
Surf Forecasts:
Zarautz surf forecast from 16 Sep 2026:
- Best quality surf: Saturday 19 Sep, 8AM (local time) - 7.5ft (2.3m), 13s period, NW swell with glassy winds.
- Most powerful swell: Friday 18 Sep, 11PM (local time) - 8ft (2.5m), 14s period, NW swell with 2,323 kJ wave energy.
- Next surfable swell (1★+): Thursday 17 Sep, 11PM (local time) - 4.5ft (1.3m), 10s period with NW swell.
Best Forecast Surf Conditions for Zarautz this week:
The surf forecast for Zarautz over the next 16 days: The first swell (rated 1 star or higher) is forecast to arrive on Thursday (Sep 17) at 11PM. The primary swell is predicted to be 1.3m and 10s period. The wind is predicted to be glassy as the swell arrives.
The most powerful waves expected at Zarautz in the next 16 days are 2.5m 14s and forecast to arrive on Friday (Sep 18) at 11PM. Winds are predicted to be cross-onshore at the time the swell arrives.
| Wave Type | Time (CEST) & Date | Wave Height & Period |
|---|---|---|
| Next good surf (1 star+) | 11PM (Thu 17th Sep) | 4.5ft (1.3m) 10s |
| Best Surf | 8AM (Sat 19th Sep) | 7.5ft (2.3m) 13s |
| Most Powerful | 11PM (Fri 18th Sep) | 8ft (2.5m) 14s |
Table - best surf conditions forecast for Zarautz over the next 16 days.
The Lowdown
Alright, Rusty here, checking in with the outlook for Zarautz.
The water’s sitting at a warm 74°, which is much warmer than usual for this time of year. The first few days are a write-off, we’re looking at a quiet start with no real surf to speak of. Wednesday the 16th is a total washout with rain and messy, poor surf. Thursday the 17th isn't much better – marginal at best and not worth paddling out for.
Friday the 18th Morning is where we finally see a glimmer. We’ve got a clean 4ft NW swell with glassy conditions and a light west breeze. The energy is moderate (310). It’s small but it’s clean, and for a beginner-friendly spot like Zarautz, that’s the kind of window you don’t want to miss. The break is very consistent and exposed to the NNW swell direction, and with a beginner difficulty, Friday morning is the standout for those looking for a safe, fun session.
Saturday the 21st and Monday the 23rd both offer glassy mornings with clean 5ft to 6ft NW swell and solid energy in the 570-657 range. The wind is off or glassy, making for beautiful lines. The period is a solid 12 seconds, bringing in some proper groundswell energy. These are the best quality windows for a confident surfer.
Tuesday the 24th is another good option with a clean 4ft NW swell, glassy conditions, and a 12-second period. The energy is moderate (414). This is a solid, clean swell for a relaxed session.
Wednesday the 25th morning is the real standout for the stronger surfer. We’ve got a 5ft NW swell with a very long 15-second period, clean conditions, and a light cross-offshore wind from the SE. The energy is strong (1103). That’s a powerful, lined-up groundswell and it’s going to be a treat. This is a day for the crew who know what they’re doing.
Saturday the 28th sees a new pulse of 5ft WNW swell with a 15-second period, clean and glassy in the morning with strong energy (899). This is another solid groundswell day, but it’s a weekend and crowds are often a thing at Zarautz, so expect some company.
Towards the end of the run, Wednesday the 30th is a no-go for paddle surfing. The swell jumps to a massive 10ft from the NW, which is well over the 8ft threshold for even experts. The combined energy is massive (1561-2637). With the wind onshore, that’s a kite-surfing setup, not a paddle-surfing one. The following days drop back down to more manageable but still onshore and choppy conditions.
The gap between the first real surf and the last decent wave is about 12 days, so there’s a quiet spell at the start, but the second week is where the action is. The later standouts are promising but less certain this far out.
Overall, the best bet for a clean, user-friendly wave is Friday 18th morning for beginners, and Wednesday 23rd morning for experienced surfers wanting quality.
Rusty.
