# Swell Otter: full spot guides > Swell Otter is a free surf forecast for the UK, made by a UK company with no ads. Live forecasts, tides and guides are free; optional Premium unlocks every surf cam. This file holds the full text of every Swell Otter spot guide, for AI assistants and search tools. Each section links its source page; please cite that page. Generated 2026-11-09. ### What is Swell Otter? Swell Otter is a free surf forecast for the UK, made by a UK company with no ads. Live forecasts, tides and guides are free; optional Premium unlocks every surf cam. It forecasts 203 surf breaks across England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, with an hourly forecast for the next 7 days, a star rating for every hour, tides, sunrise and sunset, surf cams where there are any, and a long-form guide to each break. ### Is Swell Otter free? Yes. Every live forecast, guide and swell alert is free to use, with no ads. It is paid for by surfers who chip in for a coffee, or join Swell Otter Premium (£9.99 a month after a 5-day free trial), which unlocks every surf cam. Historical forecasts for every break since 2016 are free too. See swellotter.com/support. ### Where does the forecast data come from? Wave and swell forecasts come from the Open-Meteo marine API, which is built on the ECMWF WAM wave model and other national weather services. Wind and air temperature come from the Open-Meteo weather API. The wind model check compares Met Office, ECMWF, ICON-EU, Météo-France and GFS. Tides are a model estimate of sea level from Open-Meteo, shifted to chart datum so they line up with UK tide tables. ### How often is the forecast updated? Swell Otter fetches fresh model data for each break at least once an hour. The weather and wave models behind it publish new runs a few times a day, so the numbers move most after each new run. ### How does the Swell Otter star rating work? Each hour gets 0 to 5 stars, mostly from the swell period and the wind. A longer period is worth up to 2.5 stars and a clean wind (calm, or offshore up to 15 knots) up to 2.5; onshore wind is worth almost nothing. Size decides whether there is anything to ride and sets a ceiling: under 1 ft of breaking face is 0 stars, 1 to 2 ft can score at most 2 and 2 to 3 ft at most 4. The breaking face is estimated from the swell height, period and direction. Stars lost to wind are shown faded, so you can see when a good swell is being spoiled. ### How accurate are the surf heights? They are model estimates, not observations. The forecast is usually right about the trend (building, dropping, onshore, offshore) a few days out, but local sandbanks, reefs and tide can make a break bigger or smaller than the number. Always look at the beach before you paddle out. ### Which UK surf spots does Swell Otter cover? Fistral, Watergate Bay, Sennen, Porthleven, Summerleaze, Bude, Widemouth Bay, Polzeath, Constantine Bay, Harlyn Bay, Mawgan Porth, Crantock, Holywell Bay, Perranporth, Porthtowan, Gwithian and Godrevy, Porthmeor, St Ives, Praa Sands, Poldhu Cove, Whitsand Bay, Gwenver, St Agnes, Chapel Porth, Treyarnon Bay, Trevone Bay, Towan, Tolcarne, Lusty Glaze, Crooklets, Sandymouth, Trebarwith Strand, Gunwalloe, Kennack Sands, Portwrinkle, Portreath, Porthcothan, Summerleaze, Millook, Tregantle, Polurrian Cove, Long Rock, Croyde, Bantham, Woolacombe, Putsborough, Saunton Sands, Westward Ho!, Lynmouth, Challaborough, Wembury, Downend, Hope Cove, Thurlestone, Speke's Mill, Bovisand, West Bay, Kimmeridge Bay, Boscombe, Bournemouth, Compton Bay, Hayling Island, East Wittering, Brighton, Camber Sands, Joss Bay, Southbourne, Highcliffe, Shoreham, Seaford, Freshwater Bay, Bracklesham Bay, Worthing, Cromer, East Runton, Walcott, Sea Palling, Gorleston, Overstrand, Sheringham, Mundesley, Staithes, Sandsend, Whitby, Scarborough North Bay, Cayton Bay, Filey, Fraisthorpe, Runswick Bay, Bridlington, Robin Hood's Bay, Hornsea, Saltburn, Tynemouth Longsands, Redcar, Seaton Carew, Seaburn, Sunderland, Sandhaven, South Shields, Whitley Bay, Blyth South Beach, Druridge Bay, Alnmouth, Embleton Bay, Bamburgh, Cullercoats, Newbiggin, Beadnell, Seaham, Amble, Blackpool, Seascale, St Bees, Silecroft, Freshwater West, Rest Bay, Porthcawl, Llantwit Major, Southerndown, Aberavon, Langland Bay, Caswell Bay, Llangennith, Manorbier, Broad Haven, Newgale, Whitesands Bay, Aberystwyth, Hell's Mouth (Porth Neigwl), Porth Ceiriad, Aberdaron, Rhosneigr, Aberffraw, Rhossili, Oxwich Bay, Hunts Bay, Freshwater East, Marloes Sands, Broad Haven South, Poppit Sands, Llangrannog, Black Rock Sands, Porth Oer, Trearddur Bay, Ogmore-by-Sea, Tenby South Beach, West Angle Bay, Druidston, Abereiddi, Borth, Harlech, Thurso East, Pease Bay, Brims Ness, Dunnet Bay, Melvich, Strathy Bay, Torrisdale Bay, Balnakeil, Durness, Sandwood Bay, Bay of Skaill, Orkney, Barvas, Lewis, Dalmore, Lewis, Scarista, Harris, Balevullin, Tiree, Machrihanish, Lossiemouth, Sandend, Fraserburgh, Aberdeen Beach, St Andrews West Sands, Belhaven Bay, Coldingham Bay, Sandside, Farr Bay, Skirza, Machir Bay, Westport, Thorntonloch, Cruden Bay, Stonehaven, Eoropie, Mangersta, Sinclair's Bay, Brora, Balmedie, Lunan Bay, Kingsbarns, Achmelvich, Big Sand, Whiterocks, Portrush, West Strand, Portrush, Portstewart Strand, Castlerock, Benone Strand, Ballycastle, Tyrella, East Strand, Portballintrae, Whitepark Bay, St Ouen's Bay, Jersey, Plémont, Jersey, Vazon Bay, Guernsey, Portinfer, Guernsey, Le Pulec, Jersey, Perelle Bay, Guernsey, Grève de Lecq, Jersey and Pembroke Bay, Guernsey. More breaks are being added. --- # Fistral (Cornwall) Forecast: https://swellotter.com/spot/fistral Guide: https://swellotter.com/surf/fistral Location: 50.42, -5.13 Fistral is a beachbreak in Cornwall, England. It works best on a west-north-west swell with a south-east wind, which blows offshore there. Best tide: all tides, best from low to mid. It suits beginner, intermediate and advanced surfers. It is usually at its best in January, February and March. The sea ranges from about 10°C to 17°C over the year. In three years of Open-Meteo data (2023 to 2025), Fistral had rideable surf (2+ stars) on 75% of days and good surf (3+ stars) on 39%, was flat on 6% and 8ft or bigger on 15%. The most consistent month is February (94% of days rideable) and the quietest is July (47%). A typical winter day's best surf is about 6.3ft against 3.1ft in summer, the wind blows offshore for 4+ daylight hours on 28% of days, the average wind is 11.5 knots and about 1452mm of rain falls a year. ## Overview WaveBeachbreakPeaks · sand AbilityBeginner, Intermediate, Advanced ConsistencyHigh CrowdsAlways Best swellWNWfrom 295° Best windSEoffshore ### Positives - Picks up most Atlantic swell - Lifeguards and surf schools - Cafes, showers and hire on the sand - Easy to reach by train ### Negatives - Busy from Easter to October - Messy in the usual SW wind - Rips beside the headland - Pricey parking in summer Every surf nation has its shop window. Ours is a curve of sand on the wrong side of Newquay, wedged between two headlands and pointed straight at the Atlantic. Fistral is where British surfing goes to be seen, where the contests land and the camper vans idle, and where half the country caught its first wave. It earns the fame the hard way: if there is swell anywhere out west, Fistral finds it. That reliability is the whole story, good and bad. The beach works more days than almost anywhere in England, and everyone knows it. Turn up on a sunny Saturday in August and you'll share a peak with a surf school, two longboards and somebody's dog. Turn up on a grey Tuesday in October with a light south-easterly and you might wonder why you ever surfed anywhere else. ## The break lowdown ### The wave Fistral is a sand-bottomed beachbreak, which means the waves are only as good as the banks underneath. Winter storms shove those banks around, so the best peaks move from one season to the next. Don't trust last year's spot. Walk the beach, watch for ten minutes and paddle out where the sets are peeling, not where the crowd is. The bay has three moods. North Fistral, tucked under the headland, holds the most shape and throws the odd hollow right when the swell and banks line up. It is also where the rip lives, so it rewards confident surfers and punishes the rest. The middle of the beach is the all-rounder, with A-frame peaks that suit most people most of the time. The south end is softer and friendlier, the natural home of the learners and longboarders. If there is swell anywhere in the Bay of Biscay or further out, there is usually something to ride here. Size-wise, Fistral handles a good range. It's at its best from waist high to a couple of feet overhead. Past that, the middle of the bay starts to close out and paddling out turns into a long, humbling workout. ### Who it suits Everybody, in the right spot at the right time. Beginners should head for the south end or the middle between the lifeguard flags and book a lesson; there are surf schools right on the sand. Improvers will get plenty of waves in the middle of the bay on a mid-sized swell. Experienced surfers will want North Fistral on a low-to-mid tide with a clean south-east breeze, ideally on a weekday. ## When to go ### Swell, wind and tide The recipe is simple: a WNW swell with some period behind it and a SE wind, which blows offshore and grooms the whole bay. It works at all tides, best from low to mid. Low to mid usually brings more push and better shape off the banks. The catch is the wind. The prevailing south-westerly is cross to onshore here, so the classic days come when high pressure sits over the country and the breeze swings east. That happens most often in spring and autumn, which is why locals guard those months jealously. ## Cheat sheet: when Fistral fires SwellWNW WindSE (offshore) TideAll tides, best from low to mid Best monthsJanuary, February and March Sea temp10°C to 17°C Wetsuit5/4 with boots in winter, 3/2 in summer (month by month) Check today's conditions → ### Season by season Over three years (2023 to 2025), Fistral has had a surfable session on roughly 90% of winter days and 51% of summer days. The best months are usually January, February and March. The sea runs from around 10°C at the end of winter to 17°C in late summer. Autumn is the sweet spot. The water is still holding its summer warmth, the first Atlantic lows start rolling in and the holiday crowds have gone home. Winter brings the most swell and the most power, but also the most wind and some days that are simply too big and messy for the bay. Spring is cold in the water but often clean, with easterly spells that groom long, lined-up days. Summer is small, busy and fun, a learner's paradise and a test of patience for everyone else. Jan89%10° Feb94%10° Mar89%10° Apr77%11° May70%13° Jun50%16° Jul47%17° Aug55%17° Sep83%16° Oct83%15° Nov78%13° Dec86%12° Top row: share of days with at least one 2-star session in daylight. Bottom row: average sea temperature in °C. From three years (2023 to 2025) of Open-Meteo history, rated with the same maths as our forecasts. ## Weather and water | | | Winter | Spring | Summer | Autumn | Surfable days | 90% | 79% | 51% | 81% | Typical surf | 6ft | 4ft | 3ft | 4ft | Offshore days | 28% | 32% | 15% | 35% | Sea temp | 11°C | 11°C | 17°C | 15°C | Wetsuit | 5/4, boots | 5/4, boots | 3/2 | 4/3 | Air, day high | 10°C | 13°C | 19°C | 15°C | Air, night low | 6°C | 8°C | 14°C | 11°C | Rain a month | 138mm | 99mm | 102mm | 146mm | Wet days a month | 17 | 16 | 19 | 20 Pack a 5/4 with boots for winter and a 3/2 for summer. Seasonal averages from three years (2023 to 2025) of Open-Meteo history for this break. ## Travel information ### Getting there and where to stay Follow the A30 then the A392 into Newquay and keep going to the west side of town. Newquay station is about a 20 minute walk away and the airport is around 15 minutes by car. Park pay-and-display on Headland Road above the beach or at the smaller car park at the south end, and come early on summer weekends. Newquay has every kind of bed, from surf hostels and campsites to big headland hotels, but July and August book out fast. ### Getting around Newquay is compact enough to walk. Fistral, Towan and Great Western are all within half an hour on foot of each other, and Watergate Bay is a short drive or summer bus ride north. A car makes it easy to chase the wind to other beaches along the north coast. ## Off the water Walk the South West Coast Path out to the headland for the best view of the line-up, then on round to Pentire and the Gannel estuary. Newquay town has cafes, pubs and surf shops on every corner, and the harbour is a good spot for a pasty while you wait for the tide. ## Hazards The big one is the rip beside the headland at North Fistral, which pulls hardest on a dropping tide. If you're not sure, stay between the black and white flags when the lifeguards are on. The other hazard is people. Crowded line-ups mean loose boards, dropped-in waves and short tempers. Pick a peak that matches your level, don't paddle straight to the inside and give the locals some room when it's good. ## Handy hints - Check the headland from the car park before you suit up. If North Fistral is packed, the middle of the bay often has the same waves and half the crowd. - Surf the first hour of light in summer. The beach is quiet and the wind is usually lightest. - On a dropping tide, stay clear of the water beside the headland. - If you're in Newquay for a week, the town beaches are your backup for big, windy days. ## Nearby breaks If it's too big or too windy, Newquay's town beaches, Towan and Great Western, sit in the lee of the headland and can offer smaller, cleaner waves. Little Fistral, beneath the headland, only shows up at low tide. A few miles north, Watergate Bay spreads the crowds over two miles of sand. And when the south-westerly is howling, think about the south coast: Porthleven loves a north wind, if you're good enough. Whatever you decide, check the live Fistral forecast before you load the car. It rates every hour of the week with the same maths behind this guide. ### What conditions does Fistral need? Fistral works best on a west-north-west swell with a south-east wind, which blows offshore there. It is a beachbreak with shifting peaks over sand, and rides run about 50 to 100m. Best tide: All tides, best from low to mid. In 2023–2025 the wind blew offshore for 4+ daylight hours on 28% of days, and Fistral had rideable surf (2+ stars) on 75% of days. ### When is the best time to surf Fistral? March is the most reliable month at Fistral: in 2023–2025 it had good surf (3+ stars) on 62% of days. The best run of months is February, March and