Surf Forecasts:
Schnappers Point surf forecast from 12 Aug 2026:
- Best quality surf: Thursday 13 Aug, 6AM (local time) - 3.5ft (1.1m), 8s period, N swell with glassy winds.
- Most powerful swell: Thursday 13 Aug, 6AM (local time) - 3.5ft (1.1m), 8s period, N swell with 157 kJ wave energy.
- Next surfable swell (1★+): Thursday 13 Aug, 3AM (local time) - 3ft (0.9m), 8s period with N swell.
Best Forecast Surf Conditions for Schnappers Point this week:
The surf forecast for Schnappers Point over the next 16 days: The first swell (rated 1 star or higher) is forecast to arrive on Thursday (Aug 13) at 3AM. The primary swell is predicted to be 0.9m and 8s period. The wind is predicted to be glassy as the swell arrives.
The most powerful waves expected at Schnappers Point in the next 16 days are 1.1m 8s and forecast to arrive on Thursday (Aug 13) at 6AM. Winds are predicted to be glassy at the time the swell arrives. The largest open ocean swell (not directed at the beach) is 0.5m 3s period and expected on Sunday (Aug 16) at 6AM.
| Wave Type | Time (NZST) & Date | Wave Height & Period |
|---|---|---|
| Next good surf (1 star+) | 3AM (Thu 13th Aug) | 3ft (0.9m) 8s |
| Best Surf | 6AM (Thu 13th Aug) | 3.5ft (1.1m) 8s |
| Most Powerful | 6AM (Thu 13th Aug) | 3.5ft (1.1m) 8s |
Table - best surf conditions forecast for Schnappers Point over the next 16 days.
The Lowdown
G’day, Rusty here. I’ll be straight with you—this 16-day window for the region is a tough one. The first real sniff of surf doesn’t show up until Thursday morning, 13 August, and even then it’s pretty underwhelming.
We kick things off on Thursday morning with a small 4ft swell from the north, pushing through with a short 8-second period. The combined energy is weak (181), so you’re looking at small, crumbly waves. The water temperature is sitting about average for this time of year. On the plus side, it’s glassy calm with light rain, but the wind is a light SSE, just about dead. It’s surfable, but very ordinary. Thursday afternoon stays similar—3ft from the north, period dropping to 7 seconds, energy down to 120, and still glassy with a slight NNE breeze. Still, nothing to get excited about.
Then we hit a long, dry spell. From Friday, 14 August, right through to Tuesday, 25 August, the surf is basically flat or near-flat, with readings under 1ft and energy readings in the single digits or twenties. Most days are clean and glassy, but there’s nothing to ride. It’s a solid 12-day stretch with no surf worth paddling out for.
The only glimmer comes on Wednesday, 26 August, with a pulse of 6ft to 8ft swell from the north, but the period is short (7-9 seconds) and the energy jumps to moderate (321-861). The wind is light cross-onshore or cross-shore, so the waves will be bumpy and rough. This is marginal—only for the experienced crew, and even then, it’s a battle. Thursday, 27 August, holds similar 6ft to 6ft NNE swell, but again, the wind is light and cross-onshore, making it messy. By Friday, 28 August, the swell fades to 3ft and the energy drops to 90.
The standout, if you can call it that, is Wednesday morning, 26 August, at Schnappers Point. The swell hits 6ft from the north, with a short 7-second period, so it’s fat and weak. The wind is light cross-onshore, but it’s the biggest wave size in the entire forecast. Even so, it’s really only for those who don’t mind a bumpy session. The crowd factor is often busy here, so expect company.
Overall, it’s a quiet run. The combo of small swell, poor wind, and a long flat spell means you’re better off waiting for something better. Forecasts can change, but for now, this is a lean stretch.
Rusty.