Short Range ForecastLight rain (total 7mm), mostly falling on Wed morning. Warm (max 20°C on Wed afternoon, min 16°C on Fri morning). Wind will be generally light. | Days 4-6 Weather SummaryMostly dry. Warm (max 22°C on Mon afternoon, min 16°C on Sat night). Wind will be generally light. | ||||||||||||||||||||
Wednesday 16 | Thursday 17 | Friday 18 | Saturday 19 | Sunday 20 | Monday 21 | Tuesday 22 | |||||||||||||||
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 7 | NW 9 | NW 10 | NW 11 | NW 11 | NW 10 | NW 9 | NW 14 | NW 13 | NW 13 | NW 13 | NW 12 | NW 12 | NW 11 | NW 11 | NW 12 | NW 12 | NW 11 | NW 12 | NW 12 | NW 18 |
Wave Graph | |||||||||||||||||||||
180 | 328 | 520 | 716 | 548 | 348 | 220 | 1688 | 2288 | 1498 | 1154 | 748 | 699 | 629 | 496 | 650 | 573 | 398 | 396 | 349 | 607 | |
Wind (km/h) | |||||||||||||||||||||
Wind State on-shore cross-onshore cross-shore cross-offshore off-shore glassy | on | on | cross-on | cross-on | on | cross-on | glassy | cross-on | cross-on | cross-on | on | off | glassy | on | cross-off | glassy | glassy | cross-off | glassy | on | off |
High Tide | 8:08AM3.32m | 8:29PM3.13m | 8:43AM3.07m | 9:08PM2.83m | 9:27AM2.81m | 10:03PM2.56m | 10:34AM2.59m | 11:36PM2.39m | 12:24PM2.52m | 1:29AM2.44m | 1:56PM2.67m | 2:35AM2.65m | 2:50PM2.92m | 3:18AM2.89m | |||||||
Low Tide | 2:19PM0.65m | 2:35AM0.87m | 3:01PM0.94m | 3:18AM1.16m | 3:54PM1.23m | 4:16AM1.41m | 5:12PM1.43m | 5:47AM1.54m | 6:53PM1.43m | 7:23AM1.45m | 8:10PM1.24m | 8:27AM1.22m | 9:00PM0.98m | ||||||||
7:48 | — | — | 7:48 | — | — | 7:50 | — | — | 7:50 | — | — | 7:52 | — | — | 7:54 | — | — | 7:54 | — | — | |
— | 8:17 | — | — | 8:15 | — | — | 8:14 | — | — | 8:12 | — | — | 8:09 | — | — | 8:08 | — | — | 8:07 | — | |
mm | 2 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 1 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
Temp °C | 19 | 20 | 18 | 18 | 20 | 18 | 18 | 19 | 19 | 18 | 20 | 18 | 19 | 21 | 19 | 21 | 22 | 21 | 21 | 22 | 20 |
Feels °C | 17 | 18 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 18 | 18 | 18 | 20 | 19 | 19 | 18 | 20 | 21 | 20 | 21 | 21 | 21 | 22 | 23 | 20 |
Swell 1 Height (m) Direction Period (s) | NNW 7 | NW 9 | NW 10 | NW 11 | NW 11 | NW 10 | NW 9 | NW 14 | NW 13 | NW 13 | NW 13 | NW 12 | NW 12 | NW 11 | NW 11 | NW 12 | NW 12 | NW 11 | NW 12 | NW 12 | NW 18 |
180 | 328 | 520 | 716 | 548 | 348 | 220 | 1688 | 2288 | 1498 | 1154 | 748 | 699 | 629 | 496 | 650 | 573 | 398 | 396 | 349 | 607 | |
Swell 2 Height (m) Direction Period (s) | NW 10 | — | NW 12 | — | — | — | NW 12 | — | — | — | — | — | NNE 4 | — | NW 14 | NNE 4 | — | N 5 | N 5 | N 5 | NW 11 |
92 | — | 181 | — | — | — | 53 | — | — | — | — | — | 3 | — | 65 | 7 | — | 18 | 18 | 12 | 233 | |
Swell 3 Height (m) Direction Period (s) | — | — | — | — | — | — | NW 15 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | NW 20 | N 6 |
— | — | — | — | — | — | 37 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | 63 | 39 | |
Wind waves Height (m) Direction Period (s) | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
— | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | |
Nearest Offshore or Glassy | |||||||||||||||||||||
Distance (km) | 45 | 45 | 45 | 12 | 35 | 2 | 0 | 35 | 36 | 5 | 45 | 0 | 0 | 45 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 35 | 0 |
Best forecast wave conditions in Pais Vasco | |||||||||||||||||||||
Best forecast wave conditions in Spain (Europe) | |||||||||||||||||||||
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Information about the Zarautz Surf forecast
The above surf forecast table for Zarautz provides essential information for determining whether the surfing conditions will be good over the next 16 days. A general guide to surfing at Zarautz can be found by selecting the local surf guide option on the grey menu. Our Zarautz 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 (Zarautz) 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 Zarautz 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.
Zarautz is 1 km (1 miles) from Zarautz. If you plan a holiday in Pais Vasco, look for hotels and other accommodation in Zarautz. Zarautz has rooms for a wide range of budgets as well as car hire and transport links.










