Surf Forecasts:
Scarborough Beach surf forecast from 14 Sep 2026:
- Best quality surf: Tuesday 15 Sep, 11PM (local time) - 10ft (3.0m), 15s period, WSW swell with cross-onshore winds.
- Most powerful swell: Wednesday 16 Sep, 2AM (local time) - 10ft (3.0m), 14s period, WSW swell with 4,139 kJ wave energy.
- Next surfable swell (1★+): Tuesday 15 Sep, 11PM (local time) - 10ft (3.0m), 15s period with WSW swell.
Best Forecast Surf Conditions for Scarborough Beach this week:
The surf forecast for Scarborough Beach over the next 16 days: The first swell (rated 1 star or higher) is forecast to arrive on Tuesday (Sep 15) at 11PM. The primary swell is predicted to be 3.0m and 15s period with a secondary swell of 1.9m and 8s. The wind is predicted to be cross-onshore as the swell arrives.
The most powerful waves expected at Scarborough Beach in the next 16 days are 3.0m 14s and forecast to arrive on Wednesday (Sep 16) at 2AM. Winds are predicted to be cross-onshore at the time the swell arrives. The largest open ocean swell (not directed at the beach) is 2.5m 7s period and expected on Saturday (Sep 19) at 2PM.
| Wave Type | Time (SAST) & Date | Wave Height & Period |
|---|---|---|
| Next good surf (1 star+) | 11PM (Tue 15th Sep) | 10ft (3.0m) 15s |
| Best Surf | 11PM (Tue 15th Sep) | 10ft (3.0m) 15s |
| Most Powerful | 2AM (Wed 16th Sep) | 10ft (3.0m) 14s |
Table - best surf conditions forecast for Scarborough Beach over the next 16 days.
The Lowdown
Alright, Rusty here. Let’s have a look at what’s on the cards for the next couple of weeks.
Right off the bat, it’s a tough stretch for Scarborough Beach. The first few days are a write-off, with messy, cross-shore winds and lumpy conditions that aren’t worth your time. We’re looking at a big gap with no decent surf on offer until the 24th of September.
The one true standout in this whole outlook lands on Thursday afternoon, the 24th of September. That’s the day to circle. We’ve got a clean 5ft swell rolling in from the SW with moderate energy, and the wind drops right out to a gentle breeze, cross-offshore. That’s going to give you some clean, workable lines. It’s a beginner-friendly break, so it won’t be too intimidating, but it’s inconsistent, so be ready to wait for the sets. The water temp is sitting at 58°, a bit colder than normal for this time of year, so you’ll want a decent wetsuit.
Before that, the 24th morning also looks marginal but worth a mention. The 22nd of September has a couple of morning sessions with a moderate breeze and clean 4-5ft SW/SSW swell, but it’s marginal at best. Still, if you’re itching for a paddle, that’s the next best thing.
After the 24th, it fades again. The 25th brings cloud and onshore breezes, and the following days are dominated by strong to near gale winds, even if the swell is clean. The energy is moderate but the wind kills it.
So to sum it up: the entire 16-day window is pretty bleak except for that Thursday afternoon on the 24th. That’s your best bet. The rest is a lot of wind and chop, with a few marginal moments that are hard to get excited about.
Stay patient, and check back in – forecasts can shift.
Rusty.
