Surf Forecasts:
Thurso Reef surf forecast from 21 Aug 2026:
- Best quality surf: Monday 24 Aug, 7AM (local time) - 7ft (2.1m), 11s period, WNW swell with cross-offshore winds.
- Most powerful swell: Monday 24 Aug, 7AM (local time) - 7ft (2.1m), 11s period, WNW swell with 1,064 kJ wave energy.
- Next surfable swell (1★+): Sunday 23 Aug, 7PM (local time) - 4.5ft (1.3m), 8s period with WNW swell.
Best Forecast Surf Conditions for Thurso Reef this week:
The surf forecast for Thurso Reef over the next 16 days: The first swell (rated 1 star or higher) is forecast to arrive on Sunday (Aug 23) at 7PM. The primary swell is predicted to be 1.3m and 8s period with a secondary swell of 0.4m and 10s. Another secondary swell of 0.2m and 8s is also forecast. The wind is predicted to be cross-offshore as the swell arrives.
The most powerful waves expected at Thurso Reef in the next 16 days are 2.1m 11s and forecast to arrive on Monday (Aug 24) at 7AM. Winds are predicted to be cross-offshore at the time the swell arrives. The largest open ocean swell (not directed at the beach) is 1.5m 6s period and expected on Thursday (Aug 27) at 1PM.
| Wave Type | Time (BST) & Date | Wave Height & Period |
|---|---|---|
| Next good surf (1 star+) | 7PM (Sun 23rd Aug) | 4.5ft (1.3m) 8s |
| Best Surf | 7AM (Mon 24th Aug) | 7ft (2.1m) 11s |
| Most Powerful | 7AM (Mon 24th Aug) | 7ft (2.1m) 11s |
Table - best surf conditions forecast for Thurso Reef over the next 16 days.
The Lowdown
Alright folks, Rusty here. Let’s have a look at what’s on the cards for Thurso Reef.
Honestly, it’s a tough start. The first week and a half is mostly a write-off, with a long stretch of small, messy, or just plain poor conditions lasting from the 21st of August all the way through to the morning of the 24th. There’s barely a ripple worth mentioning until that Monday.
The one real standout comes as a surprise. On Monday the 24th of August, the stars finally line up. The reef switches on. We’re looking at a solid 7ft swell rolling in from the WNW, packing a serious punch – the combined energy is a massive 1046, which is strong to very strong energy. The water temp is sitting at 57°F, pretty much normal for this time of year. The winds go light offshore from the SE, keeping things glassy and clean. This is the one to circle. The swell period is 11 seconds, a proper groundswell that will wrap into the reef and offer up some excellent, powerful waves. That said, the size and power mean this is for experienced surfers only – beginners should stay well clear. It gets a bit messy by the afternoon, so hit the early session.
After that, it’s a long, dry spell. The rest of the forecast just drifts off into tiny, weak swell and onshore or cross-shore winds. The 5th of September finally shows a glimmer of life with a slight offshore and glassy conditions, but the swell is a tiny 3ft with low energy (70). It’s surfable, but very ordinary.
So, there you have it. A long wait for one top-notch Monday morning. Frustrating, but when it’s on, it’s on.
Rusty.
Short Range ForecastMostly dry. Very mild (max 16°C on Sun afternoon, min 10°C on Fri night). Wind will be generally light. | Days 4-6 Weather SummaryMostly dry. Very mild (max 17°C on Mon afternoon, min 12°C on Tue night). Mainly fresh winds. | ||||||||||||||||||||
Friday 21 | Saturday 22 | Sunday 23 | Monday 24 | Tuesday 25 | Wednesday 26 | Thursday 27 | |||||||||||||||
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) | NNW 6 | NNW 6 | NNW 5 | N 9 | N 8 | N 8 | WNW 7 | WNW 8 | WNW 10 | WNW 11 | WNW 11 | WNW 10 | W 10 | W 9 | W 9 | W 8 | ESE 4 | NNW 8 | W 10 | W 9 | W 8 |
Wave Graph  | |||||||||||||||||||||
 kJ | 160 | 109 | 70 | 97 | 35 | 20 | 70 | 135 | 506 | 1046 | 769 | 410 | 230 | 171 | 61 | 22 | 24 | 14 | 54 | 61 | 36 |
Wind (km/h) | |||||||||||||||||||||