Short Range ForecastLight rain (total 7mm), mostly falling on Thu morning. Very mild (max 15°C on Fri afternoon, min 9°C on Fri night). Wind will be generally light. | Days 5-7 Weather SummaryLight rain (total 5mm), mostly falling on Sat night. Very mild (max 12°C on Tue morning, min 3°C on Sun night). Wind will be generally light. | ||||||||||||||||||
Thursday 13 | Friday 14 | Saturday 15 | Sunday 16 | Monday 17 | Tuesday 18 | ||||||||||||||
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) | N 7 | N 8 | N 7 | N 6 | NNW 9 | NNW 8 | NNW 8 | NNW 17 | NW 16 | NNW 16 | NNW 16 | NNW 15 | NNW 15 | NW 15 | NW 15 | NW 15 | NW 14 | NW 14 | N 14 |
Wave Graph | |||||||||||||||||||
67 | 138 | 92 | 24 | 8 | 7 | 6 | 28 | 0 | 26 | 25 | 23 | 23 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 4 | |
Wind (km/h) | |||||||||||||||||||
Wind State on-shore cross-onshore cross-shore cross-offshore off-shore glassy | glassy | glassy | glassy | glassy | cross-off | glassy | off | cross-off | cross-on | cross-off | cross-off | glassy | off | cross-off | on | cross-off | cross-off | cross-on | off |
High Tide | 9:37PM3.43m | 10:02AM3.30m | 10:23PM3.56m | 10:46AM3.40m | 11:05PM3.61m | 11:28AM3.42m | 11:45PM3.56m | 12:07PM3.37m | 00:24AM3.42m | 12:46PM3.25m | 1:02AM3.23m | 1:25PM3.08m | 1:41AM3.00m | ||||||
Low Tide | 3:52AM0.08m | 4:07PM0.06m | 4:36AM-0.05m | 4:50PM-0.02m | 5:16AM-0.09m | 5:30PM-0.02m | 5:55AM-0.04m | 6:09PM0.07m | 6:32AM0.08m | 6:48PM0.23m | 7:09AM0.27m | 7:27PM0.44m | |||||||
— | 7:20 | — | — | 7:18 | — | — | 7:16 | — | — | 7:16 | — | — | 7:13 | — | — | 7:13 | — | — | |
— | — | 5:43 | — | — | 5:44 | — | — | 5:45 | — | — | 5:45 | — | — | 5:46 | — | — | 5:47 | — | |
mm | 2 | 4 | 1 | — | — | — | — | — | — | 5 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
Temp °C | 11 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 14 | 15 | 11 | 14 | 14 | 11 | 10 | 11 | 5 | 8 | 9 | 5 | 12 | 11 | 7 |
Feels °C | 10 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 10 | 13 | 12 | 11 | 7 | 8 | 1 | 5 | 5 | 2 | 9 | 7 | 4 |
Swell 1 Height (m) Direction Period (s) | N 7 | NNW 10 | NNW 12 | N 6 | N 5 | NNW 8 | NW 19 | NNW 17 | NW 16 | NNW 16 | NNW 16 | NNW 15 | NNW 15 | NW 15 | NW 15 | NW 15 | NW 14 | NW 14 | — |
67 | 39 | 28 | 24 | 4 | 7 | 14 | 28 | 41 | 26 | 25 | 23 | 23 | 9 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 8 | — | |
Swell 2 Height (m) Direction Period (s) | NNW 11 | NW 18 | — | NNW 11 | NNW 9 | — | NNW 8 | N 7 | — | — | — | — | ENE 4 | — | — | — | — | — | — |
12 | 12 | — | 11 | 8 | — | 6 | 1 | — | — | — | — | 1 | — | — | — | — | — | — | |
Swell 3 Height (m) Direction Period (s) | NW 19 | N 15 | NW 12 | NW 18 | NW 16 | NW 18 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | N 14 |
14 | 4 | 38 | 12 | 11 | 13 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | 4 | |
Wind waves Height (m) Direction Period (s) | — | N 8 | N 7 | — | — | — | — | SSW 2 | — | — | SW 3 | — | — | SSW 2 | — | — | SSW 2 | — | — |
— | 138 | 92 | — | — | — | — | 1 | — | — | 2 | — | — | 1 | — | — | 1 | — | — | |
Nearest Offshore or Glassy | |||||||||||||||||||
Distance (km) | 0 | 0 | 0 | 91 | 91 | 91 | 19 | 91 | 93 | 95 | 96 | 91 | 19 | 64 | 109 | 64 | 91 | 157 | 96 |
Best forecast wave conditions in Nelson - Tasman Bay | |||||||||||||||||||
Best forecast wave conditions in New Zealand | |||||||||||||||||||
Header Global | |||||||||||||||||||
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Information about the Schnappers Point Surf forecast
The above surf forecast table for Schnappers Point provides essential information for determining whether the surfing conditions will be good over the next 16 days. A general guide to surfing at Schnappers Point can be found by selecting the local surf guide option on the grey menu. Our Schnappers Point 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 (Schnappers Point) 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 Schnappers Point 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 Nelson - Tasman Bay? If you are looking for accommodation near Schnappers Point, camping, hotels and holiday cottages in Nelson - Tasman Bay, consider staying in Nelson which is 14 km (9 miles) away. Alternatively, find information about places to stay and car hire in Blenheim which is 62 km (39 miles) away