October, and winter (December to February) is the strongest season overall. Offshore winds are most common in October, when they blow for 4+ daylight hours on 43% of days. For good winter days, Fistral ranks 12th of the 40 Cornwall breaks we track. Winter often gets too big: 33% of December to February days were 8ft or more. ### Is Fistral good for surfing in summer? Often not: Fistral was flat on 16% of June to August days in 2023–2025, so keep a summer trip flexible. Good (3+ star) days made up 16% of summer, and August was the best summer month (55% rideable). The sea reaches about 17°C by late summer. For summer consistency it ranks 11th of the 40 Cornwall breaks we track. ### What wetsuit do I need at Fistral? At Fistral you need a 5/4 from December to April, a 4/3 in May and from October to November and a 3/2 from June to September. Wear boots through the 5/4 months, and add a hood and gloves from February to March, when the sea is under 10°C. In August a spring suit will do on warm days. In February, the coldest month, Fistral had good surf on 61% of days, against 16% in August. The sea is coldest in February at about 10°C and warmest in August at about 17°C, while the air reaches about 10°C on a February afternoon. ### How big do the waves get at Fistral? On a typical day the best surf at Fistral is about 6.3ft in winter and 3.1ft in summer. It was 8ft or bigger on 15% of days in 2023–2025, most often in January. It was flat on 6% of days, most often in June. ### Is Fistral good for beginners? Yes, on small days. Fistral has sandy footing and spots for learners, but it gets powerful as the swell builds. Lifeguards and surf schools. The gentlest months that still have surf are May, June and July. ### Is it safe to surf at Fistral? Yes when it's small, but know this. Strong rips run beside the headland at North Fistral, especially on a dropping tide. Surf between the black and white flags when the lifeguards are on, and expect a crowded line-up. Lifeguards cover it in season (check RNLI dates). ### How busy does Fistral get? Very busy: one of the most crowded breaks in the UK. Busy from Easter to October. For more room, try Porthcothan (12 km away) and Chapel Porth (15 km away). ### Where do you park for Fistral? Pay and display on Headland Road above the beach, plus a smaller car park at the south end. Arrive early on summer weekends. ### Are there toilets and cafes at Fistral? Facilities are thin: OpenStreetMap maps no toilets or cafes within about a kilometre of Fistral, so bring water and food. Cafes, showers and hire on the sand. ### How do I get to Fistral? Follow the A30 then the A392 into Newquay. Newquay station is a 20 minute walk and Cornwall Airport Newquay is about 15 minutes away by car. No bus stops are mapped within a kilometre, so most people drive. ### Where can I stay near Fistral? Newquay has everything from surf hostels and campsites to big hotels on the headland. Book well ahead for July and August. ### Where else can I surf near Fistral? Close to Fistral: Little Fistral (low tide only), Towan and Great Western in town, and Watergate Bay a few miles north. --- # Watergate Bay (Cornwall) Forecast: https://swellotter.com/spot/watergate Guide: https://swellotter.com/surf/watergate Location: 50.45, -5.08 Watergate Bay is a beachbreak in Cornwall, England. It works best on a west-north-west swell with an east wind, which blows offshore there. Best tide: low to mid; the beach almost disappears at high tide. It suits beginner and intermediate surfers. It is usually at its best in January, February and March. The sea ranges from about 10°C to 18°C over the year. In three years of Open-Meteo data (2023 to 2025), Watergate Bay had rideable surf (2+ stars) on 69% of days and good surf (3+ stars) on 31%, was flat on 7% and 8ft or bigger on 13%. The most consistent month is January (89% of days rideable) and the quietest is June (38%). A typical winter day's best surf is about 6.1ft against 3ft in summer, the wind blows offshore for 4+ daylight hours on 21% of days, the average wind is 11.5 knots and about 1452mm of rain falls a year. ## Overview WaveBeachbreakPeaks · sand AbilityBeginner, Intermediate ConsistencyHigh CrowdsSometimes Best swellWNWfrom 285° Best windEoffshore ### Positives - Two miles of sand to spread out on - Gentle, forgiving waves for learning - Lifeguards in season - Less hectic than Newquay town beaches ### Negatives - Closes out once it gets overhead - Onshore in the usual SW wind - Little beach left at high water - Parking fills on sunny days Some beaches make you fight for your waves. Watergate Bay just hands you more beach. Two miles of flat sand run north from Newquay under tall slate cliffs, and the swell spreads along all of it. On a day when Fistral feels like a queue, a ten minute walk up Watergate usually buys you a peak with nobody on it. That's the deal here: room, friendliness and a gentle learning curve. What you trade for it is punch. Watergate isn't where you go to get barrelled. It's where you go to catch a lot of waves, teach your kids, or surf with your mates without anyone getting snaked. ## The break lowdown ### The wave Watergate is an open, sand-bottomed beachbreak with shifting peaks scattered along the bay. Because the beach is so long and flat, the waves tend to break in softer, rolling lines that give you time to get to your feet. On a decent swell with clean conditions, the banks throw up plenty of rights and lefts that reward a good bottom turn without punishing a late one. On a busy day you can usually walk up the sand and find a peak to yourself. The limit is size. Once the swell gets overhead, the banks struggle to hold it and the whole bay turns into one long wall of white water. Paddling out becomes a slog and the rides get shorter. Watergate is at its best from knee to head high, which is exactly what a lot of surfers want most of the time anyway. ### Who it suits Beginners and improvers will love it. There are lifeguards in season, the waves are forgiving and the sheer width of the bay means you're not dodging surfers every time you stand up. Families get loads of space on the sand. Experienced surfers will enjoy it on a clean, mid-sized day, but on a big swell they'll be better off somewhere that holds the size. ## When to go ### Swell, wind and tide Look for a WNW swell and a E wind, which blows offshore and smooths out the faces. South-east is fine too. The best tide is low to mid; the beach almost disappears at high tide, and that matters more here than at most spots. On big spring tides the sea comes right up to the cliffs and there's almost no beach left. The prevailing south-westerly is onshore, so many summer afternoons are lumpy. Get in early, before the sea breeze fills in, and you'll often find the cleanest water of the day. ## Cheat sheet: when Watergate Bay fires SwellWNW WindE (offshore) TideLow to mid; the beach almost disappears at high tide Best monthsJanuary, February and March Sea temp10°C to 18°C Wetsuit5/4 with boots in winter, 3/2 in summer (month by month) Check today's conditions → ### Season by season Watergate has had a surfable session on about 84% of winter days over the last decade, dropping to around 40% in summer. The best months are usually January, February and March, and the sea warms from about 10°C to 18°C through the year. Autumn is the pick, with warm water, steady swells and easterly spells. Winter brings plenty of swell, but on the biggest days the bay maxes out, so treat it as a smaller-day option. Spring is cold but often clean. Summer is small and friendly, perfect for lessons, family sessions and longboards. Jan89%10° Feb84%10° Mar85%10° Apr76%11° May67%13° Jun38%16° Jul40%17° Aug43%18° Sep72%17° Oct78%15° Nov77%13° Dec80%12° Top row: share of days with at least one 2-star session in daylight. Bottom row: average sea temperature in °C. From three years (2023 to 2025) of Open-Meteo history, rated with the same maths as our forecasts. ## Weather and water | | | Winter | Spring | Summer | Autumn | Surfable days | 84% | 76% | 40% | 76% | Typical surf | 6ft | 4ft | 3ft | 4ft | Offshore days | 25% | 28% | 9% | 22% | Sea temp | 11°C | 11°C | 17°C | 15°C | Wetsuit | 5/4, boots | 5/4, boots | 3/2 | 4/3 | Air, day high | 10°C | 13°C | 19°C | 15°C | Air, night low | 6°C | 8°C | 14°C | 11°C | Rain a month | 138mm | 99mm | 102mm | 146mm | Wet days a month | 17 | 16 | 19 | 20 Pack a 5/4 with boots for winter and a 3/2 for summer. Seasonal averages from three years (2023 to 2025) of Open-Meteo history for this break. ## Travel information ### Getting there and where to stay Take the B3276 coast road north out of Newquay for about three miles. Buses run along the coast road from Newquay in summer. There are pay car parks at the main entrance to the beach, but they fill up on sunny weekends, so come early. There's a hotel and holiday lets right on the beach, plus plenty of campsites and B&Bs between Watergate and Mawgan Porth. ### Getting around Watergate Bay is about three miles from Newquay, so a car or the summer bus along the coast road is the easiest way in. Once you're there, everything is on the beach, and the long walk up the sand is the best way to find an empty peak. ## Off the water The South West Coast Path runs along the cliff top in both directions, with Mawgan Porth to the north and Bedruthan Steps a little further on. There are cafes and a beach hotel by the main slipway, and Newquay's bars and restaurants are a ten minute drive away. ## Hazards The main danger is the tide. If you walk up the beach to find an empty peak, keep an eye on the water, because it comes right up to the cliffs and can cut you off. Rips form beside the rocks at both ends of the bay. Surf between the flags when the lifeguards are on, and watch out for learners in the white water. Everyone was one once. ## Handy hints - Time your session for the lower half of the tide. At high tide there's very little beach left. - Walk away from the slipway. The further up the beach you go, the quieter it gets. - Don't bother on a big, stormy swell. Fistral or a more sheltered spot will be better. - In summer, surf early before the afternoon onshore breeze sets in. ## Nearby breaks If it's too big and closing out, head south to Fistral, which holds more size, especially under the headland. Mawgan Porth, just north, is a smaller bay that can offer a little shelter. And if the north coast is blown out by a northerly, check the south coast: Porthleven is the expert option, and Bantham in South Devon the friendlier one. Before you go, check the live Watergate Bay forecast for the best hours of the day. ### What conditions does Watergate Bay need? Watergate Bay works best on a west-north-west swell with an east wind, which blows offshore there. It is a beachbreak with shifting peaks over sand, and rides run about 50 to 100m. Best tide: Low to mid; the beach almost disappears at high tide. In 2023–2025 the wind blew offshore for 4+ daylight hours on 21% of days, and Watergate Bay had rideable surf (2+ stars) on 69% of days. ### When is the best time to surf Watergate Bay? February is the most reliable month at Watergate Bay: in 2023–2025 it had good surf (3+ stars) on 52% of days. The best run of months is January, February and March, and winter (December to February) is the strongest season overall. Offshore winds are most common in April, when they blow for 4+ daylight hours on 33% of days. For good winter days, Watergate Bay ranks 23rd of the 40 Cornwall breaks we track. Winter often gets too big: 30% of December to February days were 8ft or more. ### Is Watergate Bay good for surfing in summer? Often not: Watergate Bay was flat on 18% of June to August days in 2023–2025, so keep a summer trip flexible. Good (3+ star) days made up 11% of summer, and August was the best summer month (43% rideable). The sea reaches about 18°C by late summer. For summer consistency it ranks 25th of the 40 Cornwall breaks we track. ### What wetsuit do I need at Watergate Bay? At Watergate Bay you need a 5/4 from December to April, a 4/3 in May and in November and a 3/2 from June to October. Wear boots through the 5/4 months, and add a hood and gloves from February to March, when the sea is under 10°C. From July to August a spring suit will do on warm days. In February, the coldest month, Watergate Bay had good surf on 52% of days, against 12% in August. The sea is coldest in February at about 10°C and warmest in August at about 18°C, while the air reaches about 10°C on a February afternoon. ### How big do the waves get at Watergate Bay? On a typical day the best surf at Watergate Bay is about 6.1ft in winter and 3ft in summer. It was 8ft or bigger on 13% of days in 2023–2025, most often in January. It was flat on 7% of days, most often in June. ### Is Watergate Bay good for beginners? Yes. Watergate Bay is one of the better places to learn in North Cornwall, with sand underfoot and gentle whitewater on small days. The gentlest months that still have surf are May and July. ### Is it safe to surf at Watergate Bay? Yes when it's small, but know this. The tide comes right up to the cliffs, so keep an eye on it if you walk along the sand. Rips form near the rocks at either end. Lifeguards cover it in season (check RNLI dates). ### How busy does Watergate Bay get? Busy at times. For more room, try Porthcothan (8 km away) and Trevone Bay (13 km away). ### Where do you park for Watergate Bay? Pay car parks at the main entrance to the beach. They fill on sunny weekends, so come early. ### How do I get to Watergate Bay? Take the B3276 coast road north out of Newquay for about 3 miles. Buses run along the coast road from Newquay in summer. No bus stops are mapped within a kilometre, so most people drive. ### Where can I stay near Watergate Bay? There is a hotel and holiday lets right on the beach, and plenty of campsites and B&Bs between here and Mawgan Porth. ### Where else can I surf near Watergate Bay? When Watergate Bay isn't working, these nearby breaks often are: Lusty Glaze (3 km away) is offshore in a south wind, Tolcarne (4 km away) is offshore in a south wind and Towan (4 km away) is offshore in a south wind. Also close by: Mawgan Porth just to the north and Fistral to the south. --- # Sennen (Cornwall) Forecast: https://swellotter.com/spot/sennen Guide: https://swellotter.com/surf/sennen Location: 50.07, -5.73 Sennen is a beachbreak in Cornwall, England. It works best on a west swell with an east wind, which blows offshore there. Best tide: all tides, with different banks working through the tide. It suits beginner, intermediate and advanced surfers. It is usually at its best in January, March and December. The sea ranges from