Surf Forecasts:
Waimarama surf forecast from 21 Aug 2026:
- Best quality surf: Monday 24 Aug, 12PM (local time) - 4.5ft (1.4m), 14s period, S swell with glassy winds.
- Most powerful swell: Monday 24 Aug, 3PM (local time) - 6ft (1.8m), 14s period, S swell with 1,172 kJ wave energy.
- Next surfable swell (1★+): Saturday 22 Aug, 9AM (local time) - 3.5ft (1.0m), 12s period with S swell.
Best Forecast Surf Conditions for Waimarama this week:
The surf forecast for Waimarama over the next 16 days: The first swell (rated 1 star or higher) is forecast to arrive on Saturday (Aug 22) at 9AM. The primary swell is predicted to be 1.0m and 12s period with a secondary swell of 0.4m and 9s. Another secondary swell of 0.3m and 4s is also forecast. The wind is predicted to be cross-offshore as the swell arrives.
The most powerful waves expected at Waimarama in the next 16 days are 1.8m 14s and forecast to arrive on Monday (Aug 24) at 3PM. Winds are predicted to be cross-shore at the time the swell arrives. The largest open ocean swell (not directed at the beach) is 0.9m 5s period and expected on Wednesday (Aug 26) at 6AM.
| Wave Type | Time (NZST) & Date | Wave Height & Period |
|---|---|---|
| Next good surf (1 star+) | 9AM (Sat 22nd Aug) | 3.5ft (1.0m) 12s |
| Best Surf | 12PM (Mon 24th Aug) | 4.5ft (1.4m) 14s |
| Most Powerful | 3PM (Mon 24th Aug) | 6ft (1.8m) 14s |
Table - best surf conditions forecast for Waimarama over the next 16 days.
The Lowdown
Right, folks, let’s have a look at what’s cooking for Waimarama over the next couple of weeks. It’s a mixed bag here, but there are a couple of windows that look really tasty.
The first few days are a bit of a write-off, to be honest. The swell is small and the wind is messy, so you’re not missing much. The real action kicks off on Monday, 24 August. That morning, we’ve got a solid 6ft swell from the SW, with a light cross-offshore breeze from the WNW. The wave energy is strong (820), and the waves are clean. Then, in the afternoon, it gets even better. The wind goes glassy, and the swell drops a touch to 6ft from the S, but the period is a lovely 13 seconds, and the energy jumps right up (1121). That’s the standout session of the whole run – clean, glassy, and plenty of punch.
Later in the week, Thursday, 27 August afternoon is another good one. The swell holds at 5ft from the S, with a 14-second period, clean cross-offshore winds, and strong energy (796). That’s a proper afternoon session.
Now, the second week gets a bit more serious. On Monday, 31 August, the swell jumps to 8ft from the SSW, but it’s a short-period 8-second swell, so it’s going to be lumpy and a bit messy with the cross-shore wind. It’s a big one, but it’s not the cleanest. Then, the real big stuff comes in on Wednesday, 2 September. That morning, the swell is a massive 12ft from the S, and the energy is absolutely pumping (2100). But the wind is cross-on, and honestly, for a spot like Waimarama, that’s a lot of water. This is only for very experienced crew. The next day, Thursday, 3 September, the morning looks excellent for experienced surfers – 7ft from the S, a 13-second period, and a clean offshore breeze from the WSW. The energy is still very strong (1680), but the wind makes it much more manageable and clean.
The water temperature is about average for the time of year, so you’ll be fine in a spring suit.
For the standout, it’s no contest: Monday, 24 August afternoon. That glassy, 6ft S swell with 13 seconds of period is a dream. Paddling out will be a breeze between sets, and the waves will be clean and lined up. For the more experienced surfers, Thursday, 3 September morning is a solid shout, but it’s a big swell, so choose your spot wisely.
Wind is the main player here; when it’s offshore, Waimarama can be a gem. When it’s onshore, it’s a choppy mess.
Rusty.
