Thirroul Surf Break

Lat Long: 34.32° S 150.93° E

Thirroul Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Issued: 9 pm 11 Aug 2026 (local time)

Forecast update in  hr  min

Today's Thirroul sea temperature is
17.6° C
0.1° 

Thirroul surf forecast is for near shore open water. Breaking waves will often be smaller at less exposed spots.


Thirroul surf forecast from 11 Aug 2026:

  • Best quality surf: Wednesday 12 Aug, 7AM (local time) - 4ft (1.2m), 10s period, S swell with offshore winds.
  • Most powerful swell: Saturday 15 Aug, 10AM (local time) - 6ft (1.8m), 8s period, S swell with 377 kJ wave energy.
  • Next surfable swell (1★+): Wednesday 12 Aug, 7AM (local time) - 4ft (1.2m), 10s period with S swell.

Best Forecast Surf Conditions for Thirroul this week:

The surf forecast for Thirroul over the next 16 days: The first swell (rated 1 star or higher) is forecast to arrive on Wednesday (Aug 12) at 7AM. The primary swell is predicted to be 1.2m and 10s period with a secondary swell of 0.5m and 9s. The wind is predicted to be offshore as the swell arrives.

The most powerful waves expected at Thirroul in the next 16 days are 1.8m 8s and forecast to arrive on Saturday (Aug 15) at 10AM. Winds are predicted to be cross-shore at the time the swell arrives. The largest open ocean swell (not directed at the beach) is 0.7m 4s period and expected on Thursday (Aug 13) at 1AM.

Wave TypeTime (AEST) & Date Wave Height & Period
Next good surf (1 star+) 7AM (Wed 12th Aug)4ft (1.2m) 10s
Best Surf 7AM (Wed 12th Aug)4ft (1.2m) 10s
Most Powerful10AM (Sat 15th Aug)6ft (1.8m) 8s

Table - best surf conditions forecast for Thirroul over the next 16 days.


The Lowdown

G’day, I’m Rusty. Let’s talk about what Thirroul’s got cooking over the next couple of weeks. It’s a bit of a mixed bag – some clean windows early, then a rough patch, before a couple of real crackers later on. The standout sessions are worth the wait, but you’ll need to pick your times.

Wednesday 12 August kicks off with clean surf in the morning. You’ve got a 3ft S swell rolling in, period around 9 seconds, and a gentle offshore breeze from the W. The combined energy is moderate (218), and conditions should be tidy. That afternoon the wind shifts cross-off and drops the wave height to 3ft, but it stays clean and okay for a quick paddle. Thursday 13 August is more ordinary – still surfable in the morning with 3ft S swell and a light cross-off, but the energy is weaker (173) and nothing special. Afternoon turns cross-on and choppy, so I’d skip it.

Friday 14 August morning is a real treat – glassy conditions, total calm with calm winds, and 3ft S swell. That’s as clean as it gets. The combined energy is moderate (203), and the glass makes for lovely lines. Afternoon turns onshore and messy, so get out early.

Then we hit a big gap. From Saturday 15 August right through to Thursday 20 August, it’s pretty much a write-off. Southerly winds kick up, swell gets messy, and we’re looking at poor surf conditions day after day with cross-onshore and onshore breezes. The swell hangs around 5ft to 6ft but with short periods of 6 to 8 seconds, so it’s lumpy and weak. Combined energy is moderate to strong (up to 427), but the quality is terrible. A few mornings show marginal conditions, but honestly, it’s not worth suiting up. That’s a solid six-day lull.

Friday 21 August morning comes back alive. The wind turns cross-off from the NNW, it’s clean, and we’ve got 4ft ENE swell with a period of 8 seconds. Combined energy is moderate (226), and the surf is rideable but not huge. The afternoon gets a cross-shore chop again, so stick to the morning.

Now, here’s where it gets interesting. Saturday 22 August is a gem. The morning has a cross-off breeze from the NW, 5ft ENE swell, and the period stretches to 11 seconds – that’s proper groundswell. Combined energy jumps to 496 (strong), and conditions are clean. The afternoon goes glassy with calm winds and 5ft ENE swell, period still 11 seconds, and combined energy hits 609 (very strong). That’s the best session on offer – smooth, powerful, and clean. Sunday 23 August morning keeps the run going with 5ft ENE swell, 11 seconds, and a cross-off from the N. Combined energy is 521 (very strong), and it’s clean again. The afternoon gets marginal with a picky wind, but the morning is a standout.

Monday 24 August holds decent with offshore winds from the W, 4ft ENE swell, and a 10-second period. Clean and fun for a relaxed session. Tuesday 25 August is similar but with a cross-off wind – still clean, 4ft ENE swell, and moderate energy (307).

