
Surf Forecasts:
Scratby surf forecast from 20 Jul 2026:
- Best quality surf: Thursday 23 Jul, 1AM (local time) - 3.5ft (1.1m), 7s period, N swell with cross-offshore winds.
- Most powerful swell: Wednesday 22 Jul, 4PM (local time) - 4.5ft (1.4m), 8s period, N swell with 217 kJ wave energy.
- Next surfable swell (1★+): Thursday 23 Jul, 1AM (local time) - 3.5ft (1.1m), 7s period with N swell.
Best Forecast Surf Conditions for Scratby this week:
The surf forecast for Scratby over the next 16 days: The first swell (rated 1 star or higher) is forecast to arrive on Thursday (Jul 23) at 1AM. The primary swell is predicted to be 1.1m and 7s period. The wind is predicted to be cross-offshore as the swell arrives.
The most powerful waves expected at Scratby in the next 16 days are 1.4m 8s and forecast to arrive on Wednesday (Jul 22) at 4PM. Winds are predicted to be cross-offshore at the time the swell arrives. The largest open ocean swell (not directed at the beach) is 0.9m 5s period and expected on Friday (Jul 24) at 10AM.
| Wave Type | Time (BST) & Date | Wave Height & Period |
|---|---|---|
| Next good surf (1 star+) | 1AM (Thu 23rd Jul) | 3.5ft (1.1m) 7s |
| Best Surf | 1AM (Thu 23rd Jul) | 3.5ft (1.1m) 7s |
| Most Powerful | 4PM (Wed 22nd Jul) | 4.5ft (1.4m) 8s |
Table - best surf conditions forecast for Scratby over the next 16 days.
The Lowdown
Alright, let me tell you how it’s looking for Scratby over the next couple of weeks. The honest truth is, it’s a pretty grim run for the whole 16-day window. I’ve had a look at everything, and there’s not a single recommendation for a decent surf. The first few days are totally flat and messy, and that pattern just doesn’t let up. You’re looking at a solid stretch of time where the waves just aren’t cooperating.
The first record we’ve got kicks off on Monday, 20th July, and it’s a non-starter. The swell is a weak 4 ft from the north, with a short period of 8 seconds, and the wind is a cross-shore breeze at 12 mph. The combined energy is only 172 (weak), and it’s described as “poor surf conditions.” That sets the tone for the whole week. The wind stays cross-shore or cross-off, and the swell never gets above 5 ft on Wednesday the 22nd, but that’s still a dud with a fresh breeze of 19 mph and energy of 217 (moderate). It’s clean, but the waves just aren’t worth paddling out for.
From Thursday the 23rd through to the end of the first week, it’s a downhill slide. The swell drops to 3 ft and then to 3 ft, with periods hanging around 6-7 seconds. The wind is a constant problem, switching between cross, cross-on, and offshore, but the energy just disappears. On the 25th, there’s a brief moment of offshore wind from the WNW at 16 mph, but the swell is a flat 2 ft with a period of 6 seconds and energy of 39 – that’s barely a ripple. The rest of the month is a ghost town for surf. By Sunday the 26th, you’re looking at 1.0 ft and 0.7 ft swells with rain showers and light winds. The combined energy drops to 7 or 3 (weak). It’s just not happening.
The first week of August is even worse. The 31st of July has a 0.7 ft swell from the north with a 6-second period and energy of 6. The 1st of August is a flat 0.7 ft and 0.3 ft with energy of 3 and 1. Broken record. The 2nd has a 0.3 ft swell with a 4-second period and energy of 1. Into the 3rd and 4th, there’s a tiny bump of 2 ft from the north on the afternoon of the 3rd, with offshore wind, but the energy is only 17 – still nothing to get excited about. The 4th has a 0.7 ft swell with a 16 mph cross-off wind and energy of 4.
So, there’s not a single standout day. The lack of consistent swell and the persistent wind issues mean the setup is more interesting for kite surfing than paddle surfing, if you’re into that. For a surfer, this is a blank run. It’s the sort of thing that happens in this area from time to time – the forecasts can change, but right now, there’s just nothing on offer. Keep your eyes peeled, but I wouldn’t be holding my breath.
