
Surf Forecasts:
The Heads surf forecast from 18 Jul 2026:
- Best quality surf: Friday 24 Jul, 2AM (local time) - 11ft (3.5m), 16s period, SSW swell with cross-offshore winds.
- Most powerful swell: Friday 24 Jul, 5AM (local time) - 11ft (3.5m), 16s period, SSW swell with 6,667 kJ wave energy.
- Next surfable swell (1★+): Saturday 18 Jul, 11PM (local time) - 5ft (1.6m), 9s period with SW swell.
Best Forecast Surf Conditions for The Heads this week:
The surf forecast for The Heads over the next 16 days: The first swell (rated 1 star or higher) is forecast to arrive on Saturday (Jul 18) at 11PM. The primary swell is predicted to be 1.6m and 9s period with a secondary swell of 0.9m and 11s. The wind is predicted to be glassy as the swell arrives.
The most powerful waves expected at The Heads in the next 16 days are 3.5m 16s and forecast to arrive on Friday (Jul 24) at 5AM. Winds are predicted to be cross-shore at the time the swell arrives.
| Wave Type | Time (SAST) & Date | Wave Height & Period |
|---|---|---|
| Next good surf (1 star+) | 11PM (Sat 18th Jul) | 5ft (1.6m) 9s |
| Best Surf | 2AM (Fri 24th Jul) | 11ft (3.5m) 16s |
| Most Powerful | 5AM (Fri 24th Jul) | 11ft (3.5m) 16s |
Table - best surf conditions forecast for The Heads over the next 16 days.
The Lowdown
Alright folks, Rusty here. Let’s get stuck into what’s on the table for The Heads over the next couple of weeks.
This forecast is a bit of a slow burner, but the longer we wait, the more the ocean starts to flex. Right now, there’s a solid mix of SW groundswell on the horizon, but a lot of the early days are being held back by tricky wind and tide issues. The real roar is going to come in the second week, but that’s shaping up for the experienced crew only.
The Heads (sandbar) is a fairly consistent spot, and it’s fairly exposed to the swell. The water temp is sitting at 63.9°F, which is about 0.9°F warmer than usual for this time of year—nothing wild, just a touch on the mild side.
We kick off on Saturday, July 18th with a light cross-on breeze and a 4.6 ft swell from the southwest at 10 seconds. The combined energy is moderate (723), but conditions are marginal, and the tide is being a pain. It’s a pass for me.
Sunday morning, July 19th sees a bit more size at 5.2 ft from the SW, now with a 12-second period, but it’s still cross-shore and the report says it’s marginal. By Sunday afternoon, the wind kicks up to 16 mph and the swell jumps to 8.2 ft, but it’s a messy cross-chop (1297 energy). That’s a hard no.
Monday, July 20th is a tale of two halves. The morning has a 5.9 ft SW swell (11 seconds) with a light cross-on, still marginal. But keep an eye on the Monday afternoon session: the wind goes light offshore from the SSW, the swell drops to 3.9 ft, and it shifts to a 12-second SE direction. The energy is still moderate (909), but the glassy conditions could make this a sneaky clean wave if the tide lines up.
Tuesday, July 21st is a tease. The swell is building nicely—5.6 ft in the morning, 7.9 ft in the afternoon—and the period stretches to 14 seconds (groundswell). That’s a proper long-period setup, but the wind is cross-shore from the ESE. The energy jumps from 1611 to 2403, so there’s power, but the conditions aren’t letting it shine.
Wednesday morning, July 22nd is still cross-shore with a 6.9 ft SW swell. Then Wednesday afternoon hits—and this is the first real standout. Glassy conditions, 5.9 ft of SW swell with a 12-second period, and the energy is a solid 1070. The wind is dead calm. This is your session for smooth, clean lines. The tide is favorable, and the waves will be peeling nicely.
Thursday, July 23rd is back to marginal with a 7.9 ft morning and 6.9 ft afternoon, cross-shore or cross-on winds. Nothing special.
Friday, July 24th is where things get serious. The morning brings a 11.5 ft SSW swell with a 15-second period—that’s a very long period groundswell. The energy is massive (5017). But the wave comment says it’s too big for this break. The Heads is a sandbar, and with that much juice, it’s going to be a washing machine. The wind is light cross-shore, so it’s clean, but this is for experts only. Afternoon is still 9.8 ft (3584 energy), same story.
Saturday, July 25th morning is a real highlight for the experienced surfer. Glassy conditions, 8.2 ft of SSW swell at 13 seconds, and a combined energy of 2370. The report says “excellent surf conditions for experienced surfers.” This is a window where the size is manageable, the wind is off, and the ocean has power. The afternoon drops to 7.9 ft with a cross-shore breeze, still good but less clean.
Sunday, July 26th chills out. Light NNE wind in the morning, glassy, with a 4.3 ft SW swell (12 seconds). In the afternoon, it’s dead calm with a 4.6 ft SW swell (11 seconds). Energy is 792 to 987. This is a lovely, relaxed day for a longboard or a funboard. No crowds mentioned, but it’s a Sunday, so expect some company.
