Surf Forecasts:
Whangara surf forecast from 31 Aug 2026:
- Best quality surf: Wednesday 2 Sep, 12PM (local time) - 4ft (1.2m), 18s period, S swell with offshore winds.
- Most powerful swell: Wednesday 2 Sep, 12PM (local time) - 4ft (1.2m), 18s period, S swell with 895 kJ wave energy.
- Next surfable swell (1★+): Wednesday 2 Sep, 9AM (local time) - 3ft (0.9m), 18s period with S swell.
Best Forecast Surf Conditions for Whangara this week:
The surf forecast for Whangara over the next 16 days: The first swell (rated 1 star or higher) is forecast to arrive on Wednesday (Sep 02) at 9AM. The primary swell is predicted to be 0.9m and 18s period. The wind is predicted to be offshore as the swell arrives.
The most powerful waves expected at Whangara in the next 16 days are 1.2m 18s and forecast to arrive on Wednesday (Sep 02) at 12PM. Winds are predicted to be offshore at the time the swell arrives. The largest open ocean swell (not directed at the beach) is 3.5m 13s period and expected on Tuesday (Sep 01) at 9PM.
| Wave Type | Time (NZST) & Date | Wave Height & Period |
|---|---|---|
| Next good surf (1 star+) | 9AM (Wed 2nd Sep) | 3ft (0.9m) 18s |
| Best Surf | 12PM (Wed 2nd Sep) | 4ft (1.2m) 18s |
| Most Powerful | 12PM (Wed 2nd Sep) | 4ft (1.2m) 18s |
Table - best surf conditions forecast for Whangara over the next 16 days.
The Lowdown
Righto, let’s have a look at what’s on the cards for Whangara. There’s a bit of a flat start to kick things off, with the first real window of surf showing up on Wednesday the 2nd of September. That’s the one to get excited about. A solid groundswell pushes in, coming from the south at 3ft with a very long 18-second period—that’s proper energy, deep water stuff, and a combined energy reading of 528 (strong). The wind is offshore from the northwest at 9 mph, so it’ll be clean. Whangara is a beach and reef setup, so that long-period swell will focus nicely on the reef and points. It’s fairly exposed to the east-northeast, and the swell direction’s coming from the south, so it’ll wrap in alright. The water temp is about average for this time of year, nothing unusual there. This Wednesday morning is easily the standout of the whole outlook. The waves will be small for the more experienced crew, but for the majority, it’s a gem. Crowds are only sometimes, so you might have it quiet. The rest of the first week stays pretty small—mostly tiny dribbles under 2ft, even with clean offshore winds at times, it’s just not got enough push. By Wednesday the 9th, there’s another pulse: afternoon brings a 4ft south swell at 10 seconds, with clean northwest offshore wind—wave energy hits 273 (moderate), but it’s a single afternoon window, and the next day gets blown out by strong south winds. After that, it’s a long stretch of small, messy, or wind-affected conditions until Tuesday the 15th of September. That morning is another true standout: a 4ft south swell at 11 seconds, with glassy conditions—no wind, clean as a whistle. Combined energy hits 433 (strong). That’s the sort of morning you set the alarm for. The swell is heading straight for the reef, and with no wind, it’ll be silky. After that, the run fades out into the middle of the month with tiny, unexciting leftovers. The best calls are Wednesday the 2nd morning and Tuesday the 15th morning. Mark ’em. Rusty.
