Surf Forecasts:
Rhino Head surf forecast from 29 Aug 2026:
- Best quality surf: Friday 4 Sep, 12AM (local time) - 6.5ft (2.0m), 16s period, SSW swell with cross-offshore winds.
- Most powerful swell: Saturday 5 Sep, 6PM (local time) - 10ft (3.0m), 17s period, SW swell with 4,366 kJ wave energy.
- Next surfable swell (1★+): Monday 31 Aug, 12PM (local time) - 5ft (1.5m), 18s period with SSW 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 Monday (Aug 31) at 12PM. The primary swell is predicted to be 1.5m and 18s period with a secondary swell of 0.7m and 14s. Another secondary swell of 0.3m and 2s is also forecast. 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 3.0m 17s and forecast to arrive on Saturday (Sep 05) at 6PM. 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 Friday (Sep 04) at 6PM.
| Wave Type | Time (ACST) & Date | Wave Height & Period |
|---|---|---|
| Next good surf (1 star+) | 12PM (Mon 31st Aug) | 5ft (1.5m) 18s |
| Best Surf | 12AM (Fri 4th Sep) | 6.5ft (2.0m) 16s |
| Most Powerful | 6PM (Sat 5th Sep) | 10ft (3.0m) 17s |
Table - best surf conditions forecast for Rhino Head over the next 16 days.
The Lowdown
Alright, let’s get this forecast written.
Alright, let’s get into it. The first week is a bit of a mixed bag. There’s surf to be had, but you’ll need to pick your moments. The swell energy is low to start and builds, with the wind being the main player in whether the waves are any good or a complete mess.
The window starts with a couple of days that aren’t really worth it, but by Monday, August 31st, we’re starting to see some potential at Rhino Head (Wahoo). The morning of Monday is still a bit messy with a cross-shore, but the afternoon cleans right up. You’ve got a solid 6ft set from the SW with a very long 18-second period. That kind of period means serious groundswell energy. It’ll be clean with a light offshore breeze. It’s a reef break, so with that long period, it should set up some nice lines. Crowds can be around, but for that quality, you’ll take it. That Monday afternoon is a standout for the first half of the run. It’s not too big, so it’s good for intermediate surfers looking to push it.
Tuesday the 1st of September is a write-off. Winds are howling from the NNW at 22 mph, making a mess of things despite a bit of swell. Wednesday the 2nd sees a recovery with solid offshore winds from the W, and a 6ft SW swell rolling in. It’s a bit fresh on the wind (19 mph), so expect some texture, but it’s ridable.
Then we hit a period of bigger, more unruly surf. From Friday the 4th through to Tuesday the 8th, swells are pumping between 8ft and 12ft. This is for experienced surfers only – wave heights over 8ft are no joke. It’s big, powerful SW groundswell. The wind is mostly cross-offshore or offshore, so the faces will be clean, but the power and size will be intimidating. This is more of a big-wave crew scenario at Rhino Head. Not for the faint of heart.
The real sweet spot arrives on Wednesday, September 9th. The swell drops back to a very manageable 6ft from the SW, and the wind goes light. Both morning and afternoon are set for very good surf conditions. There’s plenty of push, but it’s not a washing machine. The wind is light, so it’ll be glassy and clean. This is the pick of the second week.
The run continues with decent, smaller surf through to the end of the window. Thursday the 10th has clean 4ft SW with light winds, and by the weekend of the 13th and 14th, we’re back to clean, glassy conditions with that light NE breeze. Sunday morning the 14th has glassy conditions and a 5ft SW swell with 14-second period. That’s a beautiful way to finish the forecast.
So, to sum it up: if you’re not a big-wave charger, skip the 5th–8th. Focus on Monday afternoon, August 31st for the first standout, and Wednesday, September 9th for the second. Both offer clean conditions, solid swell, and good energy.
Rusty.