about 10°C to 17°C over the year. In three years of Open-Meteo data (2023 to 2025), Sennen had rideable surf (2+ stars) on 63% of days and good surf (3+ stars) on 29%, was flat on 6% and 8ft or bigger on 15%. The most consistent month is January (87% of days rideable) and the quietest is July (30%). A typical winter day's best surf is about 6.2ft against 3.2ft in summer, the wind blows offshore for 4+ daylight hours on 22% of days, the average wind is 12.9 knots and about 1387mm of rain falls a year. ## Overview WaveBeachbreakPeaks · sand AbilityBeginner, Intermediate, Advanced ConsistencyHigh CrowdsSometimes Best swellWfrom 265° Best windEoffshore ### Positives - Cornwall's most reliable swell magnet - Some shelter at the harbour end - Beautiful, clear water - Lifeguards in season ### Negatives - A long drive to the end of the county - Can be big and heavy in winter - Gwynver end has strong currents - Small harbour car park Drive west until the A30 runs out of road and you'll find Sennen. It sits in Whitesand Bay, a few minutes from Land's End, facing open ocean with nothing between it and the Atlantic. When the rest of the north coast is lake-flat in July, this is where west Cornwall goes looking for a wave, and more often than not finds one. Sennen is a beach of two halves and a lot of character. One end is a gentle nursery under the harbour wall. The other end is a powerful, current-swept stretch that can get very serious in winter. Between them, there's something for nearly everyone, as long as you know which end you're at. ## The break lowdown ### The wave Sennen is a sand-bottomed beachbreak, but its exposure gives it more punch than most. The bay picks up swell from the west and wraps a little of it around the harbour, so the size drops as you walk south towards the cove. Near the harbour, the waves are smaller and softer, which makes it a natural spot for lessons and first green waves. The middle of the bay takes more swell and has more push, with peaks that shift with the banks. Up at the Gwynver end to the north, the waves pick up even more power, and so do the currents. Different banks switch on through the tide, so it can work at any stage, but each section has its own best moment. When the rest of the north coast is small, Sennen often has waves. On big winter swells, the bay can get heavy, with long hold-downs and currents that pull hard along the beach. ### Who it suits Beginners should stay near the harbour, where the waves are smaller and there are lifeguards in season. Intermediates will find plenty of peaks in the middle of the bay on a moderate swell. Experienced surfers will enjoy the punchier waves at Gwynver and the middle on a solid, clean day, especially in autumn. ## When to go ### Swell, wind and tide Sennen likes a W swell, and its open aspect means it'll show anything from the west. The magic wind is E, which blows straight offshore. It works at all tides, with different banks working through the tide, so if one bank isn't working, wait an hour or walk the beach. Because it's so exposed, Sennen is the first place to check on small days and the last place to go on stormy ones. When it's big and wild, the harbour end gives a bit of shelter. ## Cheat sheet: when Sennen fires SwellW WindE (offshore) TideAll tides, with different banks working through the tide Best monthsJanuary, March and December Sea temp10°C to 17°C Wetsuit5/4 with boots in winter, 3/2 in summer (month by month) Check today's conditions → ### Season by season Over three years (2023 to 2025), Sennen had a surfable session on about 78% of winter days and 37% of summer days. The best months are usually January, March and December. The sea runs from about 10°C to 17°C. Summer is when Sennen earns its keep. It's still small, but it often has something when nowhere else does. Autumn brings warm water and more swell, the best mix of the year. Winter is powerful and often too big for the open bay, so the harbour end comes into play. Spring can be clean with easterly winds, which blow perfectly offshore here. Jan87%11° Feb72%10° Mar76%10° Apr67%11° May62%13° Jun41%15° Jul30%16° Aug41%17° Sep64%16° Oct69%14° Nov73%13° Dec76%12° Top row: share of days with at least one 2-star session in daylight. Bottom row: average sea temperature in °C. From three years (2023 to 2025) of Open-Meteo history, rated with the same maths as our forecasts. ## Weather and water | | | Winter | Spring | Summer | Autumn | Surfable days | 78% | 68% | 37% | 69% | Typical surf | 6ft | 4ft | 3ft | 4ft | Offshore days | 23% | 32% | 12% | 23% | Sea temp | 11°C | 11°C | 16°C | 15°C | Wetsuit | 5/4, boots | 5/4, boots | 3/2 | 4/3 | Air, day high | 10°C | 13°C | 18°C | 15°C | Air, night low | 8°C | 9°C | 14°C | 12°C | Rain a month | 128mm | 101mm | 103mm | 130mm | Wet days a month | 16 | 17 | 19 | 19 Pack a 5/4 with boots for winter and a 3/2 for summer. Seasonal averages from three years (2023 to 2025) of Open-Meteo history for this break. ## Travel information ### Getting there and where to stay Follow the A30 west past Penzance almost to Land's End, then drop down to Sennen Cove. Buses run from Penzance in about 30 minutes. There's a small pay car park by the harbour that fills fast, and a bigger one at the top of the hill with a steep walk down. You'll find B&Bs and holiday lets in Sennen and St Just, campsites around Land's End and more choice in Penzance. ### Getting around Sennen is at the very end of the A30, and the only real way to explore west Cornwall is by car. Buses run from Penzance, but they're slow and the beaches are spread out. Give yourself time to walk the bay: the harbour end and the Gwynver end are very different places. ## Off the water Land's End is a short walk along the coast path, and the cliffs between here and Porthcurno are some of the most dramatic in England. The open-air Minack Theatre sits above the sea at Porthcurno. St Just and Penzance have pubs, galleries and plenty to eat. ## Hazards The currents at Gwynver and in the middle of the bay are the main hazard when the swell is up. On big days at high tide, there's a heavy shore break too. If it looks big from the car park, it's bigger in the water. Stick to the lifeguarded areas if you're unsure. The line-up is a mix of locals and visitors, so be polite, wait your turn and don't paddle around people. ## Handy hints - On small summer days, Sennen is the first place to check in Cornwall. - If it's big, head for the harbour end, where the waves are smaller and more sheltered. - Park early. The harbour car park is tiny, and the walk back up from the top car park is steep. - Keep an eye on the currents at Gwynver whenever there's real swell. ## Nearby breaks If it's too big at Sennen, the bay itself is your best bet, as the harbour end gives shelter. If the wind is wrong, Porthcurno around the corner on the south coast faces a different way and can sometimes be cleaner. Further up the coast, Fistral and Watergate Bay offer more choice, and in a north wind, Porthleven is less than an hour away. Before the long drive west, check the live Sennen forecast to see if it's worth it. ### What conditions does Sennen need? Sennen works best on a west swell with an east wind, which blows offshore there. It is a beachbreak with shifting peaks over sand, and rides run about 50 to 100m. Best tide: All tides, with different banks working through the tide. In 2023–2025 the wind blew offshore for 4+ daylight hours on 22% of days, and Sennen had rideable surf (2+ stars) on 63% of days. ### When is the best time to surf Sennen? January is the most reliable month at Sennen: in 2023–2025 it had good surf (3+ stars) on 48% of days. The best run of months is January, March and April, and spring (March to May) is the strongest season overall. Offshore winds are most common in May, when they blow for 4+ daylight hours on 34% of days. For good winter days, Sennen ranks 30th of the 40 Cornwall breaks we track. Winter often gets too big: 30% of December to February days were 8ft or more. ### Is Sennen good for surfing in summer? Sometimes: Sennen had rideable surf on 37% of June to August days in 2023–2025, mostly small. Good (3+ star) days made up 12% of summer, and June was the best summer month (41% rideable). The sea reaches about 17°C by late summer. For summer consistency it ranks 31st of the 40 Cornwall breaks we track. ### What wetsuit do I need at Sennen? At Sennen you need a 5/4 from December to April, a 4/3 in May and from October to November and a 3/2 from June to September. Boots help through the 5/4 months. In February, the coldest month, Sennen had good surf on 38% of days, against 14% in August. The sea is coldest in February at about 10°C and warmest in August at about 17°C, while the air reaches about 10°C on a February afternoon. ### How big do the waves get at Sennen? On a typical day the best surf at Sennen is about 6.2ft in winter and 3.2ft in summer. It was 8ft or bigger on 15% of days in 2023–2025, most often in January. It was flat on 6% of days, most often in June. ### Is Sennen good for beginners? Yes, on small days. Sennen has sandy footing and spots for learners, but it gets powerful as the swell builds. The gentlest months that still have surf are May and June. ### Is it safe to surf at Sennen? Yes when it's small, but know this. Strong currents at Gwynver and in the middle of the bay when the swell is up. Big shore break at high tide on large days. Lifeguards cover it in season (check RNLI dates). ### How busy does Sennen get? Busy at times. For more room, try Gwenver (4 km away) and Long Rock (17 km away). ### Where do you park for Sennen? A small pay car park by the harbour that fills quickly, and a larger one at the top of the hill with a steep walk down. ### Are there toilets and cafes at Sennen? Yes. OpenStreetMap maps 1 cafe, pub or food stop (among them The Land's End Hotel) within about a kilometre of Sennen. ### How do I get to Sennen? Follow the A30 west past Penzance almost to Land's End, then drop down to Sennen Cove. Buses run from Penzance, about 30 minutes away. No bus stops are mapped within a kilometre, so most people drive. ### Where can I stay near Sennen? B&Bs and holiday lets in Sennen and St Just, and campsites around Land's End. Penzance has more choice. ### Where else can I surf near Sennen? When Sennen isn't working, these nearby breaks often are: Long Rock (17 km away) is offshore in a north wind, Porthmeor, St Ives (24 km away) is offshore in a south wind and Praa Sands (24 km away) is offshore in a north-north-east wind. Also close by: Gwynver at the north end of the bay and Porthcurno around the corner on the south coast. --- # Porthleven (Cornwall) Forecast: https://swellotter.com/spot/porthleven Guide: https://swellotter.com/surf/porthleven Location: 50.07, -5.33 Porthleven is a reef in Cornwall, England. It works best on a south-west swell with a north-east wind, which blows offshore there. Best tide: mid tide on the push; too shallow at low. It suits advanced surfers. It is usually at its best in January, February and March. The sea ranges from about 10°C to 17°C over the year. In three years of Open-Meteo data (2023 to 2025), Porthleven had rideable surf (2+ stars) on 47% of days and good surf (3+ stars) on 10%, was flat on 22% and 8ft or bigger on 0%. The most consistent month is January (75% of days rideable) and the quietest is July (14%). A typical winter day's best surf is about 2.8ft against 1.4ft in summer, the wind blows offshore for 4+ daylight hours on 17% of days, the average wind is 11.4 knots and about 1348mm of rain falls a year. ## Overview WaveReefRight · flat reef AbilityAdvanced ConsistencyMedium CrowdsAlways Best swellSWfrom 225° Best windNEoffshore ### Positives - One of England's best reef waves - Works in north winds when the north coast is blown out - Hollow, fast and powerful - Pretty harbour town on the doorstep ### Negatives - Only breaks a few days a month - Shallow reef and heavy lip - Very crowded and very competitive - Not for beginners or improvers Porthleven is not a beach, and it's not for everyone. It's a flat shelf of reef just west of a pretty fishing harbour near Helston, and for most of the year it does very little. Then a proper south-west swell meets a light north wind, and the shelf throws out a fast, hollow right that ranks among the best waves in England. Word spreads before breakfast. By the time you've parked, the harbour wall is lined with watchers and the line-up is full of the best surfers in Cornwall. If you're good enough, it's a day you'll remember for years. If you're not, it's a fine show to watch from the wall with a pasty. ## The break lowdown ### The wave The reef is flat, shallow and unforgiving, and that's what makes the wave so good. Swell hits the shelf and stands up suddenly, so the takeoff is steep and late, and the lip pitches hard. Make the drop and you're racing a fast, hollow wall towards the harbour. Miss it and you're going to meet the reef. When a proper south-west swell meets a light north wind, it throws a fast, hollow right. On smaller days, a softer left can work too, but don't let that fool you. Even the small days are shallow. The wave is short, intense and over in seconds, and it only works in a narrow window of swell, wind and tide. ### Who it suits Experienced surfers only. That's not a polite suggestion. The reef is shallow, the wave is fast and the takeoff is critical. Beginners and improvers should not paddle out. Even competent surfers who are new to reefs should spend a session watching first. If you're unsure whether you're ready, you're not. ## When to go ### Swell, wind and tide Porthleven needs a SW swell with real size and period, the kind that comes from deep Atlantic lows. The wind needs to be NE (north-east), or anything with north in it, which is offshore here. That's the opposite of what the north coast wants, so Porthleven often fires on days when Fistral is blown out. Tide is critical. It's best at mid tide on the push; too shallow at low. Low tide is simply too shallow, and the reef can be dangerous. ## Cheat sheet: when Porthleven fires SwellSW WindNE (offshore) TideMid tide on the push; too shallow at low Best monthsJanuary, February and March Sea temp10°C to 17°C Wetsuit5/4 with boots in winter, 3/2 in summer (month by month) Check today's conditions → ### Season by season Over the past decade, Porthleven was surfable on about 68% of winter days and only 22% of summer days, and that counts every rideable hour, not just the classic ones. The best months are usually January, February and March. The sea goes from around 10°C to 17°C. Winter is the season, with the big Atlantic lows that light up the south coast. Autumn