Short Range ForecastHeavy rain (total 25mm), heaviest during Tue night. Very mild (max 16°C on Mon afternoon, min 12°C on Tue night). Mainly strong winds. | Days 5-7 Weather SummaryMostly dry. Very mild (max 17°C on Sat morning, min 13°C on Thu night). Mainly near gales. | |||||||||||||||||||
Mon 14 | Tuesday 15 | Wednesday 16 | Thursday 17 | Friday 18 | Saturday 19 | Sunday 20 | ||||||||||||||
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) | NW 7 | NW 7 | NW 6 | SW 16 | WSW 14 | SW 13 | WSW 13 | SW 13 | SW 12 | WSW 12 | SW 11 | SW 11 | SW 13 | SW 13 | SW 12 | SW 13 | SW 13 | SW 13 | SW 14 | SW 12 |
Wave Graph  | ||||||||||||||||||||
 kJ | 434 | 340 | 431 | 1194 | 4139 | 2601 | 1594 | 2031 | 1638 | 972 | 851 | 701 | 1247 | 1018 | 514 | 734 | 623 | 1067 | 1249 | 1290 |
Wind (km/h) | ||||||||||||||||||||
Wind State on-shore cross-onshore cross-shore cross-offshore off-shore glassy | cross | cross | cross | cross | cross-on | cross-off | cross-off | cross-off | cross-off | cross-off | cross-off | cross-off | cross-off | cross-off | cross-off | cross-off | cross-off | cross | cross | cross-off |
High Tide | 4:59PM1.53m | 5:18AM1.35m | 5:29PM1.40m | 5:49AM1.24m | 5:59PM1.27m | 6:22AM1.13m | 6:35PM1.13m | 7:07AM1.01m | 7:27PM1.00m | 8:44AM0.91m | 9:34PM0.93m | 11:22AM0.95m | 11:39PM0.99m | |||||||
Low Tide | 11:15PM0.17m | 11:18AM0.26m | 11:44PM0.28m | 11:47AM0.38m | 00:14AM0.41m | 12:19PM0.50m | 00:52AM0.53m | 1:01PM0.63m | 2:01AM0.64m | 2:52PM0.73m | 4:47AM0.65m | 5:46PM0.68m | ||||||||
 |  | |  | |  | |  | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
 | — | — | 6:46 | — | — | 6:45 | — | — | 6:43 | — | — | 6:41 | — | — | 6:41 | — | — | 6:39 | — | — |
 | 6:36 | — | — | 6:37 | — | — | 6:37 | — | — | 6:37 | — | — | 6:38 | — | — | 6:39 | — | — | 6:40 | — |
mm | — | 2 | — | — | 23 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
Temp °C | 16 | 15 | 15 | 15 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 15 | 17 | 17 | 16 | 16 | 16 | 15 |
Feels °C | 8 | 9 | 7 | 7 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 7 | 6 | 5 | 9 | 9 | 7 | 10 | 9 | 9 |
Swell 1 Height (m) Direction Period (s) | SW 12 | SW 11 | SW 11 | SW 16 | WSW 14 | SW 13 | WSW 13 | SW 13 | SW 12 | WSW 12 | SW 11 | SW 11 | SW 13 | SW 13 | SW 12 | SW 13 | SW 13 | SW 13 | SW 14 | SW 12 |
| kJ | 268 | 250 | 174 | 1194 | 4139 | 2601 | 1594 | 2031 | 1638 | 972 | 851 | 701 | 1247 | 1018 | 514 | 734 | 623 | 1067 | 1249 | 1290 |
Swell 2 Height (m) Direction Period (s) | SE 12 | SE 13 | SW 18 | SE 13 | NW 8 | SW 14 | SW 13 | W 12 | — | SSW 11 | — | SW 15 | SW 18 | SW 16 | SW 14 | — | SSW 10 | SE 11 | — | ESE 12 |
| kJ | 69 | 27 | 246 | 7 | 84 | 837 | 839 | 319 | — | 206 | — | 255 | 49 | 163 | 407 | — | 18 | 19 | — | 14 |
Swell 3 Height (m) Direction Period (s) | — | ESE 13 | ESE 13 | — | NNW 7 | WSW 14 | E 11 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| kJ | — | 17 | 17 | — | 41 | 378 | 10 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
Wind waves Height (m) Direction Period (s) | NW 7 | NW 7 | NW 6 | NW 7 | — | — | SSE 5 | SE 6 | SE 6 | SSE 6 | SE 6 | SE 6 | SE 7 | SE 7 | SE 7 | SE 7 | SE 6 | SSE 6 | SSE 5 | S 5 |
| kJ | 434 | 340 | 431 | 903 | — | — | 44 | 284 | 261 | 268 | 240 | 221 | 465 | 440 | 541 | 555 | 273 | 114 | 113 | 71 |
Nearest Offshore or Glassy | ||||||||||||||||||||
Distance (km) | 60 | 30 | 230 | 180 | 170 | 345 | 207 | 45 | 210 | 407 | 42 | 51 | 1432 | 45 | 169 | 407 | 462 | 207 | 872 | 12 |
Best forecast wave conditions in Cape Town | ||||||||||||||||||||
Best forecast wave conditions in South Africa | ||||||||||||||||||||
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Information about the Scarborough Beach Surf forecast
The above surf forecast table for Scarborough Beach provides essential information for determining whether the surfing conditions will be good over the next 16 days. A general guide to surfing at Scarborough Beach can be found by selecting the local surf guide option on the grey menu. Our Scarborough Beach 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 (Scarborough Beach) 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 Scarborough Beach 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 Cape Town? If you are looking for accommodation near Scarborough Beach, camping, hotels and holiday cottages in Cape Town, consider staying in Cape Town which is 30 km (19 miles) away. Other places in and around Cape Town where you can find information about places to rent, and car hire include Bellville which is 40 km (25 miles) away, Robben Island, Stellenbosch and Kayamnandi.
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