Short Range ForecastMostly dry. Very mild (max 18°C on Sun morning, min 9°C on Sat morning). Wind will be generally light. | Days 4-6 Weather SummaryMostly dry. Warm (max 20°C on Thu afternoon, min 10°C on Tue night). Wind will be generally light. | ||||||||||||||||||||
Saturday 22 | Sunday 23 | Monday 24 | Tuesday 25 | Wednesday 26 | Thursday 27 | Friday 28 | |||||||||||||||
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) | S 12 | S 11 | S 11 | S 10 | ESE 13 | ESE 13 | S 10 | S 14 | S 13 | S 12 | S 11 | S 10 | S 18 | S 15 | S 16 | S 14 | S 13 | S 12 | S 12 | S 12 | S 12 |
Wave Graph | |||||||||||||||||||||
264 | 199 | 146 | 73 | 57 | 33 | 78 | 1172 | 506 | 266 | 191 | 100 | 222 | 118 | 482 | 786 | 448 | 330 | 413 | 488 | 472 | |
Wind (km/h) | |||||||||||||||||||||
Wind State on-shore cross-onshore cross-shore cross-offshore off-shore glassy | cross-off | on | cross | cross-on | cross-off | cross-off | cross | cross | cross | cross-off | cross-off | cross-off | cross-off | glassy | glassy | cross | cross-off | cross-off | glassy | on | cross-off |
High Tide | 12:56PM1.36m | 1:18AM1.28m | 1:44PM1.34m | 2:05AM1.26m | 2:32PM1.34m | 2:52AM1.26m | 3:20PM1.35m | 3:40AM1.26m | 4:07PM1.37m | 4:27AM1.27m | 4:53PM1.39m | 5:13AM1.30m | 5:38PM1.41m | ||||||||
Low Tide | 7:12PM0.33m | 7:28AM0.32m | 8:00PM0.35m | 8:14AM0.33m | 8:48PM0.35m | 9:01AM0.32m | 9:36PM0.34m | 9:48AM0.30m | 10:24PM0.32m | 10:35AM0.28m | 11:11PM0.29m | 11:23AM0.25m | 11:58PM0.25m | ||||||||
6:50 | — | — | 6:48 | — | — | 6:48 | — | — | 6:46 | — | — | 6:45 | — | — | 6:43 | — | — | 6:41 | — | — | |
— | 5:38 | — | — | 5:39 | — | — | 5:40 | — | — | 5:42 | — | — | 5:43 | — | — | 5:44 | — | — | 5:44 | — | |
mm | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
Temp °C | 14 | 15 | 14 | 18 | 16 | 11 | 14 | 15 | 12 | 16 | 17 | 13 | 17 | 17 | 14 | 19 | 20 | 17 | 16 | 16 | 14 |
Feels °C | 11 | 12 | 9 | 12 | 11 | 6 | 12 | 12 | 9 | 13 | 15 | 9 | 16 | 16 | 12 | 17 | 18 | 15 | 13 | 14 | 12 |
Swell 1 Height (m) Direction Period (s) | S 12 | S 11 | S 11 | S 10 | NE 6 | SW 6 | S 10 | S 14 | S 13 | S 12 | S 11 | S 10 | S 9 | S 15 | S 12 | S 14 | S 13 | S 12 | S 12 | S 12 | S 12 |
264 | 199 | 146 | 73 | 16 | 10 | 78 | 1172 | 506 | 266 | 191 | 100 | 44 | 118 | 330 | 786 | 448 | 330 | 413 | 488 | 472 | |
Swell 2 Height (m) Direction Period (s) | SE 9 | ESE 9 | ESE 13 | ESE 13 | S 10 | ESE 13 | SSW 7 | ESE 13 | ESE 13 | ESE 13 | S 16 | SSW 15 | S 18 | S 9 | S 16 | ESE 12 | ENE 4 | S 16 | S 16 | SE 15 | NNE 4 |
22 | 8 | 34 | 34 | 50 | 33 | 42 | 34 | 35 | 17 | 48 | 71 | 222 | 25 | 482 | 14 | 1 | 246 | 186 | 8 | 4 | |
Swell 3 Height (m) Direction Period (s) | ENE 4 | E 14 | — | S 19 | ESE 13 | SSE 9 | ESE 13 | — | ESE 13 | NE 4 | ESE 13 | ESE 12 | ESE 13 | ESE 13 | ESE 12 | E 10 | ESE 12 | ENE 4 | ENE 5 | NE 10 | ESE 14 |
1 | 16 | — | 7 | 57 | 8 | 33 | — | 35 | 3 | 16 | 15 | 17 | 17 | 15 | 2 | 13 | 2 | 2 | 4 | 18 | |
Wind waves Height (m) Direction Period (s) | NNE 4 | NNE 2 | NNE 3 | NNE 5 | W 3 | — | — | — | — | N 4 | WSW 3 | — | SW 6 | SSE 4 | — | NE 3 | NE 4 | — | — | — | — |
3 | 1 | 1 | 26 | 4 | — | — | — | — | 7 | 1 | — | 31 | 5 | — | 4 | 3 | — | — | — | — | |
Nearest Offshore or Glassy | |||||||||||||||||||||
Distance (km) | 0 | 2 | 2 | 58 | 6 | 61 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 58 | 0 |
Best forecast wave conditions in Hawkes Bay | |||||||||||||||||||||
Best forecast wave conditions in New Zealand | |||||||||||||||||||||
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 Waimarama Surf forecast
The above surf forecast table for Waimarama provides essential information for determining whether the surfing conditions will be good over the next 16 days. A general guide to surfing at Waimarama can be found by selecting the local surf guide option on the grey menu. Our Waimarama 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 (Waimarama) 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 Waimarama 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.
Waimarama is 25 km (16 miles) from the city of Hastings. If you plan a holiday in Hawkes Bay, look for hotels and other accommodation in Hastings. Hastings has rooms for a wide range of budgets as well as car hire and transport links.











