
Surf Forecasts:
San Mateo surf forecast from 3 Sep 2026:
- Best quality surf: Tuesday 8 Sep, 7AM (local time) - 2.5ft (0.8m), 16s period, SW swell with cross-offshore winds.
- Most powerful swell: Friday 4 Sep, 4PM (local time) - 5ft (1.6m), 16s period, SW swell with 1,314 kJ wave energy.
- Next surfable swell (1★+): Tuesday 8 Sep, 7AM (local time) - 2.5ft (0.8m), 16s period with SW swell.
Best Forecast Surf Conditions for San Mateo this week:
The surf forecast for San Mateo over the next 16 days: The first swell (rated 1 star or higher) is forecast to arrive on Tuesday (Sep 08) at 7AM. The primary swell is predicted to be 0.8m and 16s period with a secondary swell of 0.7m and 12s. Another secondary swell of 0.7m and 4s is also forecast. The wind is predicted to be cross-offshore as the swell arrives.
The most powerful waves expected at San Mateo in the next 16 days are 1.6m 16s and forecast to arrive on Friday (Sep 04) at 4PM. Winds are predicted to be cross-onshore at the time the swell arrives. The largest open ocean swell (not directed at the beach) is 0.9m 11s period and expected on Thursday (Sep 03) at 4PM.
| Wave Type | Time (-05) & Date | Wave Height & Period |
|---|---|---|
| Next good surf (1 star+) | 7AM (Tue 8th Sep) | 2.5ft (0.8m) 16s |
| Best Surf | 7AM (Tue 8th Sep) | 2.5ft (0.8m) 16s |
| Most Powerful | 4PM (Fri 4th Sep) | 5ft (1.6m) 16s |
Table - best surf conditions forecast for San Mateo over the next 16 days.
The Lowdown
Alright folks, Rusty here. Let's have a look at what's coming down the line for San Mateo. This is a point break, exposed to the NW, and it's an advanced wave that's inconsistent. It takes a specific swell for it to really fire, so we're not just looking at any old bump.
The water this time of year is much warmer than normal, sitting at 80°, which is a good 9° above average. That's very unusual.
We've got a long stretch of frustrating conditions ahead. The first surfable pulse arrives on Thursday morning, September 3rd. It's a long-period groundswell (18 seconds) from the SW hitting 4ft, but the cross-shore wind is just enough to put a slight chop on it. The combined energy is moderate at 773. It's rideable, but it's not the cleanest.
Friday morning, September 4th, is a bit better. The swell bumps up to 5ft from the SW, period dropping to 16 seconds, and the energy jumps to a strong 1171. The wind is light cross-shore, so it's a notable step up. That's the best early option, but the afternoons are all getting blown out.
The pattern stays the same through the first week: mornings with cross-shore wind and marginal surf, afternoons turning to onshore chop. The swell slowly drops off through the weekend and into the next week. There's a real lull from around September 12th through the 18th, with swell energy dropping to just 200-300 range. The waves are small and weak, barely breaking at 1ft to 2ft. It's a tough stretch.
Now, the standout. The best bet of the whole 16-day window is the morning of Wednesday, September 16th. It's not the biggest swell, but it's the only time we see glassy conditions. The wind is dead calm, a light southerly breeze, making the ocean surface like a mirror. The swell is 3ft from the SW at 14 seconds, with a combined energy of 500. It's a moderate, clean groundswell. For a point break that's inconsistent, this is the window. It'll be clean, with those long lines. The water is still warm, but remember, it's an advanced spot.
For a break like this, with a long period groundswell, it's a point break, so it will handle that energy well. Keep in mind, it's inconsistent, so you need to be patient. The afternoons are still a mess, so get out there early.
Rusty, signing off.