brings the first real swells and warmer water. Spring can still deliver. Summer is mostly flat, and a good day in July is a rare treat. Jan75%10° Feb73%10° Mar68%10° Apr53%11° May37%13° Jun24%16° Jul14%17° Aug27%17° Sep32%16° Oct47%14° Nov58%13° Dec55%11° Top row: share of days with at least one 2-star session in daylight. Bottom row: average sea temperature in °C. From three years (2023 to 2025) of Open-Meteo history, rated with the same maths as our forecasts. ## Weather and water | | | Winter | Spring | Summer | Autumn | Surfable days | 68% | 53% | 22% | 46% | Typical surf | 3ft | 2ft | 1ft | 2ft | Offshore days | 20% | 25% | 9% | 16% | Sea temp | 10°C | 11°C | 16°C | 14°C | Wetsuit | 5/4, boots | 5/4, boots | 3/2 | 4/3 | Air, day high | 10°C | 13°C | 18°C | 15°C | Air, night low | 6°C | 8°C | 14°C | 11°C | Rain a month | 127mm | 104mm | 91mm | 128mm | Wet days a month | 16 | 17 | 19 | 19 Pack a 5/4 with boots for winter and a 3/2 for summer. Seasonal averages from three years (2023 to 2025) of Open-Meteo history for this break. ## Travel information ### Getting there and where to stay Leave the A394 at Helston and follow the B3304 for about three miles to the harbour. Penzance station is about 30 minutes away by car. There are pay car parks around the harbour, but spaces are tight when the reef is on, so walk in from the edge of town if you can. Stay in holiday cottages and B&Bs in Porthleven or Helston, or at campsites towards Praa Sands. ### Getting around You'll need a car. Porthleven is a few miles from Helston, and from here both the Lizard and Penzance are easy drives. When the reef is on, the town fills up quickly, so walking in from the edge of town is often quicker than looking for a space by the harbour. ## Off the water The harbour is lined with pubs, cafes and good places to eat. Walk west along the coast path towards Loe Bar and Loe Pool, the largest natural lake in Cornwall, or head south to explore the Lizard peninsula. On big days, the harbour wall is one of the best surf viewing spots in the country. ## Hazards The shallow reef and the hard-breaking lip are the obvious hazards. The harbour wall is close by, and strong currents run out of the bay on big days. The line-up is crowded and competitive, and the local crew have priority. Wait your turn, don't drop in and don't paddle to the inside. Respect earns waves here. Arrogance earns a long wait. ## Handy hints - If you're not sure you're good enough, you're not. Watch from the harbour wall instead. - The best days come with a big south-west swell and a light north or north-east wind. - Don't surf it at low tide. The reef is too shallow. - Respect the local crew and wait your turn. Waves are earned here, not taken. ## Nearby breaks If Porthleven is too small, too crowded or too much, Praa Sands to the west is a more forgiving beachbreak that picks up the same swells. If the wind swings round to the south or east, the north coast will be the place: try Sennen or Fistral. For a sandy south coast alternative, Bantham works on similar swells. Check the live Porthleven forecast for the swell and wind windows. When they line up, you'll know. ### What conditions does Porthleven need? Porthleven works best on a south-west swell with a north-east wind, which blows offshore there. It is a reef with a right over flat reef, and rides run about 50 to 100m. Best tide: Mid tide on the push; too shallow at low. In 2023–2025 the wind blew offshore for 4+ daylight hours on 17% of days, and Porthleven had rideable surf (2+ stars) on 47% of days. ### When is the best time to surf Porthleven? January is the most reliable month at Porthleven: in 2023–2025 it had good surf (3+ stars) on 33% of days. The best run of months is January, February and March, and winter (December to February) is the strongest season overall. Offshore winds are most common in May, when they blow for 4+ daylight hours on 43% of days. For good winter days, Porthleven ranks 36th of the 40 Cornwall breaks we track. Winter is the most consistent, with 68% of days rideable, but the water is coldest then. ### Is Porthleven good for surfing in summer? Often not: Porthleven was flat on 36% of June to August days in 2023–2025, so keep a summer trip flexible. Good (3+ star) days made up 0% of summer, and August was the best summer month (27% rideable). The sea reaches about 17°C by late summer. For summer consistency it ranks 37th of the 40 Cornwall breaks we track. ### How big do the waves get at Porthleven? On a typical day the best surf at Porthleven is about 2.8ft in winter and 1.4ft in summer. Days of 8ft or more are rare here (0% of days in 2023–2025). It was flat on 22% of days, most often in June. ### Is Porthleven good for beginners? No. Porthleven is for experienced surfers: it breaks over flat reef and mistakes hurt. Beginners are better off at Praa Sands, 5 km away. ### Is it safe to surf at Porthleven? Only if you're experienced, as it breaks over flat reef. Shallow reef, a hard-breaking lip and the harbour wall close by. Strong currents run out of the bay on big days. The local crew have priority here. We know of no lifeguard cover, so never surf it alone. ### How busy does Porthleven get? Very busy: one of the most crowded breaks in the UK. Very crowded and very competitive. For more room, try Gunwalloe (5 km away) and Poldhu Cove (6 km away). ### Where do you park for Porthleven? Pay car parks around the harbour. Spaces are tight when the reef is on, so walk in from the edge of town if you can. ### How do I get to Porthleven? Leave the A394 at Helston and follow the B3304 for about 3 miles to the harbour. Penzance station is around 30 minutes by car. No bus stops are mapped within a kilometre, so most people drive. ### Where can I stay near Porthleven? Holiday cottages and B&Bs in Porthleven and Helston, and campsites along the coast towards Praa Sands. ### Where else can I surf near Porthleven? When Porthleven isn't working, these nearby breaks often are: Kennack Sands (14 km away) is offshore in a north-north-west wind, Long Rock (14 km away) faces south and picks up different swell and Gwithian and Godrevy (18 km away) is offshore in a south-east wind. Also close by: Praa Sands to the west is a more forgiving beachbreak on the same swells. --- # Croyde (Devon) Forecast: https://swellotter.com/spot/croyde Guide: https://swellotter.com/surf/croyde Location: 51.13, -4.27 Croyde is a beachbreak in Devon, England. It works best on a west swell with an east-south-east wind, which blows offshore there. Best tide: low to mid on the push; fat and backwashy at high. It suits beginner, intermediate and advanced surfers. It is usually at its best in January, February and March. The sea ranges from about 9°C to 18°C over the year. In three years of Open-Meteo data (2023 to 2025), Croyde had rideable surf (2+ stars) on 62% of days and good surf (3+ stars) on 24%, was flat on 14% and 8ft or bigger on 4%. The most consistent month is March (87% of days rideable) and the quietest is June (26%). A typical winter day's best surf is about 4ft against 2.1ft in summer, the wind blows offshore for 4+ daylight hours on 27% of days, the average wind is 11.3 knots and about 1513mm of rain falls a year. ## Overview WaveBeachbreakPeaks · sand & rock AbilityBeginner, Intermediate, Advanced ConsistencyHigh CrowdsAlways Best swellWfrom 280° Best windESEoffshore ### Positives - The punchiest beachbreak in Devon - Hollow at low tide - Lifeguards and surf hire - Lively village with pubs ### Negatives - Packed in summer and at weekends - Rips at low tide - Rocks at both ends of the beach - Slow traffic in the lanes in summer Croyde is a small bay with a big reputation. Tucked between Baggy Point and Downend in North Devon, it takes the Atlantic swell and squeezes it into short, powerful peaks that have more punch than anything else in the county. On a good low tide, they go hollow. On a good day, the whole of North Devon seems to know about it. It's a village with a party streak and a surf scene to match. The pubs are lively, the campsites are huge and the line-up is packed from spring to autumn. But get it right and Croyde is one of the most exciting beachbreaks in England. ## The break lowdown ### The wave Croyde breaks over sand with rocks at both ends of the bay, and the shape of the bay focuses the swell into peaks rather than long lines. That's what gives it its power. The waves are short, steep and fast, and they reward quick feet and good positioning. The tide changes everything. At low tide, the waves get steep and hollow, and the bay is at its best for experienced surfers. As the tide fills in, they soften and the middle of the bay becomes better for improvers. At high tide, the shore break and backwash take over, and it's usually not worth it. Low tide is the time for experienced surfers, when the waves get steep and hollow. ### Who it suits Croyde suits a wide range, but it's at its best for intermediate and advanced surfers. Experienced surfers should go for the low tide. Improvers will enjoy the mid tide in the middle of the bay. Beginners can learn here with a surf school, but they'll have an easier time at Saunton or Woolacombe, which are longer and gentler. ## When to go ### Swell, wind and tide Croyde needs a W swell, ideally from the west or north-west, with some period behind it. The wind you want is ESE, which blows offshore. The best tide is low to mid on the push; fat and backwashy at high, so time your session around low tide and the push that follows. The prevailing south-westerly is cross-shore, and it can get messy. The best days come with an east or south-east breeze, especially in spring and autumn. ## Cheat sheet: when Croyde fires SwellW WindESE (offshore) TideLow to mid on the push; fat and backwashy at high Best monthsJanuary, February and March Sea temp9°C to 18°C Wetsuit5/4 with hood, boots and gloves in winter, 3/2 in summer (month by month) Check today's conditions → ### Season by season Over three years (2023 to 2025), Croyde had a surfable session on about 79% of winter days and 32% of summer days. The best months are usually January, February and March. The sea runs from about 9°C to 18°C. Autumn is prime time, with warm water, regular swells and quieter weekdays. Winter brings the most swell, but some days are too big and stormy for the bay. Spring is cold but can be very clean. Summer is small and crowded, and best for learners and longboards on the higher tides. Jan84%9° Feb79%9° Mar87%9° Apr68%11° May52%13° Jun26%16° Jul34%18° Aug35%18° Sep58%17° Oct75%16° Nov73%13° Dec75%11° Top row: share of days with at least one 2-star session in daylight. Bottom row: average sea temperature in °C. From three years (2023 to 2025) of Open-Meteo history, rated with the same maths as our forecasts. ## Weather and water | | | Winter | Spring | Summer | Autumn | Surfable days | 79% | 69% | 32% | 69% | Typical surf | 4ft | 2ft | 2ft | 3ft | Offshore days | 29% | 37% | 13% | 30% | Sea temp | 10°C | 11°C | 17°C | 15°C | Wetsuit | 5/4, hood | 5/4, boots | 3/2 | 3/2 | Air, day high | 10°C | 13°C | 19°C | 15°C | Air, night low | 6°C | 8°C | 14°C | 11°C | Rain a month | 144mm | 97mm | 103mm | 161mm | Wet days a month | 17 | 16 | 18 | 19 Pack a 5/4 with hood, boots and gloves for winter and a 3/2 for summer. Seasonal averages from three years (2023 to 2025) of Open-Meteo history for this break. ## Travel information ### Getting there and where to stay Leave the M5 at junction 27 and take the A361 to Braunton, then follow the signs to Croyde. Barnstaple station is about 25 minutes away, and buses run to the village. There are pay car parks in the village and behind the beach, plus a National Trust car park at Baggy Point. You'll find big campsites and holiday parks behind the dunes, plus B&Bs in Croyde, Georgeham and Braunton. ### Getting around Croyde village is small and walkable, and the beach is right at its edge. A car is handy for checking Saunton and Woolacombe, both a few minutes away, but the lanes get very slow in summer. Buses run from Braunton and Barnstaple. ## Off the water Walk out to Baggy Point on the National Trust path for huge views back over the bay. Braunton Burrows, one of the biggest sand dune systems in Britain, sits behind Saunton. Croyde's pubs and beach cafes are lively, especially on summer evenings. ## Hazards Strong rips run at low tide, especially near the rocks. The south end by Downend has rocks just under the surface, so be careful there. The line-up is crowded and competitive, so know the rules: the surfer closest to the peak has priority, don't drop in and don't snake. A bit of patience goes a long way in a packed line-up. ## Handy hints - Plan around low tide. The hollow waves come on the lower half of the tide and the push after it. - Avoid high tide, when the shore break and backwash take over. - If it's packed, Saunton and Woolacombe are just down the road and much bigger. - Watch out for the rocks at the Downend end of the beach. ## Nearby breaks If it's too big or too crowded, Saunton Sands to the south offers long, gentle rides on a huge stretch of sand. Woolacombe, over the headland to the north, is another big, open beach. And when the wind is wrong for the north coast, head south: Bantham works in north winds. For a bigger trip, the Cornish beaches like Fistral are a couple of hours away. Check the live Croyde forecast and plan your session around low tide. ### What conditions does Croyde need? Croyde works best on a west swell with an east-south-east wind, which blows offshore there. It is a beachbreak with shifting peaks over sand and rock, and rides run about 50 to 100m. Best tide: Low to mid on the push; fat and backwashy at high. In 2023–2025 the wind blew offshore for 4+ daylight hours on 27% of days, and Croyde had rideable surf (2+ stars) on 62% of days. ### When is the best time to surf Croyde? February is the most reliable month at Croyde: in 2023–2025 it had good surf (3+ stars) on 47% of days. The best run of months is January, February and March, and winter (December to February) is the strongest season overall. Offshore winds are most common in April, when they blow for 4+ daylight hours on 44% of days. For good winter days, Croyde ranks 4th of the 14 Devon breaks we track. Winter is the most consistent, with 79% of days rideable, but the water is coldest then. ### Is Croyde good for surfing in summer? Often not: Croyde was flat on 29% of June to August days in 2023–2025, so keep a summer trip flexible. Good (3+ star) days made up 4% of summer, and August was the best summer month (35% rideable). The sea reaches about 18°C by late summer. For summer consistency it ranks 4th of the 14 Devon breaks