Wind State on-shore cross-onshore cross-shore cross-offshore off-shore glassy | cross-on | cross-on | cross | cross | cross-off | cross-off | cross-off | cross-off | off | cross-off | cross-off | cross-off | cross-off | cross | cross | cross-off | cross | cross | cross-off | cross | cross |
High Tide | 3:54PM3.84m | 4:38AM3.72m | 5:18PM3.86m | 6:14AM3.76m | 6:34PM4.01m | 7:22AM3.94m | 7:29PM4.24m | 8:08AM4.17m | 8:10PM4.48m | 8:43AM4.38m | 8:45PM4.70m | 9:14AM4.57m | 9:16PM4.89m | ||||||||
Low Tide | 10:25PM2.60m | 11:03AM2.65m | 00:01AM2.49m | 12:23PM2.55m | 1:05AM2.25m | 1:18PM2.35m | 1:49AM1.97m | 1:59PM2.11m | 2:26AM1.71m | 2:35PM1.88m | 2:59AM1.48m | 3:08PM1.68m | 3:31AM1.30m | ||||||||
 |  |  | | | | | |  |  | | | | | | | | | | |  | |
 | 5:46 | — | — | 5:48 | — | — | 5:50 | — | — | 5:52 | — | — | 5:54 | — | — | 5:56 | — | — | 6:00 | — | — |
 | — | 8:45 | — | — | 8:43 | — | — | 8:39 | — | — | 8:37 | — | — | 8:35 | — | — | 8:31 | — | — | 8:29 | — |
mm | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | 6 |
Temp °C | 12 | 11 | 11 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 14 | 16 | 17 | 15 | 15 | 14 | 13 | 16 | 15 | 15 | 17 | 16 | 14 |
Feels °C | 6 | 5 | 6 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 12 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 10 | 12 | 11 | 13 | 14 | 13 | 11 |
Swell 1 Height (m) Direction Period (s) | W 8 | W 8 | W 7 | N 9 | N 8 | N 8 | WNW 9 | NNE 8 | WNW 10 | WNW 11 | WNW 11 | WNW 10 | W 10 | W 9 | W 9 | W 8 | NNW 8 | E 7 | W 10 | W 9 | ESE 8 |
| kJ | 12 | 12 | 4 | 97 | 35 | 20 | 26 | 6 | 506 | 1046 | 769 | 410 | 230 | 171 | 61 | 22 | 14 | 23 | 54 | 61 | 96 |
Swell 2 Height (m) Direction Period (s) | ENE 5 | ENE 5 | W 9 | W 7 | W 10 | W 10 | NNE 8 | — | N 7 | — | — | — | N 10 | NW 9 | NNW 8 | NNW 9 | WNW 8 | NNW 8 | N 8 | N 8 | W 8 |
| kJ | 3 | 3 | 1 | 4 | 2 | 8 | 6 | — | 1 | — | — | — | 2 | 3 | 7 | 15 | 12 | 14 | 21 | 12 | 36 |
Swell 3 Height (m) Direction Period (s) | — | — | — | W 8 | — | W 8 | N 6 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | W 9 | W 8 | — | — | N 8 |
| kJ | — | — | — | 6 | — | 5 | 3 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | 6 | 10 | — | — | 12 |
Wind waves Height (m) Direction Period (s) | NNW 6 | NNW 6 | NNW 5 | WNW 4 | WNW 4 | WNW 4 | WNW 7 | WNW 8 | — | — | ESE 3 | SE 4 | SE 4 | SE 4 | ESE 3 | ESE 4 | ESE 4 | ESE 2 | E 8 | ESE 9 | SSW 4 |
| kJ | 160 | 109 | 70 | 9 | 33 | 26 | 70 | 135 | — | — | 4 | 16 | 18 | 12 | 3 | 9 | 24 | 1 | 72 | 320 | 7 |
Nearest Offshore or Glassy | |||||||||||||||||||||
Distance (km) | 285 | 235 | 71 | 53 | 106 | 24 | 28 | 21 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 41 | 165 | 9 | 165 | 184 | 100 | 1 | 9 | 73 |
Best forecast wave conditions in Scotland - North Coast | |||||||||||||||||||||
Best forecast wave conditions in United Kingdom | |||||||||||||||||||||
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Information about the Thurso Reef Surf forecast
The above surf forecast table for Thurso Reef provides essential information for determining whether the surfing conditions will be good over the next 16 days. A general guide to surfing at Thurso Reef can be found by selecting the local surf guide option on the grey menu. Our Thurso Reef 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 (Thurso Reef) 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 Thurso Reef 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 Scotland - North Coast? If you are looking for accommodation near Thurso Reef, camping, hotels and holiday cottages in Scotland - North Coast, consider staying in Scrabster which is 2 km (1 miles) away. Other places in and around Scotland - North Coast where you can find information about places to rent, and car hire include Wick which is 31 km (19 miles) away, Kirkwall and Lossiemouth.
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