Then we get the bomb. Wednesday 26 August morning is an absolute ripper for the experienced crew. A solid 13ft S swell rolling in, period 10 seconds, and glassy conditions with calm winds. The combined energy is enormous at 2874 – that’s very strong, powerful swell. This is not for beginners, not for the faint of heart. Only experts should be out there. The afternoon turns onshore from the ESE and drops to 10ft, so get it early. Thursday 27 August morning keeps the size up at 8ft S swell with a cross-shore NNE wind. Combined energy is still huge at 1985, but the conditions are a bit choppier. Good for advanced surfers, but not as perfect as the Wednesday morning.

All up, the real standouts are the Friday 14 August morning for clean small waves, and the Saturday 22 August afternoon for that glassy groundswell. If you’re experienced, the Wednesday 26 August morning is one for the books.

The water temp is about average for this time of year, nothing wild to report on that front.

Thirroul is a beach and reef setup, exposed to the S swell, and the optimum direction is SE. The crowds can pop up sometimes, so keep an eye out, especially on the good days.

Stay safe out there.

Rusty

Short Range Forecast

Mostly dry. Very mild (max 18°C on Wed morning, min 9°C on Thu night). Wind will be generally light.

Days 5-7 Weather Summary

Heavy rain (total 24mm), heaviest during Sat night. Very mild (max 16°C on Sat morning, min 12°C on Sat night). Wind will be generally light.

Wednesday
12
Thursday
13
Friday
14
Saturday
15
Sunday
16
Monday
17
Night
AM
PM
Night
AM
PM
Night
AM
PM
Night
AM
PM
Night
AM
PM
Night
AM
PM
Night
Rating
(10 max)
2
2
0
0
1
1
1
2
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
Swell
Height Map
Height Map
Height Map
Height Map
Height Map
Height Map
Height Map
Height Map
Wave
Height (m)
Direction
Period (s)
1.4
S
10
1
S
9
0.8
S
9
0.7
S
8
1
S
8
1.3
S
8
1
S
7
1
S
8
0.9
SSE
8
0.8
SSE
7
1.8
S
8
1.5
S
7
1.3
SSE
6
1.4
SSE
6
1.4
SE
6
1.6
SE
7
1.6
ESE
7
1.6
ESE
7
1.6
ESE
7
Wave Graph
Metric surfscale
Energy kJ
410
166
93
63
133
228
106
140
99
62
377
238
125
155
167
244
233
227
254
Wind (km/h)
15
W
15
WNW
20
W
20
WSW
10
WSW
10
SE
10
W
0
ENE
10
E
10
SSW
25
S
20
S
20
SE
25
SSE
20
SE
10
ESE
15
ESE
20
E
10
ESE
Wind State
off
off
cross-off
cross-off
cross-off
cross-on
off
glassy
on
cross
cross
cross-on
on
cross-on
on
on
on
on
on
High Tide
7:50AM1.17m
7:50PM1.75m
8:36AM1.23m
8:37PM1.72m
9:19AM1.29m
9:21PM1.63m
10:01AM1.32m
10:04PM1.51m
10:42AM1.34m
10:47PM1.35m
11:24AM1.34m
11:31PM1.20m
Low Tide
1:50AM-0.01m
1:23PM0.23m
2:34AM-0.04m
2:14PM0.20m
3:15AM-0.02m
3:03PM0.20m
3:53AM0.03m
3:52PM0.23m
4:29AM0.10m
4:42PM0.28m
5:04AM0.20m
5:34PM0.35m
part cloud
part cloud
part cloud
clear
clear
clear
clear
clear
clear
rain showers
rain showers
part cloud
light rain
part cloud
rain showers
rain showers
rain showers
rain showers
rain showers
<span class="translation_missing" title="translation missing: en.weather_tables.sunrise">Sunrise</span>
6:39
6:39
6:37
6:35
6:35
6:33
<span class="translation_missing" title="translation missing: en.weather_tables.sunset">Sunset</span>
5:22
5:22
5:23
5:24
5:25
5:25
 mm
3
1
4
4
4
4
4
2
Temp °C
13
18
18
13
16
16
11
16
16
14
16
15
14
15
14
14
15
15
15
Feels °C
9
13
13
8
12
13
8
14
14
13
11
10
9
9
11
10
12
12
13
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  • Live Wave Height (m)
  • Live Wind Speed (km/h)
  • Surf Rating (10 Max)
  • Ocean Swells (m)
  • Wind Speed (km/h)
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Information about the Thirroul Surf forecast

The above surf forecast table for Thirroul provides essential information for determining whether the surfing conditions will be good over the next 16 days. A general guide to surfing at Thirroul can be found by selecting the local surf guide option on the grey menu. Our Thirroul 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 (Thirroul) 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 Thirroul 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 Illawarra? If you are looking for accommodation near Thirroul, camping, hotels and holiday cottages in Illawarra, consider staying in Wollongong which is 12 km (7 miles) away. Other places in and around Illawarra where you can find information about places to rent, and car hire include Port Kembla which is 19 km (12 miles) away, Engadine, Cronulla and Caringbah.

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