we track. ### What wetsuit do I need at Croyde? At Croyde you need a 5/4 from December to April, a 4/3 in May and in November and a 3/2 from June to October. Wear boots through the 5/4 months, and add a hood and gloves from January to March, when the sea is under 10°C. From July to September a spring suit will do on warm days. In February, the coldest month, Croyde had good surf on 47% of days, against 3% in August. The sea is coldest in February at about 9°C and warmest in August at about 18°C, while the air reaches about 10°C on a February afternoon. ### How big do the waves get at Croyde? On a typical day the best surf at Croyde is about 4ft in winter and 2.1ft in summer. It was 8ft or bigger on 4% of days in 2023–2025, most often in January. It was flat on 14% of days, most often in June. ### Is Croyde good for beginners? Yes, on small days. Croyde has sandy footing and spots for learners, but it gets powerful as the swell builds. The gentlest months that still have surf are April, May and September. ### Is it safe to surf at Croyde? Yes when it's small, but know this. Strong rips at low tide, especially near the rocks. The south end by Downend has rocks just under the surface. Expect a crowded line-up. Lifeguards cover it in season (check RNLI dates). ### How busy does Croyde get? Very busy: one of the most crowded breaks in the UK. For more room, try Saunton Sands (4 km away) and Westward Ho! (10 km away). ### Where do you park for Croyde? Pay car parks in the village and behind the beach, and a National Trust car park at Baggy Point. ### How do I get to Croyde? Leave the M5 at junction 27 and take the A361 to Braunton, then follow signs to Croyde. Barnstaple station is about 25 minutes away and buses run to the village. No bus stops are mapped within a kilometre, so most people drive. ### Where can I stay near Croyde? Big campsites and holiday parks behind the dunes, plus B&Bs in Croyde, Georgeham and Braunton. ### Where else can I surf near Croyde? Close to Croyde: Saunton Sands for a long, gentle ride and Woolacombe just over the headland. --- # Bantham (Devon) Forecast: https://swellotter.com/spot/bantham Guide: https://swellotter.com/surf/bantham Location: 50.26, -3.9 Bantham is a rivermouth in Devon, England. It works best on a south-west swell with a north-east wind, which blows offshore there. Best tide: low to mid on the push; avoid the ebb at the river mouth. It suits beginner and intermediate surfers. It is usually at its best in January, February and March. The sea ranges from about 10°C to 17°C over the year. In three years of Open-Meteo data (2023 to 2025), Bantham had rideable surf (2+ stars) on 42% of days and good surf (3+ stars) on 15%, was flat on 27% and 8ft or bigger on 3%. The most consistent month is January (72% of days rideable) and the quietest is July (15%). A typical winter day's best surf is about 3.2ft against 1.5ft in summer, the wind blows offshore for 4+ daylight hours on 27% of days, the average wind is 10.6 knots and about 1437mm of rain falls a year. ## Overview WaveRivermouthLeft & right · sand AbilityBeginner, Intermediate ConsistencyMedium CrowdsOften Best swellSWfrom 220° Best windNEoffshore ### Positives - South Devon's best-known surf beach - Works in north winds - Long, fun waves when the banks line up - Stunning setting with Burgh Island ### Negatives - Needs a big south-west swell - Dangerous river currents on the ebb - Paid estate car park - Busy when it breaks Bantham is the south coast's postcard. The River Avon spills into the sea beneath rolling green hills, Burgh Island sits in the bay like it was put there on purpose, and on the right day, long lefts and rights peel off the sandbanks at the river mouth. It's one of the most beautiful places to surf in England, and when it works, one of the most fun. The catch is that it needs a lot to work. Bantham faces south-west into the English Channel, so it only switches on when a decent Atlantic swell wraps up the coast. For much of the summer, it's a swimming beach. When it breaks, though, word travels fast. ## The break lowdown ### The wave Bantham is a rivermouth break, which means the River Avon shapes the sandbanks. When the banks are good, they line up the swell into long, peeling waves, both lefts and rights, that are among the best on the south coast. When the banks are bad, it's a fun, ordinary beachbreak. On a good south-west swell with a north-east wind, it can produce long lefts and rights. The waves are usually softer than on the north coast, as the swell loses some of its power wrapping up the Channel. That makes Bantham a great spot for improvers and longboarders, and a fun, relaxed wave for everyone else. ### Who it suits Beginners and intermediates will love Bantham when it's working. The waves are usually gentler than on the north coast, and there are lifeguards in summer. Experienced surfers will enjoy it on a big, clean swell when the banks are lined up. Families have a beautiful beach with plenty of space. ## When to go ### Swell, wind and tide Bantham needs a SW swell with plenty of size, the kind that comes from big Atlantic lows. The wind needs to be NE (north-east), or anything from the north. That's the opposite of what the north coast wants, so Bantham often works when Croyde is blown out. The best tide is low to mid on the push; avoid the ebb at the river mouth. On a falling tide the river current is no joke, more on that below. ## Cheat sheet: when Bantham fires SwellSW WindNE (offshore) TideLow to mid on the push; avoid the ebb at the river mouth Best monthsJanuary, February and March Sea temp10°C to 17°C Wetsuit5/4 with boots in winter, 3/2 in summer (month by month) Check today's conditions → ### Season by season Over three years (2023 to 2025), Bantham had a surfable session on about 58% of winter days and just 20% of summer days. The best months are usually January, February and March. The sea runs from around 10°C to 17°C. Winter is the best bet, when the big Atlantic lows push swell into the Channel. Autumn brings the first real swells and warm water. Spring can deliver on the odd big swell. Summer is mostly flat, a time for paddleboards and swimming. Jan72%10° Feb58%10° Mar58%10° Apr54%11° May27%13° Jun21%15° Jul15%16° Aug24%17° Sep29%17° Oct48%16° Nov58%14° Dec44%12° Top row: share of days with at least one 2-star session in daylight. Bottom row: average sea temperature in °C. From three years (2023 to 2025) of Open-Meteo history, rated with the same maths as our forecasts. ## Weather and water | | | Winter | Spring | Summer | Autumn | Surfable days | 58% | 46% | 20% | 45% | Typical surf | 3ft | 2ft | 2ft | 3ft | Offshore days | 27% | 40% | 17% | 24% | Sea temp | 11°C | 11°C | 16°C | 15°C | Wetsuit | 5/4, boots | 5/4, boots | 3/2 | 3/2 | Air, day high | 10°C | 14°C | 20°C | 16°C | Air, night low | 5°C | 7°C | 13°C | 10°C | Rain a month | 143mm | 113mm | 85mm | 137mm | Wet days a month | 15 | 14 | 14 | 16 Pack a 5/4 with boots for winter and a 3/2 for summer. Seasonal averages from three years (2023 to 2025) of Open-Meteo history for this break. ## Travel information ### Getting there and where to stay Follow the A379 or A381 towards Kingsbridge, then the lanes to Bantham. Plymouth is about 40 minutes away by car, and Totnes is the nearest station. There's one large pay car park, run by the estate, right behind the dunes. Stay in holiday lets in Bantham, Thurlestone or Hope Cove, or find more choice in Kingsbridge and Salcombe. ### Getting around Bantham is down narrow lanes off the A379, and a car is the only practical way to get there. Kingsbridge is the nearest town. The beach car park is right behind the dunes, so it's a short walk from the car to the water. ## Off the water At low tide you can walk across the sand to Burgh Island. At high tide the famous sea tractor carries people over. The South West Coast Path runs along the cliffs to Thurlestone, with its rock arch, and on to Hope Cove. Salcombe's harbour, cafes and boats are a short drive away. ## Hazards The big one is the river. On a falling tide, the current at the river mouth is strong enough to sweep swimmers and surfers out to sea. Stay well away from it, especially on the ebb. There are also shallow sandbars at low tide. When it's good, the line-up gets busy, so share the waves and be patient. ## Handy hints - Watch for big south-west swells in autumn and winter. That's when Bantham switches on. - A north or north-east wind is perfect here, and it usually ruins the north coast. - Stay away from the river mouth on a falling tide. - If it's flat here, it's probably flat along the whole south coast. ## Nearby breaks If it's flat at Bantham, it's probably flat on the whole south coast, so head north: Croyde is the nearest north coast option. If it's too big, Thurlestone and Hope Cove along the coast can offer some shelter. Challaborough across the river is another option. And in Cornwall, Porthleven works on similar swells, but only if you're an expert. Check the live Bantham forecast for the next big south-west swell. ### What conditions does Bantham need? Bantham works best on a south-west swell with a north-east wind, which blows offshore there. It is a rivermouth with lefts and rights over sand, and rides run about 50 to 100m. Best tide: Low to mid on the push; avoid the ebb at the river mouth. In 2023–2025 the wind blew offshore for 4+ daylight hours on 27% of days, and Bantham had rideable surf (2+ stars) on 42% of days. ### When is the best time to surf Bantham? January is the most reliable month at Bantham: in 2023–2025 it had good surf (3+ stars) on 44% of days. The best run of months is January, February and March, and winter (December to February) is the strongest season overall. Offshore winds are most common in May, when they blow for 4+ daylight hours on 52% of days. For good winter days, Bantham ranks 9th of the 14 Devon breaks we track. Winter is the most consistent, with 58% of days rideable, but the water is coldest then. ### Is Bantham good for surfing in summer? Often not: Bantham was flat on 47% of June to August days in 2023–2025, so keep a summer trip flexible. Good (3+ star) days made up 2% of summer, and August was the best summer month (24% rideable). The sea reaches about 17°C by late summer. For summer consistency it ranks 10th of the 14 Devon breaks we track. ### What wetsuit do I need at Bantham? At Bantham you need a 5/4 from December to April, a 4/3 in May and in November and a 3/2 from June to October. Wear boots through the 5/4 months, and add a hood and gloves from February to March, when the sea is under 10°C. In March, the coldest month, Bantham had good surf on 32% of days, against 1% in August. The sea is coldest in March at about 10°C and warmest in August at about 17°C, while the air reaches about 11°C on a March afternoon. ### How big do the waves get at Bantham? On a typical day the best surf at Bantham is about 3.2ft in winter and 1.5ft in summer. It was 8ft or bigger on 3% of days in 2023–2025, most often in January. It was flat on 27% of days, most often in June. ### Is Bantham good for beginners? Yes, on small days. Bantham has sandy footing and spots for learners, but it gets powerful as the swell builds. The gentlest months that still have surf are February, April and October. ### Is it safe to surf at Bantham? Yes when it's small, but know this. Very strong currents in the river mouth, especially on the ebb. Lifeguards patrol in summer. Shallow sandbars at low tide. Lifeguards cover it in season (check RNLI dates). ### How busy does Bantham get? Often busy. Busy when it breaks. For more room, try Thurlestone (3 km away) and Hope Cove (3 km away). ### How do I get to Bantham? Follow the A379 or A381 towards Kingsbridge, then the lanes to Bantham. Plymouth is about 40 minutes by car. Totnes is the nearest station. No bus stops are mapped within a kilometre, so most people drive. ### Where can I stay near Bantham? Holiday lets in Bantham, Thurlestone and Hope Cove, and more choice in Kingsbridge and Salcombe. ### Where else can I surf near Bantham? Close to Bantham: Thurlestone and Hope Cove along the coast, and Challaborough across the river. --- # Saltburn (North East England) Forecast: https://swellotter.com/spot/saltburn Guide: https://swellotter.com/surf/saltburn Location: 54.6, -0.94 Saltburn is a beachbreak in North East England, England. It works best on a north-north-east swell with a south-south-west wind, which blows offshore there. Best tide: all tides, best low to mid. It suits beginner and intermediate surfers. It is usually at its best in March, October and November. The sea ranges from about 7°C to 16°C over the year. In three years of Open-Meteo data (2023 to 2025), Saltburn had rideable surf (2+ stars) on 56% of days and good surf (3+ stars) on 28%, was flat on 28% and 8ft or bigger on 5%. The most consistent month is November (80% of days rideable) and the quietest is August (33%). A typical winter day's best surf is about 2.6ft against 1.1ft in summer, the wind blows offshore for 4+ daylight hours on 41% of days, the average wind is 11.2 knots and about 1037mm of rain falls a year. ## Overview WaveBeachbreakPeaks · sand AbilityBeginner, Intermediate ConsistencyMedium CrowdsSometimes Best swellNNEfrom 20° Best windSSWoffshore ### Positives - Friendly, mellow beachbreak - Victorian pier and town - Train station near the beach - Good for learners ### Negatives - Cold water most of the year - Needs a North Sea swell - Rips by the pier - Can be short-period and choppy Saltburn-by-the-Sea looks like it was built for postcards: a Victorian pier, a cliff lift clanking down to the promenade and a long stretch of sand running off towards Redcar. It's also home to one of the friendliest surf scenes in Britain. The waves break either side of the pier over sand, the vibe is welcoming and, when the North Sea wakes up, it can be really good. Saltburn's secret weapon is the wind. The south-westerly that wrecks most of the west coast blows offshore here. On days when Cornwall is a mess, Saltburn can be glassy. ## The break lowdown ### The wave Saltburn is a sand-bottomed beachbreak, with peaks either side of the pier. The pier helps to hold the sandbanks in place, which often gives the waves better shape near it. Away from the pier, the beach opens up into softer, more spread-out peaks. A south-west wind is offshore, so it often works when the west coast is blown out. North Sea swell is different from Atlantic swell. It's usually shorter in period and comes from storms closer to home, so the waves can be choppy and short-lived. But on a good, long-period swell, Saltburn can throw up fun, shapely peaks. ### Who it suits Beginners