Short Range ForecastSome drizzle, heaviest during Tue morning. Very mild (max 19°C on Wed afternoon, min 6°C on Tue night). Wind will be generally light. | Days 5-7 Weather SummaryMostly dry. Very mild (max 17°C on Fri afternoon, min 9°C on Fri night). Wind will be generally light. | ||||||||||||||||||
Tuesday 1 | Wednesday 2 | Thursday 3 | Friday 4 | Saturday 5 | Sunday 6 | ||||||||||||||
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) | NE 10 | NE 10 | NE 10 | NE 9 | S 18 | NE 9 | NE 9 | ENE 10 | NE 10 | NE 10 | ENE 10 | ENE 10 | S 10 | S 10 | ENE 10 | ENE 10 | NNE 5 | ENE 10 | N 7 |
Wave Graph | |||||||||||||||||||
51 | 49 | 33 | 31 | 515 | 21 | 13 | 9 | 17 | 17 | 11 | 11 | 30 | 8 | 10 | 10 | 12 | 9 | 348 | |
Wind (km/h) | |||||||||||||||||||
Wind State on-shore cross-onshore cross-shore cross-offshore off-shore glassy | cross | cross | cross-on | off | off | off | off | off | off | off | off | off | cross-off | cross-off | cross | cross-off | off | cross-off | off |
High Tide | 8:39AM1.45m | 8:59PM1.50m | 9:25AM1.48m | 9:46PM1.50m | 10:13AM1.50m | 10:35PM1.49m | 11:04AM1.51m | 11:27PM1.48m | 11:59AM1.52m | 00:23AM1.46m | 12:56PM1.52m | 1:22AM1.45m | |||||||
Low Tide | 2:35AM0.15m | 2:53PM0.17m | 3:20AM0.14m | 3:41PM0.16m | 4:06AM0.13m | 4:31PM0.17m | 4:54AM0.13m | 5:23PM0.17m | 5:46AM0.13m | 6:17PM0.18m | 6:41AM0.14m | 7:15PM0.19m | |||||||
— | 6:30 | — | — | 6:28 | — | — | 6:26 | — | — | 6:24 | — | — | 6:24 | — | — | 6:22 | — | — | |
— | — | 5:44 | — | — | 5:45 | — | — | 5:45 | — | — | 5:46 | — | — | 5:47 | — | — | 5:49 | — | |
mm | — | 1 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | 3 |
Temp °C | 14 | 9 | 10 | 9 | 16 | 19 | 13 | 18 | 19 | 14 | 16 | 17 | 15 | 14 | 13 | 11 | 16 | 16 | 15 |
Feels °C | 7 | 4 | 6 | 3 | 13 | 16 | 8 | 15 | 16 | 10 | 12 | 13 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 8 | 12 | 11 | 12 |
Swell 1 Height (m) Direction Period (s) | SSW 12 | NE 10 | NE 10 | S 14 | S 13 | S 13 | S 14 | S 13 | S 13 | S 12 | S 11 | S 10 | NNE 4 | NNE 5 | S 8 | S 7 | NNE 5 | SSW 10 | NNE 6 |
1016 | 49 | 33 | 3728 | 2060 | 1359 | 2032 | 878 | 633 | 276 | 151 | 77 | 12 | 3 | 142 | 39 | 12 | 63 | 134 | |
Swell 2 Height (m) Direction Period (s) | NE 10 | NNW 9 | N 12 | NE 9 | S 18 | S 17 | NE 9 | ENE 10 | NE 10 | NE 10 | ENE 10 | ENE 10 | S 10 | S 10 | ENE 10 | SSW 12 | SSW 11 | ENE 10 | SSW 11 |
51 | 8 | 3 | 31 | 515 | 1311 | 13 | 9 | 17 | 17 | 11 | 11 | 30 | 8 | 10 | 29 | 42 | 9 | 22 | |
Swell 3 Height (m) Direction Period (s) | SE 11 | SE 12 | SE 11 | — | NE 9 | — | N 11 | SE 12 | N 11 | SE 11 | N 10 | S 18 | N 8 | N 9 | N 9 | ENE 10 | S 6 | S 6 | SSW 18 |
5 | 6 | 5 | — | 13 | — | 10 | 5 | 2 | 5 | 2 | 6 | 5 | 6 | 6 | 10 | 6 | 3 | 30 | |
Wind waves Height (m) Direction Period (s) | SSW 12 | S 13 | S 12 | — | — | NE 9 | — | WNW 3 | — | N 3 | N 3 | N 4 | W 3 | SSW 7 | — | N 3 | N 5 | N 4 | N 7 |
2068 | 2518 | 1954 | — | — | 21 | — | 1 | — | 1 | 3 | 18 | 2 | 70 | — | 5 | 35 | 36 | 348 | |
Nearest Offshore or Glassy | |||||||||||||||||||
Distance (km) | 24 | 28 | 28 | 11 | 0 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 12 | 11 | 11 | 55 | 11 | 62 | 13 | 13 | 11 | 0 |
Best forecast wave conditions in Gisborne and Mahia | |||||||||||||||||||
Best forecast wave conditions in New Zealand | |||||||||||||||||||
Header Global | |||||||||||||||||||
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Information about the Whangara Surf forecast
The above surf forecast table for Whangara provides essential information for determining whether the surfing conditions will be good over the next 16 days. A general guide to surfing at Whangara can be found by selecting the local surf guide option on the grey menu. Our Whangara 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 (Whangara) 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 Whangara 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 Gisborne and Mahia? If you are looking for accommodation near Whangara, camping, hotels and holiday cottages in Gisborne and Mahia, consider staying in Gisborne which is 22 km (14 miles) away.











