Surf Forecasts:
The Heads surf forecast from 8 Sep 2026:
- Best quality surf: Thursday 10 Sep, 8PM (local time) - 6.5ft (2.0m), 14s period, SW swell with glassy winds.
- Most powerful swell: Saturday 12 Sep, 11PM (local time) - 7ft (2.2m), 16s period, SW swell with 2,379 kJ wave energy.
- Next surfable swell (1★+): Tuesday 8 Sep, 11AM (local time) - 4.5ft (1.3m), 9s period with E 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 Tuesday (Sep 08) at 11AM. The primary swell is predicted to be 1.3m and 9s period with a secondary swell of 0.9m and 12s. 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 2.2m 16s and forecast to arrive on Saturday (Sep 12) at 11PM. Winds are predicted to be cross-shore at the time the swell arrives. The largest open ocean swell (not directed at the beach) is 0.6m 3s period and expected on Wednesday (Sep 09) at 11PM.
| Wave Type | Time (SAST) & Date | Wave Height & Period |
|---|---|---|
| Next good surf (1 star+) | 11AM (Tue 8th Sep) | 4.5ft (1.3m) 9s |
| Best Surf | 8PM (Thu 10th Sep) | 6.5ft (2.0m) 14s |
| Most Powerful | 11PM (Sat 12th Sep) | 7ft (2.2m) 16s |
Table - best surf conditions forecast for The Heads over the next 16 days.
The Lowdown
Alright, Rusty here for the imperial report.
We’re dialing into The Heads, a sandbar set-up, and the next 16 days are a mixed bag. The water temp is a chilly 59°, which is running about 4° colder than normal for this time of year – that's a big cold snap, so don't even think about a shorty.
The pick of the first week is Tuesday, September 8th, in the morning. The swell is a clean 4ft from the east with a 9-second period, but the secret weapon is the glassy conditions. The ENE breeze is only 3 mph, so it’s going to be pristine. The combined swell energy is a moderate 620, giving it enough grunt for a good ride. Crowds are likely, so make the dawn patrol.
The glass comes back on Monday, September 14th, in the morning. A smaller 4ft swell from the SW, 13-second period, and the wind is flat calm from the ESE at 3 mph. It’ll be slick as butter.
For the experienced guys, the session to circle is Tuesday, September 15th, in the afternoon. This is the absolute standout. The swell comes up to 6ft from the SSW, but it’s packing a monstrous 25-second period – that’s real groundswell, full of power. The combined energy is a massive 3990, and with zero wind, it’s going to be glassy perfection. The long period can make a sandbar a bit straight, but for the crew that knows the takeoff spots, this is the session.
Wednesday, September 16th, throws up 12ft of SW swell, but the call is that it’s just too big for the break. That’s a hard pass. After that Tuesday, the second week falls apart with choppy, onshore wind, so don’t hold your breath.
For the whole forecast window, the one true standout is Tuesday afternoon, September 15th.
Rusty.
Short Range ForecastMostly dry. Warm (max 31°C on Wed morning, min 16°C on Thu night). Wind will be generally light. | Days 4-6 Weather SummarySome drizzle, heaviest during Sat night. Warm (max 21°C on Sun afternoon, min 16°C on Fri night). Wind will be generally light. | ||||||||||||||||||||
Tuesday 8 | Wednesday 9 | Thursday 10 | Friday 11 | Saturday 12 | Sunday 13 | Monday 14 | |||||||||||||||