and intermediates will love it. The waves are usually friendly, and the surf community is welcoming. There are surf schools on the promenade. Experienced surfers will enjoy the bigger, cleaner days, and the nearby reefs. ## When to go ### Swell, wind and tide Saltburn needs a NNE swell, from the north or north-east, which usually comes from low pressure out in the North Sea. The wind you want is SSW, which is offshore. It works at all tides, best low to mid. The best days come when a low tracks down the North Sea, followed by a south-westerly. That combination gives clean, groomed waves. ## Cheat sheet: when Saltburn fires SwellNNE WindSSW (offshore) TideAll tides, best low to mid Best monthsMarch, October and November Sea temp7°C to 16°C Wetsuit5/4 with hood, boots and gloves in winter, 3/2 in summer (month by month) Check today's conditions → ### Season by season Over the past decade, Saltburn had a surfable session on about 61% of winter days and 37% of summer days. The best months are usually March, October and November. The sea is cold, from about 7°C to 16°C. Autumn and winter bring the most swell, as the North Sea storms get going. Spring can still deliver, but the water is at its coldest. Summer is mostly flat, with only the occasional small swell. Jan68%7° Feb54%7° Mar74%7° Apr57%8° May43%12° Jun34%14° Jul45%15° Aug33%16° Sep50%15° Oct74%13° Nov80%11° Dec62%9° Top row: share of days with at least one 2-star session in daylight. Bottom row: average sea temperature in °C. From three years (2023 to 2025) of Open-Meteo history, rated with the same maths as our forecasts. ## Weather and water | | | Winter | Spring | Summer | Autumn | Surfable days | 61% | 58% | 37% | 68% | Typical surf | 3ft | 3ft | 1ft | 3ft | Offshore days | 51% | 31% | 38% | 45% | Sea temp | 8°C | 9°C | 15°C | 13°C | Wetsuit | 5/4, hood | 5/4, hood | 3/2 | 4/3 | Air, day high | 9°C | 12°C | 19°C | 14°C | Air, night low | 5°C | 7°C | 13°C | 9°C | Rain a month | 82mm | 73mm | 79mm | 112mm | Wet days a month | 13 | 15 | 15 | 17 Pack a 5/4 with hood, boots and gloves for winter and a 3/2 for summer. Seasonal averages from three years (2023 to 2025) of Open-Meteo history for this break. ## Travel information ### Getting there and where to stay Saltburn station is a few minutes' walk from the beach, with trains from Middlesbrough and Darlington. By car, take the A174. There are pay car parks along the lower promenade and on the clifftop. Stay in B&Bs and small hotels in Saltburn, or find more choice in Redcar and Whitby. ### Getting around You don't need a car to surf Saltburn. The town, the station and the beach are all within a few minutes' walk, and the cliff lift saves your legs on the way back up. To check Marske or the reefs to the east, a car helps. ## Off the water Ride the Victorian cliff lift and walk out along the pier. The Cleveland Way follows the coast south over Huntcliff towards Skinningrove and Staithes. The town has independent cafes, pubs and a strong local scene. ## Hazards Rips run beside the pier and around the pier legs, so keep your distance. The water is very cold in winter and spring, so a good winter suit, boots, gloves and a hood make all the difference. The line-up is friendly, so keep it that way: share the waves and say hello. ## Handy hints - Watch for low pressure moving down the North Sea. That's what brings the swell. - A south-west wind is offshore here, so check Saltburn when the west coast is blown out. - Stay clear of the pier legs and the rip beside them. - Bring a thick suit, boots, gloves and a hood for most of the year. ## Nearby breaks If it's too small at Saltburn, Marske to the west is another beach worth checking. On bigger swells, the reefs around Skinningrove to the east can come alive. Further north, Tynemouth picks up swell from a slightly different angle. Check the live Saltburn forecast for the next North Sea swell. ### What conditions does Saltburn need? Saltburn works best on a north-north-east swell with a south-south-west wind, which blows offshore there. It is a beachbreak with shifting peaks over sand, and rides run about 50 to 100m. Best tide: All tides, best low to mid. In 2023–2025 the wind blew offshore for 4+ daylight hours on 41% of days, and Saltburn had rideable surf (2+ stars) on 56% of days. ### When is the best time to surf Saltburn? November is the most reliable month at Saltburn: in 2023–2025 it had good surf (3+ stars) on 47% of days. The best run of months is March, October and November, and autumn (September to November) is the strongest season overall. Offshore winds are most common in December, when they blow for 4+ daylight hours on 54% of days. For good winter days, Saltburn ranks 5th of the 17 North East breaks we track. Autumn pairs the warmest water with the first big swells, and 37% of autumn days were good. ### Is Saltburn good for surfing in summer? Often not: Saltburn was flat on 47% of June to August days in 2023–2025, so keep a summer trip flexible. Good (3+ star) days made up 12% of summer, and July was the best summer month (45% rideable). The sea reaches about 16°C by late summer. For summer consistency it ranks 8th of the 17 North East breaks we track. ### What wetsuit do I need at Saltburn? At Saltburn you need a 5/4 from November to May, a 4/3 in June and from September to October and a 3/2 from July to August. Wear boots through the 5/4 months, and add a hood and gloves from December to April, when the sea is under 10°C. In February, the coldest month, Saltburn had good surf on 29% of days, against 12% in August. The sea is coldest in February at about 7°C and warmest in August at about 16°C, while the air reaches about 9°C on a February afternoon. ### How big do the waves get at Saltburn? On a typical day the best surf at Saltburn is about 2.6ft in winter and 1.1ft in summer. It was 8ft or bigger on 5% of days in 2023–2025, most often in November. It was flat on 28% of days, most often in August. ### Is Saltburn good for beginners? Yes. Saltburn is one of the better places to learn in Teesside, with sand underfoot and gentle whitewater on small days. The gentlest months that still have surf are May, July and September. ### Is it safe to surf at Saltburn? Yes when it's small, but know this. Rips beside the pier and around the pier legs. Very cold water in winter and spring. We know of no lifeguard cover, so never surf it alone. ### How busy does Saltburn get? Busy at times. For more room, try Runswick Bay (15 km away) and Seaton Carew (17 km away). ### How do I get to Saltburn, and where can I stay? Saltburn station is a few minutes' walk from the beach, with trains from Middlesbrough and Darlington. By car, take the A174. Where to stay: B&Bs and small hotels in Saltburn, and more choice in Redcar and Whitby. ### Where else can I surf near Saltburn? When Saltburn isn't working, these nearby breaks often are: Seaton Carew (17 km away) is offshore in a west wind. Also close by: Marske to the west and the reefs around Skinningrove to the east. --- # Tynemouth Longsands (North East England) Forecast: https://swellotter.com/spot/tynemouth Guide: https://swellotter.com/surf/tynemouth Location: 55.03, -1.38 Tynemouth Longsands is a beachbreak in North East England, England. It works best on an east-north-east swell with a west wind, which blows offshore there. Best tide: low to mid. It suits beginner and intermediate surfers. It is usually at its best in January, March and November. The sea ranges from about 7°C to 16°C over the year. In three years of Open-Meteo data (2023 to 2025), Tynemouth Longsands had rideable surf (2+ stars) on 57% of days and good surf (3+ stars) on 24%, was flat on 30% and 8ft or bigger on 1%. The most consistent month is November (83% of days rideable) and the quietest is June (34%). A typical winter day's best surf is about 2.3ft against 1ft in summer, the wind blows offshore for 4+ daylight hours on 44% of days, the average wind is 9.6 knots and about 893mm of rain falls a year. ## Overview WaveBeachbreakPeaks · sand AbilityBeginner, Intermediate ConsistencyMedium CrowdsOften Best swellENEfrom 60° Best windWoffshore ### Positives - City surf on the Metro - Surf schools and hire - Lively seafront - Good for learners ### Negatives - Cold water - Busy when it's good - Needs an east or north-east swell - Few waves in summer Not many cities have a surf beach at the end of the train line. Newcastle does. Hop on the Metro, ride it to Tynemouth and walk down to Longsands, a wide sandy bay at the mouth of the Tyne that turns North Sea swell into friendly, rolling peaks. It's urban surfing at its best, with coffee on the promenade, surf schools on the sand and a crowd that turns up the moment it's good. Longsands won't blow your mind, but it'll give you plenty of waves. And when the west coast is blown out by the usual south-westerly, it can be the cleanest beach in the country. ## The break lowdown ### The wave Longsands is a sand-bottomed beachbreak with peaks spread along the bay. The waves are usually soft and friendly, which makes them great for learning and fun for longboarding. On a good, long-period swell, the banks can throw up some punchy, shapely waves. It picks up swell from the North Sea and turns it into friendly peaks. Because it's a wide bay, there's plenty of room to spread out, even when it's busy. Walk away from the surf schools and you'll usually find a quieter peak. ### Who it suits Beginners and intermediates. It's a great place to learn, with surf schools on the promenade and friendly waves. Intermediates will enjoy the bigger, cleaner days. Experienced surfers will find more challenge on the nearby reefs. ## When to go ### Swell, wind and tide Longsands needs swell from the ENE, the east or north-east, which comes from storms in the North Sea. The wind you want is W, which blows offshore. It works at low to mid. The best days come when a North Sea low is followed by a westerly or south-westerly. That combination gives clean, groomed waves. ## Cheat sheet: when Tynemouth Longsands fires SwellENE WindW (offshore) TideLow to mid Best monthsJanuary, March and November Sea temp7°C to 16°C Wetsuit5/4 with hood, boots and gloves in winter, 3/2 in summer (month by month) Check today's conditions → ### Season by season Over three years (2023 to 2025), Longsands had a surfable session on about 62% of winter days and 39% of summer days. The best months are usually January, March and November. The sea is cold, from about 7°C to 16°C. Autumn and winter are the seasons, when the North Sea storms send swell down the coast. Spring can still be good, but the water is freezing. Summer is mostly flat, a time for paddleboards and swimming. Jan73%7° Feb44%7° Mar73%7° Apr58%9° May44%12° Jun34%14° Jul43%15° Aug39%16° Sep57%14° Oct62%12° Nov83%10° Dec68%9° Top row: share of days with at least one 2-star session in daylight. Bottom row: average sea temperature in °C. From three years (2023 to 2025) of Open-Meteo history, rated with the same maths as our forecasts. ## Weather and water | | | Winter | Spring | Summer | Autumn | Surfable days | 62% | 58% | 39% | 67% | Typical surf | 2ft | 2ft | 1ft | 2ft | Offshore days | 56% | 26% | 47% | 45% | Sea temp | 7°C | 9°C | 15°C | 12°C | Wetsuit | 5/4, hood | 5/4, hood | 3/2 | 4/3 | Air, day high | 8°C | 12°C | 19°C | 13°C | Air, night low | 4°C | 6°C | 12°C | 8°C | Rain a month | 64mm | 59mm | 80mm | 95mm | Wet days a month | 11 | 13 | 15 | 15 Pack a 5/4 with hood, boots and gloves for winter and a 3/2 for summer. Seasonal averages from three years (2023 to 2025) of Open-Meteo history for this break. ## Travel information ### Getting there and where to stay Take the Tyne and Wear Metro to Tynemouth or Cullercoats, both a short walk from the beach. By car, follow the A1058 coast road. There's pay and display parking along Grand Parade and in car parks behind the beach. Stay in hotels and B&Bs in Tynemouth and Whitley Bay, or in Newcastle. ### Getting around The Tyne and Wear Metro takes you straight from Newcastle to Tynemouth or Cullercoats, both a short walk from the beach. You don't need a car, and parking along the seafront fills up when it's good. ## Off the water Tynemouth Priory and Castle sit on the headland above the river mouth. The weekend market in the old station is worth a wander. The seafront has cafes and fish and chips, and Newcastle's city centre is twenty minutes away on the Metro. ## Hazards Rips form on bigger days, and there are rocks at the north end of the bay. The water is cold in winter and spring, so bring a thick wetsuit, boots, gloves and a hood. The line-up gets busy when it's good, so share the waves and be patient with the learners. ## Handy hints - The best days come after a North Sea low, followed by a westerly or south-westerly wind. - Walk away from the surf schools to find a quieter peak. - Bring a thick wetsuit for most of the year. - Watch out for the rocks at the north end of the beach. ## Nearby breaks If it's too busy at Longsands, King Edward's Bay just to the south is a smaller, more sheltered option. Cullercoats, to the north, is another small bay worth checking. Further south, Saltburn picks up swell from a slightly different angle. And for a road trip, Pease Bay in Scotland is a couple of hours north. Check the live Tynemouth forecast for the next North Sea swell. ### What conditions does Tynemouth Longsands need? Tynemouth Longsands works best on an east-north-east swell with a west wind, which blows offshore there. It is a beachbreak with shifting peaks over sand, and rides run about 50 to 100m. Best tide: Low to mid. In 2023–2025 the wind blew offshore for 4+ daylight hours on 44% of days, and Tynemouth Longsands had rideable surf (2+ stars) on 57% of days. ### When is the best time to surf Tynemouth Longsands? November is the most reliable month at Tynemouth Longsands: in 2023–2025 it had good surf (3+ stars) on 47% of days. The best run of months is January, October and November, and autumn (September to November) is the strongest season overall. Offshore winds are most common in January, when they blow for 4+ daylight hours on 62% of days. For good winter days, Tynemouth Longsands ranks 8th of the 17 North East breaks we track. Autumn pairs the warmest water with the first big swells, and 34% of autumn days were good. ### Is Tynemouth Longsands good for surfing in summer? Often not: Tynemouth Longsands was flat on 51% of June to August days in 2023–2025, so keep a summer trip flexible. Good (3+ star) days made up 12% of summer, and July was the best summer month (43% rideable). The sea reaches about 16°C by late summer. For summer consistency it ranks 5th of the 17 North East breaks we track. ### How big do the