Surf Forecasts:
Sunset Beach surf forecast from 2 Aug 2026:
- Best quality surf: Monday 3 Aug, 2AM (local time) - 1.5ft (0.4m), 13s period, SW swell with glassy winds.
- Most powerful swell: Saturday 8 Aug, 11PM (local time) - 3ft (0.9m), 16s period, SSW swell with 366 kJ wave energy.
- Next surfable swell (1★+): Monday 3 Aug, 2AM (local time) - 1.5ft (0.4m), 13s period with SW swell.
Best Forecast Surf Conditions for Sunset Beach this week:
The surf forecast for Sunset Beach over the next 16 days: The first swell (rated 1 star or higher) is forecast to arrive on Monday (Aug 03) at 2AM. The primary swell is predicted to be 0.4m and 12s period with a secondary swell of 0.4m and 7s. Another secondary swell of 0.4m and 13s is also forecast. The wind is predicted to be glassy as the swell arrives.
The most powerful waves expected at Sunset Beach in the next 16 days are 0.9m 16s and forecast to arrive on Saturday (Aug 08) at 11PM. Winds are predicted to be cross-onshore at the time the swell arrives.
| Wave Type | Time (PDT) & Date | Wave Height & Period |
|---|---|---|
| Next good surf (1 star+) | 2AM (Mon 3rd Aug) | 1.5ft (0.4m) 13s |
| Best Surf | 2AM (Mon 3rd Aug) | 1.5ft (0.4m) 13s |
| Most Powerful | 11PM (Sat 8th Aug) | 3ft (0.9m) 16s |
Table - best surf conditions forecast for Sunset Beach over the next 16 days.
The Lowdown
Alright mates, Rusty here. Let’s break it down. This 16-day forecast is a real test of patience. There’s a long stretch of nothing, but if you can hold out, there’s a little pulse of life at the very end.
We’re looking at a flat start. From Sunday, August 2nd, through the first week, the waves are pathetic. It’s just 1ft to 2ft of weak, short-period windswell from the SSW. The wind is onshore or cross-onshore, just ruining the surface. The combined wave energy is weak, mostly in the 80-160 range. Don’t bother. This flat spell goes on for about the first 12 days.
Moving into the second week, around Thursday, August 14th, things finally change. The swell height picks up to 2ft to 3ft, and the period jumps to 16-18 seconds, turning it into a proper groundswell. The combined energy spikes to a strong 393-589 range. That’s a real injection of power. The wind is still onshore, so it won’t be perfect, but that extra oomph makes it actually surfable.
The one to circle is the morning of Friday, August 14th, and the morning of Saturday, August 15th. You’ve got a SSW groundswell at 2ft-3ft with a long 17-18 second period. The wind is light onshore, so it’s not glassy, but it’s manageable. The water is a very unusual 72°, which is a full 6° warmer than normal for this time of year. That’s a treat. The spot is Sunset Beach, a sandbar that’s fairly exposed to the SW. That long period will bring in more defined, powerful sets, and the lulls will make the paddle out easy. It’s a beginner-friendly spot, but with the swell hitting 3ft and the long period, it’s a step up for the absolute newbie. Expect some company, as crowds are possible here.
Basically, the first 12 days are a total loss. The only real hope is that groundswell pulse on the 14th and 15th. That’s the best on offer by a long shot.
Rusty.