Monday
Short Range ForecastSome drizzle, heaviest during Sun afternoon. Very mild (max 19°C on Sat afternoon, min 12°C on Mon night). Wind will be generally light. | Days 5-7 Weather SummaryMostly dry. Very mild (max 18°C on Tue afternoon, min 12°C on Tue night). Wind will be generally light. | |||||||||||||||||||
Sat 18 | Sunday 19 | Monday 20 | Tuesday 21 | Wednesday 22 | Thursday 23 | Friday 24 | ||||||||||||||
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 10 | SW 9 | SW 12 | SW 9 | SW 10 | SW 11 | SE 12 | ESE 11 | SSW 14 | SSW 14 | SW 13 | SW 12 | SW 12 | SW 11 | SW 11 | SW 11 | SSW 16 | SSW 15 | SSW 15 | SSW 14 |
Wave Graph | ||||||||||||||||||||
373 | 318 | 672 | 1058 | 1393 | 703 | 400 | 418 | 1244 | 2122 | 1874 | 1249 | 899 | 1035 | 1347 | 963 | 6255 | 4970 | 3553 | 3052 | |
Wind (km/h) | ||||||||||||||||||||
Wind State on-shore cross-onshore cross-shore cross-offshore off-shore glassy | cross-on | glassy | cross | cross | cross-off | cross-on | on | cross-off | cross | cross-on | cross-off | cross | glassy | cross | cross | cross-on | cross-off | cross | cross-on | cross-off |
High Tide | 6:37PM1.73m | 6:47AM1.48m | 7:15PM1.61m | 7:27AM1.34m | 7:56PM1.47m | 8:12AM1.21m | 8:44PM1.33m | 9:14AM1.10m | 9:54PM1.22m | 10:58AM1.05m | 11:34PM1.19m | 12:41PM1.10m | 00:56AM1.24m | |||||||
Low Tide | 00:52AM0.30m | 12:52PM0.26m | 1:32AM0.42m | 1:29PM0.40m | 2:16AM0.53m | 2:10PM0.55m | 3:12AM0.63m | 3:07PM0.67m | 4:36AM0.69m | 4:43PM0.75m | 6:22AM0.67m | 6:36PM0.72m | ||||||||
— | — | 7:28 | — | — | 7:28 | — | — | 7:28 | — | — | 7:26 | — | — | 7:26 | — | — | 7:26 | — | — | |
5:37 | — | — | 5:37 | — | — | 5:38 | — | — | 5:39 | — | — | 5:39 | — | — | 5:40 | — | — | 5:42 | — | |
mm | — | — | — | 1 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
Temp °C | 19 | 15 | 18 | 16 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 13 | 16 | 18 | 14 | 16 | 16 | 15 | 17 | 18 | 16 | 17 | 17 | 15 |
Feels °C | 17 | 15 | 16 | 12 | 11 | 15 | 15 | 13 | 15 | 16 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 15 | 16 | 14 | 16 | 16 | 15 |
Swell 1 Height (m) Direction Period (s) | SW 10 | SW 9 | SW 12 | SE 10 | SW 10 | SW 11 | SW 9 | ESE 11 | SSW 14 | SSW 14 | SW 13 | SW 12 | SW 12 | SW 11 | SW 11 | SW 11 | SSW 16 | SSW 15 | SSW 15 | SSW 14 |
373 | 318 | 672 | 188 | 1115 | 703 | 272 | 418 | 1244 | 2122 | 1874 | 1249 | 899 | 1035 | 1347 | 963 | 6255 | 4970 | 3553 | 3052 | |
Swell 2 Height (m) Direction Period (s) | S 11 | SW 13 | SE 9 | SSE 10 | SE 10 | ESE 12 | SE 12 | SW 10 | ESE 11 | ESE 11 | ESE 11 | ESE 11 | ESE 11 | ESE 12 | ESE 12 | SE 12 | ESE 11 | ESE 11 | SE 11 | SE 11 |
253 | 230 | 84 | 33 | 177 | 371 | 400 | 273 | 359 | 281 | 180 | 146 | 101 | 129 | 123 | 66 | 51 | 47 | 31 | 30 | |
Swell 3 Height (m) Direction Period (s) | SW 14 | SSE 11 | S 10 | E 10 | SSE 9 | SSE 9 | SW 11 | SSW 16 | E 10 | — | — | ESE 14 | ESE 13 | — | E 9 | E 9 | — | — | — | — |
97 | 156 | 78 | 18 | 28 | 16 | 237 | 291 | 8 | — | — | 77 | 70 | — | 13 | 6 | — | — | — | — | |
Wind waves Height (m) Direction Period (s) | — | — | — | SW 9 | WSW 10 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
— | — | — | 1058 | 1393 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | |
Nearest Offshore or Glassy | ||||||||||||||||||||
Distance (km) | 7 | 0 | 7 | 375 | 0 | 7 | 7 | 0 | 8 | 8 | 0 | 7 | 0 | 7 | 7 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 0 |
Best forecast wave conditions in Garden Route | ||||||||||||||||||||
Best forecast wave conditions in South Africa | ||||||||||||||||||||
Header Global | ||||||||||||||||||||
- Map Icons:
Break
Live Wave Height (m)
Live Wind Speed (km/h)
Surf Rating (10 Max)
Ocean Swells (m)
Wind Speed (km/h)
Information about the The Heads Surf forecast
The above surf forecast table for The Heads provides essential information for determining whether the surfing conditions will be good over the next 16 days. A general guide to surfing at The Heads can be found by selecting the local surf guide option on the grey menu. Our The Heads 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 (The Heads) 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 The Heads 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 Garden Route? If you are looking for accommodation near The Heads, camping, hotels and holiday cottages in Garden Route, consider staying in Knysna which is 4 km (2 miles) away. Other places in and around Garden Route where you can find information about places to rent, and car hire include Plettenberg Bay which is 28 km (17 miles) away, George, Mossel Bay and Oudtshoorn.