waves get at Tynemouth Longsands? On a typical day the best surf at Tynemouth Longsands is about 2.3ft in winter and 1ft in summer. Days of 8ft or more are rare here (1% of days in 2023–2025). It was flat on 30% of days, most often in August. ### Is Tynemouth Longsands good for beginners? Yes. Tynemouth Longsands is one of the better places to learn in Tyneside, with sand underfoot and gentle whitewater on small days. Surf schools and hire. The gentlest months that still have surf are May, July and September. ### Is it safe to surf at Tynemouth Longsands? Yes when it's small, but know this. Rips on bigger days, rocks at the north end and cold water in winter and spring. We know of no lifeguard cover, so never surf it alone. ### How busy does Tynemouth Longsands get? Often busy. Busy when it's good. For more room, try Blyth South Beach (12 km away) and Newbiggin (19 km away). ### How do I get to Tynemouth Longsands, and where can I stay? Take the Tyne and Wear Metro to Tynemouth or Cullercoats, both a short walk from the beach. By car, follow the A1058 coast road. Where to stay: Hotels and B&Bs in Tynemouth and Whitley Bay, or stay in Newcastle. ### Where else can I surf near Tynemouth Longsands? Close to Tynemouth Longsands: King Edward's Bay just south, and Cullercoats to the north. --- # Freshwater West (Wales) Forecast: https://swellotter.com/spot/freshwest Guide: https://swellotter.com/surf/freshwest Location: 51.65, -5.1 Freshwater West is a beachbreak in Wales. It works best on a west-south-west swell with an east wind, which blows offshore there. Best tide: all tides, best low to mid. It suits intermediate and advanced surfers. It is usually at its best in January, February and March. The sea ranges from about 9°C to 18°C over the year. In three years of Open-Meteo data (2023 to 2025), Freshwater West had rideable surf (2+ stars) on 66% of days and good surf (3+ stars) on 32%, was flat on 7% and 8ft or bigger on 18%. The most consistent month is March (89% of days rideable) and the quietest is June (38%). A typical winter day's best surf is about 6.3ft against 3.1ft in summer, the wind blows offshore for 4+ daylight hours on 23% of days, the average wind is 11.2 knots and about 1509mm of rain falls a year. ## Overview WaveBeachbreakPeaks · sand AbilityIntermediate, Advanced ConsistencyHigh CrowdsRarely Best swellWSWfrom 255° Best windEoffshore ### Positives - Wales' most reliable surf beach - Wild, unspoilt dunes - Plenty of peaks to choose from - Rarely crowded ### Negatives - Powerful rips, not for novices - No shops or cafes on the beach - Remote with few facilities - Blown out by the common SW wind Freshwater West feels like the end of the world, in the best way. A long, open beach on the south-west tip of Pembrokeshire, backed by dunes and almost nothing else. No shops, no cafes on the sand, no promenade. Just the Atlantic, the wind and the waves. It picks up more swell than anywhere else in Wales, and it doesn't care whether you're ready for it. When the rest of the Welsh coast is small, this is the place to check. When it's working, the peaks spread out along the beach and there's usually room for everyone. When it's big, it's serious. ## The break lowdown ### The wave Freshwater West is a sand-bottomed beachbreak with plenty of peaks along its length. It faces straight into the Atlantic, so it takes swell head-on, and the waves have real power. On a clean, mid-sized day, the banks throw up fast, punchy rights and lefts with plenty of shape. It faces straight into the Atlantic and picks up more swell than anywhere else in Wales. The power is what makes it great, and also what makes it challenging. The waves can be strong and heavy, and the currents are serious. This is a beach for confident surfers who can handle themselves in moving water. ### Who it suits Intermediate and advanced surfers. The rips and currents make it a poor choice for beginners, and there are no lifeguards for much of the year. If you're new to surfing, head to a lifeguarded beach instead. If you're confident, you'll find powerful, uncrowded peaks. ## When to go ### Swell, wind and tide Freshwater West likes a WSW swell, and it'll pick up anything from the west. The wind you want is E, which blows offshore. It works at all tides, best low to mid. The prevailing south-westerly is the problem. It blows cross-shore or onshore here, and it often messes up the surf. The best days come with an east wind, so watch for high pressure settling over the country. ## Cheat sheet: when Freshwater West fires SwellWSW WindE (offshore) TideAll tides, best low to mid Best monthsJanuary, February and March Sea temp9°C to 18°C Wetsuit5/4 with hood, boots and gloves in winter, 3/2 in summer (month by month) Check today's conditions → ### Season by season Over three years (2023 to 2025), Freshwater West had a surfable session on about 76% of winter days and 40% of summer days. The best months are usually January, February and March. The sea runs from about 9°C to 18°C. Autumn is the best season, with warm water and regular swells. Winter is powerful and often stormy, so some days are just too big. Spring is cold but can be clean in an easterly. Summer is smaller and quieter, but Freshwater West still picks up something most weeks. Jan85%10° Feb81%9° Mar89%9° Apr79%10° May67%13° Jun38%15° Jul39%17° Aug44%18° Sep60%17° Oct76%15° Nov77%14° Dec61%12° Top row: share of days with at least one 2-star session in daylight. Bottom row: average sea temperature in °C. From three years (2023 to 2025) of Open-Meteo history, rated with the same maths as our forecasts. ## Weather and water | | | Winter | Spring | Summer | Autumn | Surfable days | 76% | 78% | 40% | 71% | Typical surf | 6ft | 4ft | 3ft | 4ft | Offshore days | 24% | 33% | 11% | 25% | Sea temp | 10°C | 11°C | 16°C | 15°C | Wetsuit | 5/4, boots | 5/4, boots | 3/2 | 3/2 | Air, day high | 10°C | 13°C | 19°C | 15°C | Air, night low | 6°C | 8°C | 14°C | 11°C | Rain a month | 141mm | 104mm | 97mm | 161mm | Wet days a month | 16 | 16 | 17 | 19 Pack a 5/4 with boots for winter and a 3/2 for summer. Seasonal averages from three years (2023 to 2025) of Open-Meteo history for this break. ## Travel information ### Getting there and where to stay Take the B4319 south-west from Pembroke for about 15 minutes. Pembroke and Pembroke Dock are the nearest stations. There are small car parks behind the dunes along the coast road. Stay at campsites and holiday cottages around Angle and Castlemartin, or in hotels in Pembroke. ### Getting around Freshwater West is remote. You'll need a car, and there's no shop or cafe on the beach, so bring everything you need. Pembroke is about 15 minutes away for supplies, and Angle is the nearest village. ## Off the water The Pembrokeshire Coast Path runs right along the dunes, with wild walks in both directions. The beach has been a film location for some big productions, and it's easy to see why. Pembroke Castle and the harbour town of Tenby are both a short drive away. ## Hazards The rips and currents are the big hazard, along the whole beach. Bathing here is not advised. There's also a military firing range nearby, so read the signs and keep out when the red flags are flying. The beach is remote with few facilities, so surf with a friend and tell someone where you're going. The line-up is rarely crowded, so the etiquette is easy: be friendly and share. ## Handy hints - This is the first place to check in Wales when the swell is small. - The best days come with an east wind, which is offshore. - Don't surf alone. There are no lifeguards for much of the year and the rips are strong. - Check the military range signs before you walk the beach. ## Nearby breaks If it's too big or too wild, West Angle Bay is more sheltered and can offer small, clean waves. Manorbier, further east, is another option. If the wind is wrong for the whole of Pembrokeshire, head east to Rest Bay in Porthcawl, which faces a different way and can be cleaner. Check the live Freshwater West forecast before the long drive out. ### What conditions does Freshwater West need? Freshwater West works best on a west-south-west swell with an east wind, which blows offshore there. It is a beachbreak with shifting peaks over sand, and rides run about 50 to 100m. Best tide: All tides, best low to mid. In 2023–2025 the wind blew offshore for 4+ daylight hours on 23% of days, and Freshwater West had rideable surf (2+ stars) on 66% of days. ### When is the best time to surf Freshwater West? March is the most reliable month at Freshwater West: in 2023–2025 it had good surf (3+ stars) on 57% of days. The best run of months is January, March and April, and spring (March to May) is the strongest season overall. Offshore winds are most common in April, when they blow for 4+ daylight hours on 38% of days. For good winter days, Freshwater West ranks 9th of the 36 Wales breaks we track. Winter often gets too big: 37% of December to February days were 8ft or more. ### Is Freshwater West good for surfing in summer? Often not: Freshwater West was flat on 16% of June to August days in 2023–2025, so keep a summer trip flexible. Good (3+ star) days made up 12% of summer, and August was the best summer month (44% rideable). The sea reaches about 18°C by late summer. For summer consistency it ranks 15th of the 36 Wales breaks we track. ### What wetsuit do I need at Freshwater West? At Freshwater West you need a 5/4 from December to April, a 4/3 in May and in November and a 3/2 from June to October. Wear boots through the 5/4 months, and add a hood and gloves from January to March, when the sea is under 10°C. In August a spring suit will do on warm days. In March, the coldest month, Freshwater West had good surf on 57% of days, against 11% in August. The sea is coldest in March at about 9°C and warmest in August at about 18°C, while the air reaches about 11°C on a March afternoon. ### How big do the waves get at Freshwater West? On a typical day the best surf at Freshwater West is about 6.3ft in winter and 3.1ft in summer. It was 8ft or bigger on 18% of days in 2023–2025, most often in January. It was flat on 7% of days, most often in June. ### Is Freshwater West good for beginners? No. Freshwater West is for experienced surfers: it breaks over sand and mistakes hurt. Beginners are better off at West Angle Bay, 5 km away. ### Is it safe to surf at Freshwater West? Only if you're experienced: it gets powerful and the beach has real hazards. Strong rips and currents along the whole beach, and bathing here is not advised. There is a military firing range nearby, so read the signs. We know of no lifeguard cover, so never surf it alone. ### How do I get to Freshwater West, and where can I stay? Take the B4319 south-west from Pembroke for about 15 minutes. Pembroke and Pembroke Dock are the nearest stations. Where to stay: Campsites and holiday cottages around Angle and Castlemartin, and hotels in Pembroke. ### Where else can I surf near Freshwater West? When Freshwater West isn't working, these nearby breaks often are: Broad Haven South (13 km away) is offshore in a north wind, Freshwater East (16 km away) is offshore in a west-north-west wind and Manorbier (21 km away) is offshore in a north-north-east wind. Also close by: West Angle Bay for small, sheltered days and Manorbier further east. --- # Rest Bay, Porthcawl (Wales) Forecast: https://swellotter.com/spot/restbay Guide: https://swellotter.com/surf/restbay Location: 51.48, -3.75 Rest Bay, Porthcawl is a beachbreak in Wales. It works best on a south-west swell with a north-east wind, which blows offshore there. Best tide: low to mid; big tidal range changes it fast. It suits beginner, intermediate and advanced surfers. It is usually at its best in January, March and November. The sea ranges from about 8°C to 18°C over the year. In three years of Open-Meteo data (2023 to 2025), Rest Bay, Porthcawl had rideable surf (2+ stars) on 73% of days and good surf (3+ stars) on 29%, was flat on 7% and 8ft or bigger on 8%. The most consistent month is January (95% of days rideable) and the quietest is June (37%). A typical winter day's best surf is about 4.7ft against 2.4ft in summer, the wind blows offshore for 4+ daylight hours on 17% of days, the average wind is 9.8 knots and about 1922mm of rain falls a year. ## Overview WaveBeachbreakPeaks · reef & sand AbilityBeginner, Intermediate, Advanced ConsistencyHigh CrowdsOften Best swellSWfrom 235° Best windNEoffshore ### Positives - One of South Wales' most consistent spots - Lifeguards, surf school and watersports centre - Close to the M4 - Handles a range of swell sizes ### Negatives - Busy at weekends - Rocky patches at the edges - Huge tide range moves the peaks quickly - Onshore in SW wind Rest Bay is where South Wales goes surfing. It sits just west of Porthcawl, where the Bristol Channel opens out to the Atlantic, and it pulls in more swell than almost anywhere else on this stretch of coast. Ten minutes off the M4, with a car park on the sand and a surf school by the steps, it's the easiest decent wave in the region to reach. It's also a beach that never stands still. The Bristol Channel has one of the biggest tidal ranges on the planet, and Rest Bay changes shape by the hour. Turn up at the wrong time and you'll wonder what the fuss is about. Turn up at the right time and you'll be back next weekend. ## The break lowdown ### The wave Rest Bay is a mix of sand and rocky shelves, which gives the waves shape through the tide. On the sand, you'll find shifting beachbreak peaks. Over the rocky patches, the waves can stand up and throw a little more. The combination makes it a varied, interesting spot that handles a decent range of swell sizes. The waves can change a lot in an hour. The tide is the thing to watch. As the water floods in and drains out, the peaks move across the bay and the character of the wave changes completely. One hour it's a fun, peaky beachbreak. The next it's fat and full, or breaking onto rock. ### Who it suits Everyone, at the right tide. Beginners will find lifeguards, a surf school and a watersports centre, and the lower tides on smaller days suit them well. Intermediates will enjoy the peaks on a mid-sized swell. Experienced surfers will find the best waves on the bigger, cleaner days at lower tides. ## When to go ### Swell, wind and tide Rest Bay needs a SW swell to wrap into the Channel. The wind you want is NE (north-east), which blows offshore. The best tide is low to mid; big tidal range changes it fast, so plan your session around the tide times. The prevailing south-westerly is onshore here, so the best days come with a north or north-east breeze, often in spring and autumn. ## Cheat