
Surf Forecasts:
Riet River surf forecast from 10 Jul 2026:
- Best quality surf: Friday 10 Jul, 5PM (local time) - 10ft (3.0m), 13s period, SSW swell with cross-offshore winds.
- Most powerful swell: Friday 10 Jul, 2PM (local time) - 10ft (3.0m), 13s period, SSW swell with 3,344 kJ wave energy.
- Next surfable swell (1★+): Friday 10 Jul, 5PM (local time) - 10ft (3.0m), 13s period with SSW swell.
Best Forecast Surf Conditions for Riet River this week:
The surf forecast for Riet River over the next 16 days: The first swell (rated 1 star or higher) is forecast to arrive on Friday (Jul 10) at 5PM. The primary swell is predicted to be 3.0m and 13s period. The wind is predicted to be cross-offshore as the swell arrives.
The most powerful waves expected at Riet River in the next 16 days are 3.0m 13s and forecast to arrive on Friday (Jul 10) at 2PM. Winds are predicted to be cross-offshore at the time the swell arrives. The largest open ocean swell (not directed at the beach) is 2.5m 7s period and expected on Sunday (Jul 12) at 2PM.
| Wave Type | Time (SAST) & Date | Wave Height & Period |
|---|---|---|
| Next good surf (1 star+) | 5PM (Fri 10th Jul) | 10ft (3.0m) 13s |
| Best Surf | 5PM (Fri 10th Jul) | 10ft (3.0m) 13s |
| Most Powerful | 2PM (Fri 10th Jul) | 10ft (3.0m) 13s |
Table - best surf conditions forecast for Riet River over the next 16 days.
Alright, let’s look at Riet River over the next couple of weeks. This point break needs a proper SSW swell to fire, and we’ve got some good ones lined up. Water temp is about 64°F, which is a solid 4°F colder than normal for July – winter has a bite. The break is inconsistent, so when it lights up, it’s a treat.
First real action starts Friday July 10th. A strong 10ft SSW groundswell (13 sec) with cross-off wind keeps it reasonably clean. Wave energy is hefty at 3669 – you’ll feel it. Friday afternoon holds with lighter breeze and the same 10ft. That’s intermediate to advanced territory – too big for beginners. Saturday the 11th brings onshore wind and drops to 8ft, so quality slips. Sunday the 12th is a mess with strong onshore – skip it.
Then a lull. Monday 13th through Wednesday 15th are small and wind-affected. Tuesday the 14th morning goes glassy with 3ft, but barely any energy – not worth it.
Thursday the 16th picks up again: 7ft to 8ft SSW swell (13-14 sec), but cross-onshore wind makes it bumpy. Energy now 1784. Decent if you’re desperate.
Monday July 20th is a standout. Morning: 10ft SSW swell (11 sec) with moderate offshore wind – clean. Energy 4281. Excellent for experienced surfers. Afternoon holds 8ft with cross-off, still solid.
Thursday July 23rd is the real monster. Morning: 15ft SSW swell (12 sec) with offshore wind – clean, massive. Energy 6493 – that’s expert-only. Afternoon jumps to 15ft with a 14-sec period and energy over 13,000 – serious, heavy stuff. Only for the brave.
After that, Friday July 24th morning goes glassy with 10ft (14 sec) – clean, still powerful. Saturday July 25th morning also glassy with 6ft but a long 14-sec period and energy 3194 – smooth lines.
Best bets: the 23rd for experts, the 20th for strong intermediates. Inconsistent break, so when it’s on, don’t hesitate.