Short Range ForecastMostly dry. Warm (max 25°C on Mon afternoon, min 20°C on Sun morning). Wind will be generally light. | Days 4-6 Weather SummaryMostly dry. Warm (max 24°C on Wed afternoon, min 20°C on Wed night). Wind will be generally light. | ||||||||||||||||||||
Sunday 2 | Monday 3 | Tuesday 4 | Wednesday 5 | Thursday 6 | Friday 7 | Saturday 8 | |||||||||||||||
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 14 | SW 13 | SW 13 | SW 13 | SW 16 | SW 12 | SW 15 | SW 15 | SW 15 | SW 14 | SW 14 | SW 14 | SW 13 | SSW 13 | SW 18 | SSW 19 | SSW 19 | SSW 18 | SSW 17 | SSW 16 | SSW 16 |
Wave Graph  | |||||||||||||||||||||
 kJ | 49 | 49 | 47 | 42 | 66 | 41 | 84 | 77 | 75 | 71 | 71 | 97 | 88 | 114 | 84 | 212 | 210 | 270 | 237 | 229 | 366 |
Wind (km/h) | |||||||||||||||||||||
Wind State on-shore cross-onshore cross-shore cross-offshore off-shore glassy | cross-on | on | glassy | cross-on | on | glassy | on | on | glassy | on | on | on | on | on | cross-on | cross-on | on | cross-on | cross-on | on | cross-on |
High Tide | 12:35PM1.80m | 00:05AM1.73m | 1:07PM1.86m | 00:58AM1.52m | 1:46PM1.92m | 2:16AM1.32m | 2:37PM1.97m | 4:31AM1.21m | 3:43PM2.03m | 6:52AM1.27m | 4:57PM2.13m | 7:56AM1.39m | 6:06PM2.26m | ||||||||
Low Tide | 6:23PM0.94m | 6:28AM0.63m | 7:25PM0.91m | 6:54AM0.79m | 8:45PM0.86m | 7:25AM0.95m | 10:23PM0.74m | 8:09AM1.10m | 11:51PM0.55m | 9:38AM1.21m | 00:57AM0.34m | 11:25AM1.24m | 1:49AM0.15m | ||||||||
 | |  | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
 | 6:03 | — | — | 6:05 | — | — | 6:05 | — | — | 6:05 | — | — | 6:07 | — | — | 6:07 | — | — | 6:09 | — | — |
 | — | 7:51 | — | — | 7:51 | — | — | 7:50 | — | — | 7:49 | — | — | 7:47 | — | — | 7:46 | — | — | 7:45 | — |
mm | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
Temp °C | 23 | 24 | 22 | 24 | 25 | 23 | 24 | 25 | 23 | 23 | 24 | 22 | 22 | 23 | 22 | 23 | 23 | 22 | 24 | 24 | 22 |
Feels °C | 24 | 24 | 22 | 25 | 25 | 23 | 25 | 24 | 23 | 23 | 23 | 21 | 22 | 22 | 22 | 23 | 22 | 22 | 24 | 23 | 22 |
Swell 1 Height (m) Direction Period (s) | W 6 | SSW 12 | W 7 | W 6 | W 6 | W 5 | W 5 | SW 15 | W 5 | SW 14 | SW 14 | W 5 | SW 13 | SSW 13 | SW 13 | SSW 19 | SSW 19 | SSW 18 | SSW 17 | SSW 16 | SSW 16 |
| kJ | 19 | 49 | 14 | 17 | 16 | 14 | 14 | 77 | 11 | 71 | 71 | 11 | 88 | 114 | 84 | 212 | 210 | 270 | 237 | 229 | 366 |
Swell 2 Height (m) Direction Period (s) | SSW 12 | W 6 | SW 13 | SW 13 | SSW 13 | SW 12 | SW 15 | SW 12 | SW 15 | W 5 | SSW 12 | SW 14 | W 5 | W 5 | SW 18 | SSW 13 | SW 13 | SW 12 | SW 12 | SSW 12 | SSW 12 |
| kJ | 49 | 10 | 44 | 42 | 66 | 39 | 84 | 22 | 75 | 8 | 13 | 97 | 8 | 4 | 82 | 114 | 82 | 53 | 50 | 56 | 57 |
Swell 3 Height (m) Direction Period (s) | SW 14 | SW 13 | SSW 12 | SSW 11 | SW 16 | SW 16 | SW 12 | S 10 | SW 13 | SSW 13 | S 9 | S 9 | S 12 | SSW 20 | W 5 | W 5 | W 4 | SSW 14 | S 9 | S 9 | S 9 |
| kJ | 47 | 46 | 47 | 23 | 66 | 41 | 38 | 8 | 41 | 16 | 6 | 6 | 11 | 40 | 4 | 4 | 2 | 63 | 15 | 14 | 6 |
Wind waves Height (m) Direction Period (s) | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | W 5 | — | — | W 5 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| kJ | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | 9 | — | — | 12 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
Nearest Offshore or Glassy | |||||||||||||||||||||
Distance (km) | 32 | 95 | 0 | 32 | 140 | 0 | 32 | 140 | 0 | 32 | 140 | 7 | 32 | 95 | 32 | 32 | 140 | 32 | 32 | 140 | 32 |
Best forecast wave conditions in Orange County | |||||||||||||||||||||
Best forecast wave conditions in United States | |||||||||||||||||||||
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Information about the Sunset Beach Surf forecast
The above surf forecast table for Sunset Beach provides essential information for determining whether the surfing conditions will be good over the next 16 days. A general guide to surfing at Sunset Beach can be found by selecting the local surf guide option on the grey menu. Our Sunset 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 (Sunset 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 Sunset 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.
Sunset Beach is 4 km (2 miles) from the city of Seal Beach. If you plan a vacation in Orange County, look for hotels and other accommodation in Seal Beach. Seal Beach has rooms for a wide range of budgets as well as car hire and transport links.
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