Short Range ForecastMostly dry. Warm (max 27°C on Thu morning, min 24°C on Fri night). Wind will be generally light. | Days 4-6 Weather SummaryMostly dry. Warm (max 27°C on Sun morning, min 24°C on Tue night). Wind will be generally light. | ||||||||||||||||||||
Thursday 3 | Friday 4 | Saturday 5 | Sunday 6 | Monday 7 | Tuesday 8 | Wednesday 9 | |||||||||||||||
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) | SW 18 | SW 18 | SW 17 | SW 16 | SW 16 | SW 16 | SW 15 | SW 15 | SW 14 | SW 14 | SW 14 | SW 13 | SW 13 | SW 18 | SW 16 | SW 16 | SW 15 | SW 15 | SW 18 | SW 15 | SW 17 |
Wave Graph | |||||||||||||||||||||
758 | 702 | 1312 | 1123 | 1314 | 1068 | 924 | 836 | 736 | 706 | 492 | 340 | 330 | 304 | 318 | 352 | 390 | 525 | 379 | 410 | 929 | |
Wind (km/h) | |||||||||||||||||||||
Wind State on-shore cross-onshore cross-shore cross-offshore off-shore glassy | cross | cross | cross | cross | cross-on | cross | cross | cross-on | cross-on | cross | cross-on | cross-on | cross | cross-on | cross | cross | cross | cross | cross | cross-on | cross |
High Tide | 8:03PM2.18m | 8:18AM2.26m | 9:06PM2.07m | 9:24AM2.12m | 10:26PM2.01m | 10:46AM2.06m | 11:52PM2.06m | 12:10PM2.10m | 1:06AM2.22m | 1:21PM2.23m | 2:04AM2.41m | 2:19PM2.38m | 2:53AM2.58m | ||||||||
Low Tide | 1:49PM0.40m | 2:05AM0.64m | 2:46PM0.51m | 3:10AM0.77m | 3:58PM0.59m | 4:33AM0.85m | 5:20PM0.59m | 6:02AM0.81m | 6:37PM0.51m | 7:16AM0.67m | 7:40PM0.37m | 8:15AM0.49m | 8:33PM0.25m | ||||||||
6:18 | — | — | 6:18 | — | — | 6:18 | — | — | 6:18 | — | — | 6:18 | — | — | 6:18 | — | — | 6:16 | — | — | |
— | 6:24 | — | — | 6:24 | — | — | 6:23 | — | — | 6:23 | — | — | 6:23 | — | — | 6:22 | — | — | 6:22 | — | |
mm | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
Temp °C | 27 | 27 | 25 | 27 | 26 | 25 | 27 | 26 | 25 | 27 | 27 | 25 | 27 | 26 | 25 | 27 | 26 | 25 | 27 | 26 | 24 |
Feels °C | 28 | 27 | 26 | 30 | 26 | 25 | 28 | 26 | 28 | 29 | 28 | 27 | 28 | 26 | 27 | 29 | 25 | 25 | 27 | 25 | 25 |
Swell 1 Height (m) Direction Period (s) | SW 18 | SW 18 | SW 17 | SW 16 | SW 16 | SW 16 | SW 15 | SW 15 | SW 14 | SW 14 | SW 14 | SW 13 | SW 13 | SW 13 | SW 13 | SW 16 | SW 15 | SW 15 | SW 14 | SW 15 | SW 17 |
758 | 702 | 1312 | 1123 | 1314 | 1068 | 924 | 836 | 736 | 706 | 492 | 340 | 330 | 242 | 269 | 352 | 390 | 525 | 336 | 410 | 929 | |
Swell 2 Height (m) Direction Period (s) | WNW 12 | SW 14 | WNW 11 | WNW 10 | WNW 9 | SW 10 | WNW 9 | WNW 10 | WNW 10 | WNW 10 | WNW 9 | SW 5 | SW 18 | SW 18 | SW 16 | SW 12 | SW 12 | SW 19 | SW 18 | SW 18 | WNW 12 |
14 | 114 | 11 | 10 | 8 | 15 | 8 | 10 | 10 | 9 | 17 | 14 | 199 | 304 | 318 | 139 | 139 | 184 | 379 | 375 | 56 | |
Swell 3 Height (m) Direction Period (s) | W 8 | WNW 11 | W 11 | — | — | WNW 9 | — | W 8 | WNW 8 | SW 21 | SW 21 | SW 19 | WNW 10 | WNW 11 | WNW 10 | WNW 10 | WNW 10 | WNW 12 | NW 12 | NW 11 | — |
1 | 13 | 20 | — | — | 8 | — | 1 | 7 | 18 | 68 | 184 | 22 | 22 | 20 | 9 | 20 | 27 | 34 | 31 | — | |
Wind waves Height (m) Direction Period (s) | SSW 11 | SSW 11 | SSW 5 | SSW 6 | SW 6 | SSW 5 | SSW 5 | SSW 6 | SSW 6 | SW 5 | SSW 5 | — | SSW 5 | SW 5 | — | SSW 4 | SW 4 | SSW 5 | SSW 5 | SSW 6 | SSW 6 |
183 | 207 | 34 | 40 | 54 | 49 | 46 | 46 | 21 | 12 | 19 | — | 9 | 11 | — | 15 | 27 | 33 | 33 | 56 | 43 | |
Nearest Offshore or Glassy | |||||||||||||||||||||
Distance (km) | 102 | 1050 | 102 | 7 | 920 | 111 | 7 | 141 | 141 | 7 | 857 | 141 | 141 | 815 | 7 | 102 | 912 | 111 | 102 | 1050 | 141 |
Best forecast wave conditions in Manabi | |||||||||||||||||||||
Best forecast wave conditions in Ecuador | |||||||||||||||||||||
Header Global | |||||||||||||||||||||
- Map Icons:
Break
Live Wave Height (m)
Live Wind Speed (km/h)
Surf Rating (10 Max)
Ocean Swells (m)
Wind Speed (km/h)
Information about the San Mateo Surf forecast
The above surf forecast table for San Mateo provides essential information for determining whether the surfing conditions will be good over the next 16 days. A general guide to surfing at San Mateo can be found by selecting the local surf guide option on the grey menu. Our San Mateo 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 (San Mateo) 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 San Mateo 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 Manabi? If you are looking for accommodation near San Mateo, camping, hotels and holiday cottages in Manabi, consider staying in Manta which is 11 km (7 miles) away. Other places in and around Manabi where you can find information about places to rent, and car hire include Montecristi which is 21 km (13 miles) away, Portoviejo, Jipijapa and Sucre.