- Rusty
Short Range ForecastModerate rain (total 14mm), heaviest on Sun afternoon. Very mild (max 16°C on Fri afternoon, min 13°C on Fri morning). Winds increasing (calm on Fri night, fresh winds from the E by Sun afternoon). | Days 4-6 Weather SummaryMostly dry. Very mild (max 19°C on Mon afternoon, min 15°C on Mon morning). Wind will be generally light. | ||||||||||||||||||||
Friday 10 | Saturday 11 | Sunday 12 | Monday 13 | Tuesday 14 | Wednesday 15 | Thursday 16 | |||||||||||||||
AM | 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) | SSW 13 | SSW 13 | SSW 13 | SSW 12 | SSW 12 | S 12 | SSW 12 | SSW 11 | SSW 11 | SSW 11 | S 10 | SSW 10 | ESE 9 | SSW 10 | SSW 10 | SW 12 | SW 12 | SW 11 | SSW 14 | SSW 13 | SW 13 |
Wave Graph | |||||||||||||||||||||
3669 | 3092 | 2293 | 2181 | 1815 | 1412 | 660 | 521 | 415 | 292 | 231 | 167 | 157 | 94 | 61 | 37 | 38 | 524 | 1784 | 1672 | 1012 | |
Wind (km/h) | |||||||||||||||||||||
Wind State on-shore cross-onshore cross-shore cross-offshore off-shore glassy | cross-off | cross-off | glassy | on | on | on | on | on | cross-on | cross-on | on | off | glassy | cross-off | off | glassy | glassy | glassy | cross-on | cross-on | off |
High Tide | 12:03PM1.10m | 00:33AM1.34m | 1:20PM1.20m | 1:42AM1.42m | 2:21PM1.33m | 2:38AM1.51m | 3:12PM1.46m | 3:27AM1.58m | 3:58PM1.56m | 4:12AM1.61m | 4:41PM1.63m | 4:53AM1.59m | 5:22PM1.66m | ||||||||
Low Tide | 5:57PM0.47m | 7:07AM0.36m | 7:17PM0.39m | 8:09AM0.25m | 8:22PM0.28m | 9:00AM0.14m | 9:16PM0.18m | 9:44AM0.06m | 10:04PM0.12m | 10:26AM0.01m | 10:49PM0.10m | 11:04AM-0.00m | 11:31PM0.12m | ||||||||
7:16 | — | — | 7:15 | — | — | 7:15 | — | — | 7:15 | — | — | 7:15 | — | — | 7:13 | — | — | 7:13 | — | — | |
— | 5:19 | — | — | 5:19 | — | — | 5:20 | — | — | 5:20 | — | — | 5:21 | — | — | 5:21 | — | — | 5:22 | — | |
mm | — | 2 | — | 1 | — | — | 4 | 5 | 2 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
Temp °C | 15 | 16 | 15 | 15 | 16 | 16 | 16 | 16 | 16 | 17 | 19 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 17 | 17 | 19 | 16 | 20 | 25 | 23 |
Feels °C | 11 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 15 | 14 | 13 | 9 | 11 | 13 | 16 | 16 | 17 | 17 | 17 | 16 | 17 | 15 | 16 | 22 | 21 |
Swell 1 Height (m) Direction Period (s) | SSW 13 | SSW 13 | SSW 13 | SSW 12 | SSW 12 | S 12 | SSW 12 | SSW 11 | SSW 11 | E 8 | E 8 | E 8 | E 8 | E 8 | E 9 | E 9 | E 10 | SW 11 | SSW 14 | SSW 13 | SW 13 |
3669 | 3092 | 2293 | 2181 | 1815 | 1412 | 660 | 521 | 415 | 358 | 354 | 307 | 190 | 360 | 286 | 332 | 301 | 524 | 1784 | 1672 | 1012 | |
Swell 2 Height (m) Direction Period (s) | E 13 | ENE 9 | ENE 8 | ENE 8 | ENE 8 | ENE 8 | SW 18 | SW 16 | SE 11 | SSW 11 | S 10 | SSW 10 | ESE 9 | SSW 10 | SSW 10 | SW 12 | SW 12 | E 10 | E 10 | E 11 | E 10 |
14 | 8 | 7 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 12 | 11 | 5 | 292 | 221 | 167 | 157 | 94 | 61 | 37 | 38 | 338 | 311 | 317 | 257 | |
Swell 3 Height (m) Direction Period (s) | — | SE 13 | — | — | — | — | — | W 12 | SW 16 | W 11 | SSW 10 | S 18 | SSW 10 | SSW 16 | S 9 | SW 9 | SSW 8 | SSW 17 | E 11 | — | — |
— | 6 | — | — | — | — | — | 3 | 10 | 2 | 231 | 6 | 111 | 26 | 14 | 21 | 7 | 57 | 375 | — | — | |
Wind waves Height (m) Direction Period (s) | — | — | — | — | — | — | ESE 6 | E 7 | E 7 | E 8 | NE 8 | — | — | — | — | SW 3 | SW 5 | — | — | — | — |
— | — | — | — | — | — | 336 | 420 | 396 | 463 | 192 | — | — | — | — | 2 | 35 | — | — | — | — | |
Nearest Offshore or Glassy | |||||||||||||||||||||
Distance (km) | 123 | 0 | 0 | 16 | 16 | 16 | 96 | 372 | 138 | 125 | 135 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 0 | 16 | 5 | 0 |
Best forecast wave conditions in Eastern Cape (South) | |||||||||||||||||||||
Best forecast wave conditions in South Africa | |||||||||||||||||||||
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Information about the Riet River Surf forecast
The above surf forecast table for Riet River provides essential information for determining whether the surfing conditions will be good over the next 16 days. A general guide to surfing at Riet River can be found by selecting the local surf guide option on the grey menu. Our Riet River 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 (Riet River) 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 Riet River 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 Eastern Cape (South)? If you are looking for accommodation near Riet River, camping, hotels and holiday cottages in Eastern Cape (South), consider staying in Port Alfred which is 5 km (3 miles) away. Other places in and around Eastern Cape (South) where you can find information about places to rent, and car hire include Grahamstown which is 48 km (30 miles) away, Bisho and Fort Beaufort.










