Surf Forecasts:
Tubes surf forecast from 18 Aug 2026:
- Best quality surf: Sunday 23 Aug, 2PM (local time) - 11ft (3.5m), 13s period, SW swell with offshore winds.
- Most powerful swell: Sunday 23 Aug, 2AM (local time) - 15ft (4.5m), 12s period, SW swell with 6,070 kJ wave energy.
- Next surfable swell (1★+): Tuesday 18 Aug, 11AM (local time) - 7.5ft (2.3m), 13s period with SW swell.
Best Forecast Surf Conditions for Tubes this week:
The surf forecast for Tubes over the next 16 days: The first swell (rated 1 star or higher) is forecast to arrive on Tuesday (Aug 18) at 11AM. The primary swell is predicted to be 2.3m and 13s period. The wind is predicted to be offshore as the swell arrives.
The most powerful waves expected at Tubes in the next 16 days are 4.5m 12s and forecast to arrive on Sunday (Aug 23) at 2AM. 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 Wednesday (Aug 19) at 11PM.
| Wave Type | Time (SAST) & Date | Wave Height & Period |
|---|---|---|
| Next good surf (1 star+) | 11AM (Tue 18th Aug) | 7.5ft (2.3m) 13s |
| Best Surf | 2PM (Sun 23rd Aug) | 11ft (3.5m) 13s |
| Most Powerful | 2AM (Sun 23rd Aug) | 15ft (4.5m) 12s |
Table - best surf conditions forecast for Tubes over the next 16 days.
The Lowdown
Alright, mates, Rusty here. Let’s have a look at the surf ahead for Tubes. We’ve got a solid run of south-west groundswell on the cards, and while it’s going to be a wild ride with some sizable, powerful waves, there are definitely some windows of absolute perfection if you pick your moments. The water’s a chilly 53.1°F, which is a good 13°F colder than normal for this time of year—that’s a proper bite, so a thick hood is non-negotiable.
The forecast kicks off proper on Tuesday the 18th of August. We’ve got a strong 7.2ft SW groundswell rolling in at 13 seconds, and with a light offshore wind, it’s looking clean and very surfable. The energy is moderate, sitting at 1682, but it’s a good start. By Tuesday afternoon, the swell pushes up to 8.2ft and the energy jumps to 2356. The wind stays light and offshore, so expect some excellent, powerful waves for those with a bit of experience under their belt.
Wednesday the 19th sees the swell bump up further to a solid 9.8ft, still with that long 13-second period. The morning is the pick with light offshore winds and that excellent, clean feel. The energy reads 2369. The afternoon gets a bit more problematic as a fresh 19 mph offshore breeze kicks in, making conditions more marginal, but the size is definitely there.
Now, here’s where things get serious. Thursday the 20th is a standout for the big-wave crew. The morning brings a proper 13.1ft SW swell at 13 seconds, and the energy is starting to roar at 5538. With light offshore winds, it’s going to be an epic, heavy day. This is expert territory only. The afternoon backs off slightly to 11.5ft but still holds strong energy at 4458, with a cross-off breeze keeping it clean. This is one of the best windows on offer.
Friday the 21st is a bit of a down day. The swell drops back to around 7.2ft, but we’ve got cross-onshore winds in the morning and a cross-shore breeze in the afternoon. The quality is marginal, and the conditions will be a bit chopped up. Saturday the 22nd is a stark warning. The morning has a 9.8ft swell but a fresh 22 mph offshore wind, which is making things messy. Then the afternoon is a full-blown blowout: 18ft of swell with a strong 28 mph wind, and the energy is huge at 6854. This is not a surfing day, that's for sure.
Sunday the 23rd offers a return to form. The morning has a powerful 13.1ft swell and moderate offshore winds, but it’s the afternoon that’s the true gem: 11.5ft of clean, lined-up swell with a gentle offshore breeze and an energy reading of 3368. It’s excellent for experienced surfers.
The start of the next week sees things settle a bit. Monday the 24th has a smaller 6.2ft SSW swell, but it’s clean and playful with light offshore winds in the afternoon. A good chance to get back out after the weekend’s chaos. Tuesday the 25th is a write-off by the afternoon, with a moderate cross-onshore wind making a mess of the 8.2ft swell.
Things get interesting again on Wednesday the 26th. The morning looks uncertain, but the afternoon is pure magic: 5.2ft of swell with a glassy surface and a slight air. The energy is moderate at 1218, but it will be super clean. Thursday the 27th also looks good, with moderate offshore winds and a clean 7.5ft swell in the morning, easing to 5.9ft by the afternoon.
A quick note for Friday the 28th: the morning has a small 3.9ft swell, but the afternoon brings a long-period 18-second groundswell that gets bumped by a cross-onshore breeze. A bit of a tease.
The standout for the meantime is Saturday the 29th. After a week of bigger, messier surf, this day offers a glassy, clean 7.5ft SW swell with a 15-second period, and the energy is solid at 2282. It’s one of the best, most user-friendly days of the whole period. Get on it early.
The final week is a mixed bag. Sunday the 30th is blown out with strong cross-onshore winds and huge 11.5-13.1ft surf, which will be lumpy and unmanageable. But Monday the 31st is another gem: a glassy 8.2ft swell with clean conditions, perfect for anyone looking for a good session. The energy is again moderate at 2356.
Into September, the swell starts to fade. The 1st has some clean options on the afternoon with a 7.2ft swell. The 2nd sees another surge of energy, with a 13.1ft swell and a massive energy reading of 10759 by the afternoon, but it’s accompanied by cross-shore winds, so it will be a bit of a battle.
