Noosa - Sunshine Beach Surf Forecast and Surf Report

G’day, I’m Rusty. Let’s have a look at what’s shaping up for Sunshine Beach over the next couple of weeks.

Honestly, it’s a bit of a mixed bag. There’s some solid swell energy early on, but the wind is a real problem. The first few days are pretty much a write-off for clean paddling—though there’s one standout window that’ll make it all worthwhile if you time it right.

We kick off on Wednesday, July 8, with a decent 6 ft SE swell pushing in, but that SSE wind is a fresh 19 mph cross-shore, leaving the surface lumpy and cross-chop. The combined energy is strong (1123), but the quality just isn’t there. That afternoon, the swell jumps to 8 ft, but the wind swings cross-onshore, making it even uglier. This size is already getting a bit much for beginners, and the conditions are poor.

Thursday July 9 brings more of the same—7 ft SE swell in the morning, still cross-shore with moderate breeze, and the energy is very strong (1568). The afternoon drops to 4 ft but stays choppy. Friday July 10 is similar: 7 ft SE swell, cross-shore, moderate breeze, strong energy (1310). The afternoon sees 4 ft with cross-onshore chop. Not worth paddling out.

Now, here’s the bright spot. Saturday morning, July 11, is the one to circle. The swell drops to a clean 4 ft from the SE, but look at the wind—glass. That’s right, glassy conditions. The combined energy is moderate (353), and the forecast says “expect good surf conditions.” This is your window for Sunshine Beach. The optimum swell direction is east, so this SE swell is a little off-angle, but with glassy conditions, it’ll still offer some clean, fun lines. It’s a consistent break, so there’ll be waves, and while crowds are sometimes an issue, a glassy winter morning should keep the numbers reasonable.

Sunday July 12 is next best: 3 ft ESE swell with a moderate 12 mph offshore from the W—clean and rideable, with moderate energy (274). The water temp is about average for the time of year, so expect a typical winter chill.

After that, the swell drops away. Monday July 13 sees tiny 2 ft waves, and from Tuesday July 14 through to Thursday July 16, it’s mostly small, poor, or ordinary. There’s a brief uptick on Thursday July 16 morning with 3 ft SE swell and clean conditions, but the energy is weak (61). By Friday July 17, a fresh 16 mph southerly cross-shore ruins a 5 ft SE swell, and the energy is moderate (279). That pattern continues—fresh winds, lumpy cross-chop, and poor conditions right through the weekend of July 18-19, with swell sitting around 5-6 ft but wind destroying it.

The second week stays average. Monday July 20 to Wednesday July 22 sees small to modest swell (4-5 ft) but mostly cross-shore or onshore winds, with only a brief clean moment on Wednesday morning July 22 from a NNW cross-offshore breeze and 4 ft E swell. The energy is still weak (169). Thursday July 23 finishes with a 4 ft NE swell and a clean cross-offshore, but the energy is weak (146) and the period is short at 6 seconds.

So, if you want the best of it, get out there on Saturday morning July 11 for the glassy conditions. The Sunday July 12 offshore session is your backup. The rest of the window is either too windy, too small, or both.

Rusty.

Read more