- Rusty
Short Range ForecastMostly dry. Very mild (max 16°C on Mon morning, min 14°C on Sun night). Mainly fresh winds. | Days 4-6 Weather SummarySome drizzle, heaviest during Sat afternoon. Warm (max 22°C on Fri night, min 14°C on Wed night). Wind will be generally light. | ||||||||||||||||||||
Monday 20 | Tuesday 21 | Wednesday 22 | Thursday 23 | Friday 24 | Saturday 25 | Sunday 26 | |||||||||||||||
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) | N 8 | N 7 | NNE 6 | NNE 6 | N 6 | NNE 6 | N 7 | N 8 | N 7 | N 7 | NNE 7 | NNE 7 | N 6 | N 6 | NNE 6 | NNW 6 | NNW 6 | NNW 6 | NNW 6 | N 6 | N 6 |
Wave Graph | |||||||||||||||||||||
172 | 124 | 68 | 51 | 43 | 34 | 110 | 217 | 124 | 94 | 77 | 47 | 47 | 34 | 12 | 0 | 39 | 20 | 7 | 3 | 1 | |
Wind (km/h) | |||||||||||||||||||||
Wind State on-shore cross-onshore cross-shore cross-offshore off-shore glassy | cross | cross | cross | cross | cross | cross | cross-off | cross-off | cross-off | cross | on | cross | cross-off | cross-on | off | off | cross-off | on | cross-on | cross-on | off |
High Tide | 12:47PM2.56m | 2:08AM2.03m | 1:48PM2.38m | 2:59AM1.98m | 2:53PM2.21m | 3:51AM1.96m | 3:59PM2.10m | 4:44AM1.96m | 5:02PM2.04m | 5:36AM2.00m | 6:00PM2.04m | 6:27AM2.08m | 6:53PM2.08m | ||||||||
Low Tide | 7:02AM0.70m | 7:45PM0.24m | 7:46AM0.82m | 8:31PM0.49m | 8:35AM0.93m | 9:24PM0.72m | 9:39AM1.01m | 10:38PM0.88m | 11:16AM1.03m | 00:05AM0.92m | 12:40PM0.92m | 1:08AM0.85m | 1:35PM0.77m | 1:54AM0.75m | |||||||
4:52 | — | — | 4:54 | — | — | 4:56 | — | — | 4:56 | — | — | 4:58 | — | — | 5:00 | — | — | 5:01 | — | — | |
— | — | 9:04 | — | — | 9:02 | — | — | 9:00 | — | — | 9:00 | — | 8:59 | — | — | 8:57 | — | — | 8:55 | — | |
mm | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | 1 | 2 | 3 | 2 | — |
Temp °C | 16 | 16 | 15 | 16 | 15 | 15 | 16 | 16 | 15 | 17 | 17 | 17 | 20 | 21 | 22 | 17 | 18 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 17 |
Feels °C | 12 | 12 | 13 | 13 | 11 | 13 | 11 | 11 | 13 | 15 | 15 | 15 | 19 | 18 | 21 | 12 | 15 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 16 |
Swell 1 Height (m) Direction Period (s) | — | NE 8 | NNE 6 | — | — | — | — | — | — | N 7 | NNE 7 | NNE 7 | N 6 | N 6 | SSE 4 | — | NNW 6 | NNW 6 | S 4 | S 5 | S 5 |
— | 2 | 68 | — | — | — | — | — | — | 94 | 77 | 47 | 47 | 34 | 4 | — | 39 | 20 | 6 | 5 | 5 | |
Swell 2 Height (m) Direction Period (s) | — | — | NE 7 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | SSE 3 | S 4 | — | NNE 6 | — | — | S 6 | NNW 6 | N 6 | N 6 |
— | — | 2 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | 3 | 1 | — | 12 | — | — | 1 | 7 | 3 | 1 | |
Swell 3 Height (m) Direction Period (s) | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | S 3 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
— | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | 1 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | |
Wind waves Height (m) Direction Period (s) | N 8 | N 7 | — | NNE 6 | N 6 | NNE 6 | N 7 | N 8 | N 7 | — | — | S 3 | N 5 | — | NNW 6 | NNW 6 | WNW 3 | WSW 3 | W 3 | WNW 4 | WNW 5 |
172 | 124 | — | 51 | 43 | 34 | 110 | 217 | 124 | — | — | 6 | 37 | — | 32 | 47 | 3 | 3 | 8 | 11 | 19 | |
Nearest Offshore or Glassy | |||||||||||||||||||||
Distance (km) | 203 | 677 | 199 | 476 | 570 | 163 | 296 | 651 | 0 | 124 | 183 | 163 | 1336 | 1110 | 1756 | 771 | 747 | 172 | 246 | 326 | 315 |
Best forecast wave conditions in East Anglia | |||||||||||||||||||||
Best forecast wave conditions in United Kingdom | |||||||||||||||||||||
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Information about the Scratby Surf forecast
The above surf forecast table for Scratby provides essential information for determining whether the surfing conditions will be good over the next 16 days. A general guide to surfing at Scratby can be found by selecting the local surf guide option on the grey menu. Our Scratby 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 (Scratby) 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 Scratby 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.
Scratby is 4 km (2 miles) from the city of Great Yarmouth. If you plan a holiday in East Anglia, look for hotels and other accommodation in Great Yarmouth. Great Yarmouth has rooms for a wide range of budgets as well as car hire and transport links.