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) | E 9 | SW 12 | E 9 | SW 14 | SW 13 | SW 13 | SW 16 | SW 15 | SW 13 | SW 13 | SW 12 | SW 12 | SW 14 | SW 14 | SW 16 | SW 14 | SW 14 | SW 13 | SW 13 | SW 12 | SW 12 |
Wave Graph  | |||||||||||||||||||||
 kJ | 269 | 314 | 165 | 198 | 290 | 282 | 1057 | 1784 | 1162 | 838 | 895 | 593 | 825 | 1554 | 2291 | 1761 | 1273 | 690 | 459 | 319 | 273 |
Wind (km/h) | |||||||||||||||||||||
Wind State on-shore cross-onshore cross-shore cross-offshore off-shore glassy | glassy | cross-on | glassy | cross-off | cross | cross | cross-on | on | glassy | on | cross | cross-off | cross | cross-on | cross-off | cross-on | cross | cross-off | glassy | cross | cross |
High Tide | 2:07PM1.61m | 2:23AM1.63m | 2:45PM1.78m | 3:00AM1.73m | 3:19PM1.90m | 3:34AM1.79m | 3:51PM1.96m | 4:06AM1.79m | 4:21PM1.95m | 4:36AM1.75m | 4:50PM1.88m | 5:04AM1.68m | 5:18PM1.77m | ||||||||
Low Tide | 8:22PM0.24m | 8:34AM0.13m | 9:00PM0.11m | 9:08AM0.03m | 9:34PM0.02m | 9:40AM-0.02m | 10:05PM-0.01m | 10:09AM-0.01m | 10:35PM0.01m | 10:38AM0.04m | 11:02PM0.08m | 11:05AM0.12m | 11:29PM0.18m | ||||||||
 | |  | | |  |  | |  |  | | | | |  | | | | | | | |
 | 6:37 | — | — | 6:35 | — | — | 6:33 | — | — | 6:33 | — | — | 6:31 | — | — | 6:30 | — | — | 6:28 | — | — |
 | — | 6:14 | — | — | 6:14 | — | — | 6:15 | — | — | 6:15 | — | — | 6:15 | — | — | 6:16 | — | — | 6:17 | — |
mm | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | 1 | — | — | — | — | — | 2 |
Temp °C | 27 | 29 | 22 | 31 | 28 | 18 | 19 | 19 | 17 | 19 | 18 | 17 | 18 | 18 | 17 | 20 | 21 | 19 | 20 | 21 | 20 |
Feels °C | 27 | 29 | 21 | 30 | 26 | 17 | 19 | 19 | 18 | 20 | 18 | 18 | 18 | 18 | 17 | 21 | 21 | 20 | 21 | 21 | 21 |
Swell 1 Height (m) Direction Period (s) | E 9 | SW 12 | E 9 | E 9 | SW 13 | SW 13 | SW 16 | SW 15 | SW 13 | SW 13 | SW 12 | SW 12 | SW 14 | SW 14 | SW 16 | SW 14 | SW 14 | SSE 8 | SSE 8 | SE 8 | ESE 8 |
| kJ | 269 | 314 | 165 | 85 | 290 | 282 | 1057 | 1784 | 1162 | 838 | 895 | 593 | 825 | 1554 | 2291 | 1761 | 1273 | 264 | 302 | 176 | 180 |
Swell 2 Height (m) Direction Period (s) | SSW 12 | SSE 10 | SW 11 | SW 14 | E 9 | E 9 | SW 12 | E 10 | E 10 | E 11 | E 11 | SE 6 | SSW 10 | ESE 6 | S 9 | SSE 9 | SE 8 | SW 13 | SW 13 | E 9 | SW 12 |
| kJ | 243 | 77 | 142 | 198 | 85 | 60 | 455 | 53 | 54 | 37 | 37 | 44 | 143 | 56 | 380 | 421 | 311 | 690 | 459 | 186 | 273 |
Swell 3 Height (m) Direction Period (s) | SSE 10 | SW 16 | SSE 9 | SW 11 | SSE 10 | SSE 9 | E 10 | SSE 9 | SE 10 | — | E 11 | SW 15 | ESE 7 | SE 7 | E 8 | E 8 | E 8 | E 8 | E 9 | SW 12 | SSE 8 |
| kJ | 108 | 41 | 27 | 114 | 36 | 16 | 56 | 8 | 4 | — | 36 | 106 | 45 | 31 | 95 | 76 | 65 | 177 | 186 | 319 | 68 |
Wind waves Height (m) Direction Period (s) | — | E 9 | — | — | — | W 4 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| kJ | — | 235 | — | — | — | 13 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
Nearest Offshore or Glassy | |||||||||||||||||||||
Distance (km) | 0 | 8 | 0 | 0 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 0 | 7 | 8 | 0 | 7 | 163 | 0 | 8 | 8 | 0 | 0 | 7 | 7 |
Best forecast wave conditions in Garden Route | |||||||||||||||||||||
Best forecast wave conditions in South Africa | |||||||||||||||||||||
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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.
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