26
Thursday
27
Friday
28
Saturday
29
Sunday
30
Monday
31
AM
PM
Night
AM
PM
Night
AM
PM
Night
AM
PM
Night
AM
PM
Night
AM
PM
Night
AM
PM
Night
Rating
(10 max)
1
0
1
2
1
0
1
3
3
2
1
0
0
0
0
0
2
2
3
2
1
Swell
Height Map
Height Map
Height Map
Height Map
Height Map
Height Map
Height Map
Height Map
Wave
Height (m)
Direction
Period (s)
1.8
SSW
16
1.7
SSW
14
1.3
SW
14
1.1
SW
13
1
SW
13
0.7
SW
12
0.9
SW
14
0.9
SW
19
1.8
SW
18
1.7
SW
16
1.5
SW
16
1.2
SW
15
1.1
SW
14
0.9
SW
13
0.7
SW
13
0.6
SSW
20
1.4
SSW
20
1.7
SSW
18
1.6
SSW
16
1.4
SSW
16
1.2
SSW
15
Wave Graph
Metric surfscale
Energy kJ
1650
1142
648
444
331
139
313
546
1947
1580
1115
631
469
257
170
253
1560
1831
1245
945
592
Wind (km/h)
35
SSW
25
SSW
15
SSW
5
NNW
10
NW
15
NNE
20
N
15
NNW
10
N
10
E
15
E
15
ESE
10
E
10
E
20
ESE
15
E
5
ESE
10
NE
10
N
15
NNW
15
N
Wind State
cross
cross
cross
cross-off
off
cross
cross-off
cross-off
cross-off
on
cross-on
on
cross-on
on
on
on
on
cross
cross-off
cross-off
cross-off
High Tide
1:22PM0.86m
2:36AM0.40m
1:44PM0.90m
2:26AM0.46m
2:05PM0.93m
2:32AM0.53m
2:25PM0.93m
2:45AM0.61m
2:45PM0.90m
3:02AM0.70m
3:05PM0.85m
3:22AM0.78m
3:23PM0.77m
Low Tide
9:03PM0.14m
6:37AM0.29m
8:59PM0.13m
7:15AM0.22m
9:00PM0.11m
7:48AM0.16m
9:04PM0.10m
8:19AM0.12m
9:11PM0.08m
8:51AM0.09m
9:19PM0.07m
9:24AM0.09m
9:27PM0.05m
part cloud
clear
clear
clear
clear
clear
clear
clear
clear
part cloud
clear
part cloud
part cloud
clear
clear
clear
clear
clear
clear
clear
clear
<span class="translation_missing" title="translation missing: en.weather_tables.sunrise">Sunrise</span>
6:52
6:50
6:48
6:48
6:47
6:45
6:43
<span class="translation_missing" title="translation missing: en.weather_tables.sunset">Sunset</span>
5:57
5:58
5:58
5:59
6:00
6:00
6:00
 mm
Temp °C
13
14
13
13
12
13
15
17
17
17
17
16
15
16
13
15
15
15
17
18
19
Feels °C
7
8
10
10
10
9
10
14
14
15
14
12
12
14
9
14
14
13
14
15
16
  • 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 Rhino Head Surf forecast

The above surf forecast table for Rhino Head provides essential information for determining whether the surfing conditions will be good over the next 16 days. A general guide to surfing at Rhino Head can be found by selecting the local surf guide option on the grey menu. Our Rhino Head 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 (Rhino Head) 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 Rhino Head 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 Yorke Peninsula? If you are looking for accommodation near Rhino Head, camping, hotels and holiday cottages in Yorke Peninsula, consider staying in Kingscote which is 75 km (47 miles) away.

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