Scarborough surf break

Scarborough surfForecast / Canterbury / New Zealand

information circle12 Day Weather and Surf, issued 6 pm Friday 02 Jan 2026 NZDT
Forecast update in hr  min  s Forecast update imminent
Scarborough surf forecast is for near shore open water. Breaking waves will often be smaller at less exposed spots.
Today's Scarborough sea temperature is
17.4° C
(Which is 3.5°C warmer than normal for this time of year)


Best Forecast Surf Conditions for Scarborough this week:

The most powerful waves expected at Scarborough in the next 12 days are 0.8m 8s and forecast to arrive on Sunday (Jan 04) at 4PM. Winds are predicted to be onshore at the time the swell arrives. The largest open ocean swell (not directed at the beach) is 0.7m 7s period and expected on Saturday (Jan 10) at 1AM.

Wave TypeTime (NZDT) & Date Wave Height & Period
Next good surf (1 star+)--
Best Surf--
Most Powerful 4PM (Sun 4th Jan)2.5ft (0.8m) 8s

Table - best surf conditions forecast for Scarborough over the next 12 days.

Updates in  hr  min  s Forecast update imminent

Short Range Forecast Mostly dry. Very mild (max 16°C on Mon morning, min 12°C on Fri night). Wind will be generally light.

Days 3-6 Weather Summary Mostly dry. Warm (max 21°C on Thu morning, min 14°C on Mon night). Wind will be generally light.

Fri
02
Saturday
03
Sunday
04
Monday
05
Tuesday
06
Wednesday
07
Thursday
08
PMNightAMPMNightAMPMNightAMPMNightAMPMNightAMPMNightAMPMNightAM
Rating
(10 max)
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
Swell
Height Map
Wave Height (m) & direction (?)
0.4
ENE
0.4
ENE
0.3
ENE
0.2
E
0.2
ENE
0.3
ENE
0.8
ENE
0.9
ENE
0.9
NE
0.3
ENE
0.3
ENE
0.5
ENE
0.8
ENE
0.4
ENE
0.2
ENE
0.6
ENE
0.2
ENE
0.4
NE
0.6
ENE
0.7
N
0.3
NE
Period(s) (?)888989855996669884336
Wave
Graph
(?)Metric surfscale
Energy kJ (?)19211366157847361615204010847766116
Wind
(km/h)
10
SSW
15
SW
10
SW
15
SW
0
SSE
20
NE
25
ENE
15
ENE
10
ESE
15
E
10
E
5
WSW
20
E
5
E
5
W
20
E
10
E
10
NNE
10
ENE
5
SSW
15
E
Wind State (?)
onshore
cross-onshore
cross-shore
cross-offshore
offshore
glassy
cross-
off
offoffoffglassonononcross-
on
cross-
on
cross-
on
glasscross-
on
cross-
on
glasscross-
on
cross-
on
cross-
on
oncross-
off
cross-
on
High Tide
/ height (m)
4:17PM
2.39
4:42AM
2.60
5:13PM
2.43
5:38AM
2.62
6:08PM
2.44
6:33AM
2.60
7:02PM
2.42
7:27AM
2.54
7:57PM
2.39
8:21AM
2.46
8:52PM
2.34
9:15AM
2.38
9:47PM
2.29
10:10AM
2.30
Low Tide
/ height (m)
10:23PM
0.32
11:03AM
0.32
11:22PM
0.27
11:59AM
0.28
12:19AM
0.23
12:54PM
0.27
1:13AM
0.21
1:48PM
0.28
2:05AM
0.23
2:40PM
0.32
2:57AM
0.31
3:32PM
0.38
3:49AM
0.42
Fri
02
Saturday
03
Sunday
04
Monday
05
Tuesday
06
Wednesday
07
Thursday
08
Sunrise--5:52--5:52--5:54--5:54--5:56--5:56--5:58
Sunset9:13--9:13--9:13--9:12--9:12--9:12--9:12--
cloud
cloud
part cloud
part cloud
part cloud
clear
part cloud
part cloud
part cloud
cloud
part cloud
clear
clear
part cloud
part cloud
part cloud
part cloud
clear
rain showers
part cloud
part cloud
Rain (mm)
------------------1--
Temp. °C151315151314141416161518171519181621201816
Feels °C (?)13111211111081014141416151517161520211814
  • Map Icons:
  • Break
  • Live Wave Height (m)
  • Live Wind Speed (km/h)
  • Surf Rating (10 Max)
  • Ocean Swells (m)
  • Wind Speed (km/h)
Map placeholder

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Information about the Scarborough Surf forecast

The above surf forecast table for Scarborough provides essential information for determining whether the surfing conditions will be good over the next 12 days. A general guide to surfing at Scarborough can be found by selecting the local surf guide option on the grey menu. Our Scarborough 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) 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 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 Canterbury? If you are looking for accommodation near Scarborough, camping, hotels and holiday cottages in Canterbury, consider staying in Christchurch which is 9 km (6 miles) away.

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