Short Range ForecastMostly dry. Very mild (max 18°C on Mon night, min 12°C on Sat night). Winds increasing (light winds from the N on Mon afternoon, fresh winds from the NNW by Tue morning). | Days 5-7 Weather SummaryModerate rain (total 10mm), heaviest on Fri afternoon. Very mild (max 15°C on Thu morning, min 12°C on Tue night). Winds decreasing (fresh winds from the WNW on Wed night, calm by Thu night). | ||||||||||||||||||
Sunday 30 | Monday 31 | Tuesday 1 | Wednesday 2 | Thursday 3 | Friday 4 | ||||||||||||||
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) | SW 13 | SSW 12 | SSW 19 | SSW 17 | SSW 16 | SSW 18 | SSW 16 | SW 16 | SSW 14 | SSW 15 | SSW 16 | SW 15 | SW 14 | SW 14 | SW 13 | SSW 16 | SSW 16 | SSW 15 | SW 9 |
Wave Graph | |||||||||||||||||||
199 | 190 | 312 | 1044 | 749 | 1399 | 957 | 551 | 268 | 372 | 843 | 1460 | 1550 | 1135 | 1006 | 2007 | 1677 | 1132 | 1478 | |
Wind (km/h) | |||||||||||||||||||
Wind State on-shore cross-onshore cross-shore cross-offshore off-shore glassy | on | on | on | on | cross | cross-off | cross | cross-off | off | cross-off | off | off | off | cross-off | cross-off | cross-off | cross | cross-off | off |
High Tide | 3:02AM0.70m | 3:05PM0.85m | 3:22AM0.78m | 3:23PM0.77m | 3:46AM0.86m | 3:39PM0.69m | 4:12AM0.91m | 3:51PM0.59m | 4:43AM0.92m | 3:53PM0.51m | 5:20AM0.90m | 3:32PM0.45m | |||||||
Low Tide | 8:51AM0.09m | 9:19PM0.07m | 9:24AM0.09m | 9:27PM0.05m | 9:57AM0.12m | 9:37PM0.04m | 10:33AM0.18m | 9:47PM0.02m | 11:12AM0.26m | 9:58PM0.00m | 12:03PM0.37m | 10:08PM0.00m | |||||||
— | 6:45 | — | — | 6:43 | — | — | 6:41 | — | — | 6:41 | — | — | 6:39 | — | — | 6:37 | — | — | |
6:00 | — | 6:00 | — | — | 6:00 | — | — | 6:01 | — | — | 6:02 | — | — | 6:02 | — | — | 6:04 | — | |
mm | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | 1 | 1 | 1 | — | 3 | 4 | 5 |
Temp °C | 15 | 14 | 15 | 13 | 16 | 16 | 18 | 17 | 18 | 14 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 15 | 15 | 14 | 15 | 15 | 17 |
Feels °C | 12 | 10 | 11 | 9 | 13 | 13 | 14 | 9 | 13 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 12 | 12 | 14 | 11 | 13 | 11 |
Swell 1 Height (m) Direction Period (s) | SW 13 | SSW 12 | SSW 13 | SSW 17 | SSW 16 | SSW 18 | SSW 16 | SW 16 | SSW 14 | SSW 15 | SSW 16 | SW 15 | SW 14 | SW 14 | SW 13 | SSW 16 | SSW 16 | SSW 15 | — |
199 | 190 | 202 | 1044 | 749 | 1399 | 957 | 551 | 268 | 372 | 843 | 1460 | 1550 | 1135 | 1006 | 2007 | 1677 | 1132 | — | |
Swell 2 Height (m) Direction Period (s) | SW 21 | SSW 20 | SSW 19 | SW 21 | SSW 19 | SW 18 | — | SSW 20 | SW 18 | SSW 18 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | ENE 4 | — |
116 | 149 | 312 | 117 | 480 | 152 | — | 38 | 249 | 207 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | 6 | — | |
Swell 3 Height (m) Direction Period (s) | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | SSW 18 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
— | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | 32 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | |
Wind waves Height (m) Direction Period (s) | ESE 3 | ESE 3 | ESE 2 | SE 3 | ENE 3 | — | N 2 | NNW 4 | WNW 5 | WSW 5 | WSW 6 | W 4 | WSW 6 | — | WSW 13 | — | NE 3 | NNW 5 | SW 9 |
4 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 2 | — | 1 | 37 | 61 | 42 | 62 | 31 | 98 | — | 613 | — | 3 | 52 | 1478 | |
Nearest Offshore or Glassy | |||||||||||||||||||
Distance (km) | 11 | 9 | 9 | 11 | 7 | 0 | 83 | 1089 | 5 | 541 | 0 | 535 | 510 | 510 | 333 | 0 | 9 | 5 | 535 |
Best forecast wave conditions in Yorke Peninsula | |||||||||||||||||||
Best forecast wave conditions in Australia | |||||||||||||||||||
Header Global | |||||||||||||||||||
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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.