So, the true standouts of this 16-day window are Thursday the 20th for the big, expert crew, and Saturday the 29th and Monday the 31st for those wanting a clean, powerful session without the chaos
Short Range ForecastMostly dry. Very mild (max 18°C on Wed afternoon, min 12°C on Tue night). Winds decreasing (fresh winds from the WSW on Wed afternoon, calm by Thu night). | Days 4-6 Weather SummaryMostly dry. Very mild (max 18°C on Fri afternoon, min 12°C on Sun night). Winds decreasing (near gales from the WSW on Sat afternoon, calm by Sun night). | ||||||||||||||||||||
Tuesday 18 | Wednesday 19 | Thursday 20 | Friday 21 | Saturday 22 | Sunday 23 | Monday 24 | |||||||||||||||
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) | SW 13 | SW 13 | SW 13 | SW 13 | SW 12 | SW 12 | SW 13 | SW 13 | SW 13 | SW 12 | SW 12 | SSW 11 | SSW 11 | SW 10 | SW 12 | SW 13 | SW 13 | SW 12 | SW 11 | SSW 11 | SW 12 |
Wave Graph | |||||||||||||||||||||
1804 | 2356 | 3165 | 2536 | 2373 | 1292 | 5309 | 4527 | 2672 | 1638 | 1346 | 477 | 466 | 4306 | 6070 | 4861 | 3727 | 2010 | 1317 | 575 | 1472 | |
Wind (km/h) | |||||||||||||||||||||
Wind State on-shore cross-onshore cross-shore cross-offshore off-shore glassy | off | off | on | off | off | cross-off | off | cross-off | on | cross-on | cross | cross-off | cross-off | cross-off | cross-off | cross-off | cross-off | glassy | off | off | glassy |
High Tide | 6:59PM1.39m | 7:09AM1.19m | 7:31PM1.24m | 7:46AM1.06m | 8:17PM1.09m | 9:08AM0.94m | 10:35PM1.00m | 12:36PM0.96m | 00:52AM1.07m | 1:40PM1.10m | 1:44AM1.20m | 2:15PM1.24m | 2:18AM1.33m | ||||||||
Low Tide | 12:39PM0.33m | 1:12AM0.45m | 1:09PM0.48m | 1:49AM0.58m | 1:47PM0.62m | 2:53AM0.70m | 3:08PM0.75m | 5:54AM0.72m | 6:33PM0.74m | 7:28AM0.60m | 7:41PM0.62m | 8:04AM0.46m | 8:16PM0.49m | ||||||||
6:56 | — | — | 6:54 | — | — | 6:54 | — | — | 6:52 | — | — | 6:52 | — | — | 6:50 | — | — | 6:48 | — | — | |
— | 5:52 | — | — | 5:52 | — | — | 5:52 | — | — | 5:53 | — | — | 5:53 | — | — | 5:54 | — | — | 5:55 | — | |
mm | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
Temp °C | 17 | 17 | 15 | 17 | 18 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 14 | 16 | 18 | 16 | 18 | 17 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 13 | 16 | 16 | 13 |
Feels °C | 14 | 13 | 15 | 16 | 15 | 11 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 15 | 10 | 7 | 9 | 13 | 14 | 13 | 14 | 13 | 13 |
Swell 1 Height (m) Direction Period (s) | SW 13 | SW 13 | SW 13 | SW 13 | SW 12 | SW 12 | SW 13 | SW 13 | SW 13 | SW 12 | SW 12 | SSW 11 | SSW 11 | ENE 8 | SW 12 | SW 13 | SW 13 | SW 12 | SW 11 | SSW 11 | SW 12 |
1804 | 2356 | 3165 | 2536 | 2373 | 1292 | 5309 | 4527 | 2672 | 1638 | 1346 | 477 | 466 | 22 | 6070 | 4861 | 3727 | 2010 | 1317 | 575 | 1472 | |
Swell 2 Height (m) Direction Period (s) | E 10 | E 10 | E 10 | E 9 | E 9 | E 9 | E 8 | E 9 | E 8 | E 8 | E 8 | SW 11 | E 7 | — | — | — | — | — | E 9 | WSW 11 | WSW 12 |
100 | 69 | 48 | 44 | 27 | 26 | 23 | 13 | 6 | 6 | 5 | 439 | 27 | — | — | — | — | — | 2 | 504 | 193 | |
Swell 3 Height (m) Direction Period (s) | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | E 5 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | E 10 | S 13 |
— | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | 16 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | 2 | 32 | |
Wind waves Height (m) Direction Period (s) | — | — | — | — | — | SW 7 | — | — | — | — | — | — | WSW 6 | SW 10 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
— | — | — | — | — | 342 | — | — | — | — | — | — | 421 | 4306 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | |
Nearest Offshore or Glassy | |||||||||||||||||||||
Distance (km) | 0 | 0 | 52 | 0 | 140 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 52 | 30 | 140 | 0 | 143 | 595 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Best forecast wave conditions in Eastern Cape (South) | |||||||||||||||||||||
Best forecast wave conditions in South Africa | |||||||||||||||||||||
Header Global | |||||||||||||||||||||
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Information about the Tubes Surf forecast
The above surf forecast table for Tubes provides essential information for determining whether the surfing conditions will be good over the next 16 days. A general guide to surfing at Tubes can be found by selecting the local surf guide option on the grey menu. Our Tubes 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 (Tubes) 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 Tubes 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.
Tubes is 19 km (12 miles) from the city of Kruisfontein. If you plan a holiday in Eastern Cape (South), look for hotels and other accommodation in Kruisfontein. Kruisfontein has rooms for a wide range of budgets as well as car hire and transport links.