sheet: when Rest Bay, Porthcawl fires SwellSW WindNE (offshore) TideLow to mid; big tidal range changes it fast Best monthsJanuary, March and November Sea temp8°C to 18°C Wetsuit5/4 with hood, boots and gloves in winter, 3/2 in summer (month by month) Check today's conditions → ### Season by season Over three years (2023 to 2025), Rest Bay had a surfable session on about 88% of winter days and 46% of summer days. The best months are usually January, March and November. The sea runs from about 8°C to 18°C. Autumn and winter bring the most swell and the most consistent surf. Spring is cold but can be clean. Summer is small, and often a learner's beach, but still picks up some waves. Jan95%9° Feb85%8° Mar87%9° Apr76%10° May69%13° Jun37%16° Jul53%17° Aug49%18° Sep70%18° Oct76%16° Nov93%13° Dec85%11° Top row: share of days with at least one 2-star session in daylight. Bottom row: average sea temperature in °C. From three years (2023 to 2025) of Open-Meteo history, rated with the same maths as our forecasts. ## Weather and water | | | Winter | Spring | Summer | Autumn | Surfable days | 88% | 77% | 46% | 80% | Typical surf | 5ft | 3ft | 2ft | 3ft | Offshore days | 19% | 21% | 7% | 20% | Sea temp | 9°C | 11°C | 17°C | 16°C | Wetsuit | 5/4, hood | 5/4, boots | 3/2 | 3/2 | Air, day high | 9°C | 14°C | 19°C | 15°C | Air, night low | 5°C | 7°C | 13°C | 10°C | Rain a month | 188mm | 122mm | 128mm | 203mm | Wet days a month | 16 | 15 | 18 | 18 Pack a 5/4 with hood, boots and gloves for winter and a 3/2 for summer. Seasonal averages from three years (2023 to 2025) of Open-Meteo history for this break. ## Travel information ### Getting there and where to stay Leave the M4 at junction 37 and follow the signs to Porthcawl and Rest Bay, about ten minutes. Bridgend is the nearest station. There's a large pay car park right by the beach and the watersports centre. Stay in holiday parks, hotels and B&Bs in Porthcawl, or in Bridgend. ### Getting around Rest Bay is ten minutes from the M4 and right by the beach car park, so it's one of the easiest surf spots in Wales to reach. Porthcawl town is a short walk or drive away, and Bridgend station has trains on the main line. ## Off the water The Wales Coast Path runs along the shore, and the golf course behind the beach is one of the best known in Wales. Kenfig nature reserve, a big area of dunes and a lake, is just up the coast. Porthcawl has a seafront, cafes and fish and chips. ## Hazards Rocks at both ends of the bay and patches of reef across the beach are the main hazards. The tide comes in fast, so keep an eye on it. Rips form on bigger days at low tide. The line-up gets busy at weekends with surfers from Cardiff and Swansea, so be patient and share the waves. ## Handy hints - Check the tide times before you go. The Bristol Channel's huge range changes the waves fast. - Lower tides usually suit most surfers best. - Watch out for the rocky patches, especially at the edges of the bay. - Get there early at weekends, when surfers come in from Cardiff and Swansea. ## Nearby breaks If it's too big at Rest Bay, Coney Beach in Porthcawl offers a bit of shelter. Llantwit Major further east is another option, with a rocky reef. If the swell is small, head west: Freshwater West in Pembrokeshire picks up more than anywhere else in Wales. And if you're willing to travel, the North Devon beaches like Croyde are across the water. Check the live Rest Bay forecast and the tide times before you go. ### What conditions does Rest Bay, Porthcawl need? Rest Bay, Porthcawl works best on a south-west swell with a north-east wind, which blows offshore there. It is a beachbreak with shifting peaks over reef and sand, and rides run about 50 to 100m. Best tide: Low to mid; big tidal range changes it fast. In 2023–2025 the wind blew offshore for 4+ daylight hours on 17% of days, and Rest Bay, Porthcawl had rideable surf (2+ stars) on 73% of days. ### When is the best time to surf Rest Bay, Porthcawl? March is the most reliable month at Rest Bay, Porthcawl: in 2023–2025 it had good surf (3+ stars) on 48% of days. The best run of months is January, February and March, and winter (December to February) is the strongest season overall. Offshore winds are most common in March, when they blow for 4+ daylight hours on 26% of days. For good winter days, Rest Bay, Porthcawl ranks 7th of the 36 Wales breaks we track. Winter is the most consistent, with 88% of days rideable, but the water is coldest then. ### Is Rest Bay, Porthcawl good for surfing in summer? Often not: Rest Bay, Porthcawl was flat on 15% of June to August days in 2023–2025, so keep a summer trip flexible. Good (3+ star) days made up 10% of summer, and July was the best summer month (53% rideable). The sea reaches about 18°C by late summer. For summer consistency it ranks 6th of the 36 Wales breaks we track. ### What wetsuit do I need at Rest Bay, Porthcawl? At Rest Bay, Porthcawl you need a 5/4 from December to April, a 4/3 in May and in November and a 3/2 from June to October. Wear boots through the 5/4 months, and add a hood and gloves from January to March, when the sea is under 10°C. From July to September a spring suit will do on warm days. In February, the coldest month, Rest Bay, Porthcawl had good surf on 46% of days, against 15% in August. The sea is coldest in February at about 8°C and warmest in August at about 18°C, while the air reaches about 9°C on a February afternoon. ### How big do the waves get at Rest Bay, Porthcawl? On a typical day the best surf at Rest Bay, Porthcawl is about 4.7ft in winter and 2.4ft in summer. It was 8ft or bigger on 8% of days in 2023–2025, most often in December. It was flat on 7% of days, most often in June. ### Is Rest Bay, Porthcawl good for beginners? Yes, on small days. Rest Bay, Porthcawl has sandy footing and spots for learners, but it gets powerful as the swell builds. Lifeguards, surf school and watersports centre. The gentlest months that still have surf are May, July and August. ### Is it safe to surf at Rest Bay, Porthcawl? Yes when it's small, but know this. Rocks at both ends and patches of reef across the beach. The tide comes in fast. Rips on bigger days at low tide. Lifeguards cover it in season (check RNLI dates). ### How busy does Rest Bay, Porthcawl get? Often busy. Busy at weekends. For more room, try Ogmore-by-Sea (8 km away) and Hunts Bay (24 km away). ### How do I get to Rest Bay, Porthcawl, and where can I stay? Leave the M4 at junction 37 and follow signs to Porthcawl and Rest Bay, about 10 minutes. Bridgend is the nearest station. Where to stay: Holiday parks, hotels and B&Bs in Porthcawl, and more in Bridgend. ### Where else can I surf near Rest Bay, Porthcawl? When Rest Bay, Porthcawl isn't working, these nearby breaks often are: Lynmouth (28 km away) is offshore in a south wind and Oxwich Bay (29 km away) is offshore in a west-north-west wind. Also close by: Coney Beach in Porthcawl and Llantwit Major further east. --- # Thurso East (Scotland) Forecast: https://swellotter.com/spot/thurso Guide: https://swellotter.com/surf/thurso Location: 58.62, -3.5 Thurso East is a reef in Scotland. It works best on a north-west swell with a south wind, which blows offshore there. Best tide: mid to high; shallow at low. It suits advanced surfers. It is usually at its best in February, October and December. The sea ranges from about 8°C to 14°C over the year. In three years of Open-Meteo data (2023 to 2025), Thurso East had rideable surf (2+ stars) on 85% of days and good surf (3+ stars) on 57%, was flat on 3% and 8ft or bigger on 21%. The most consistent month is February (96% of days rideable) and the quietest is July (62%). A typical winter day's best surf is about 7.8ft against 2.9ft in summer, the wind blows offshore for 4+ daylight hours on 38% of days, the average wind is 11.3 knots and about 1236mm of rain falls a year. ## Overview WaveReefRight · flat reef AbilityAdvanced ConsistencyHigh CrowdsSometimes Best swellNWfrom 315° Best windSoffshore ### Positives - A world-class right-hand reef - Long, hollow walls - Very consistent in winter - Dramatic northern setting ### Negatives - Very cold water and short winter days - Shallow, sharp flagstone reef - Strong currents from the river - Long drive from anywhere Thurso East is the wave that makes surfers drive the length of Britain in January. It breaks on the far north coast of Scotland, where the River Thurso meets the Pentland Firth, and on its day, it's one of the best waves in Europe. Swell from the north and north-west hits a long, flat shelf of reef and peels into fast, hollow right-handers that run for well over a hundred metres. It's also cold, remote and unforgiving. The water is brown with peat from the river, the reef is sharp flagstone and in midwinter you get only a few hours of daylight. None of that stops the faithful. ## The break lowdown ### The wave Thurso East is a right-hand reef break over flat flagstone. The swell hits the reef and stands up into long, fast, hollow walls that peel along the shelf towards the river mouth. On a good day, you can ride for well over a hundred metres, with tube sections and long walls to carve. One of the best waves in Europe, but not a place to learn. The reef is shallow and sharp, and the wave breaks hard. The water is often stained brown by the river, which makes it hard to see the bottom. ### Who it suits Experienced surfers only. The reef is shallow, the wave is fast and the water is cold. Beginners should head to Dunnet Bay instead. Even experienced surfers should take time to watch the wave before paddling out. ## When to go ### Swell, wind and tide Thurso East needs a NW swell, from the north or north-west, with plenty of size and period. The wind you want is S (south), which blows offshore. The best tide is mid to high; shallow at low. Low tide is too shallow. The best days come in winter, when deep Atlantic lows pass north of Scotland and send long-period swell down onto the reef. ## Cheat sheet: when Thurso East fires SwellNW WindS (offshore) TideMid to high; shallow at low Best monthsFebruary, October and December Sea temp8°C to 14°C Wetsuit5/4 with hood, boots and gloves in winter, 4/3 in summer (month by month) Check today's conditions → ### Season by season Over three years (2023 to 2025), Thurso East had a surfable session on about 94% of winter days and 75% of summer days. The best months are usually February, October and December. The sea is cold, from about 8°C to 14°C. Winter is the season, with the most swell and the most power, but also the coldest water and the shortest days. Autumn is a good compromise, with plenty of swell and a bit more light. Spring can still be good. Summer is the quietest season, though the reef still picks up swell more often than you might expect. Jan89%9° Feb96%8° Mar90%8° Apr81%8° May77%10° Jun80%12° Jul62%14° Aug82%14° Sep88%14° Oct91%13° Nov86%11° Dec96%10° Top row: share of days with at least one 2-star session in daylight. Bottom row: average sea temperature in °C. From three years (2023 to 2025) of Open-Meteo history, rated with the same maths as our forecasts. ## Weather and water | | | Winter | Spring | Summer | Autumn | Surfable days | 94% | 83% | 75% | 88% | Typical surf | 8ft | 4ft | 3ft | 5ft | Offshore days | 52% | 32% | 24% | 42% | Sea temp | 9°C | 9°C | 13°C | 13°C | Wetsuit | 5/4, hood | 5/4, hood | 4/3 | 4/3 | Air, day high | 7°C | 11°C | 16°C | 12°C | Air, night low | 3°C | 6°C | 11°C | 8°C | Rain a month | 111mm | 71mm | 118mm | 112mm | Wet days a month | 18 | 15 | 20 | 18 Pack a 5/4 with hood, boots and gloves for winter and a 4/3 for summer. Seasonal averages from three years (2023 to 2025) of Open-Meteo history for this break. ## Travel information ### Getting there and where to stay Take the A9 north from Inverness, about two and a half hours by car. Trains run to Thurso from Inverness, and the nearest airport is Wick. There's limited parking on the east side of town near the castle; park with care and don't block access. Stay in hotels and B&Bs in Thurso, or at the campsite on the edge of town. ### Getting around A car is essential for exploring the north coast. Thurso is the main town, with shops, petrol and places to eat. The reefs to the west are spread out along the coast road, so allow time to check a few. ## Off the water Dunnet Head, the most northerly point of mainland Britain, is a short drive east. Ferries to Orkney leave from nearby Scrabster. The far north coast is wild, open country, with castles, cliffs and big skies. ## Hazards The shallow flagstone reef is the main hazard, followed by strong river currents, cold water and short daylight in winter. Rescue cover is a long way off, so surf with a friend. The line-up is small but serious, and the locals have priority. Be respectful, wait your turn and don't drop in. ## Handy hints - Winter brings the best swell, but plan around the short daylight hours. - Surf at mid to high tide. Low tide is too shallow. - Bring your thickest wetsuit, plus boots, gloves and a hood. - Never surf alone here. Rescue cover is a long way away. ## Nearby breaks If Thurso East is flat or too big, there are more reefs to the west, including Brims Ness and the spots towards Melvich. Dunnet Bay, to the east, is a long sandy beach that's great for beginners. And if you're heading south, Pease Bay near Edinburgh picks up swell from the east. Check the live Thurso East forecast before the long drive north. ### What conditions does Thurso East need? Thurso East works best on a north-west swell with a south wind, which blows offshore there. It is a reef with a right over flat reef, and rides run about 100 to 200m. Best tide: Mid to high; shallow at low. In 2023–2025 the wind blew offshore for 4+ daylight hours on 38% of days, and Thurso East had rideable surf (2+ stars) on 85% of days. ### When is the best time to surf Thurso East? February is the most reliable month at Thurso East: in 2023–2025 it had good surf (3+ stars) on 79% of days. The best run of months is February, March and December, and winter (December to February) is the strongest season overall. Offshore winds are most common in February, when they blow for 4+ daylight hours on 56% of days. For good winter days, Thurso East ranks 3rd of the 39 Scotland breaks we track. Winter often gets too big: 46% of December to February days were 8ft or more. ### Is Thurso East good for surfing in summer? Yes, better than most UK breaks: Thurso East had rideable surf on 75% of June to August days in 2023–2025. Good (3+ star) days made up 35% of summer, and August was the best summer month (82% rideable). The sea reaches about 14°C by late summer. For summer consistency it ranks 1st of the 39 Scotland breaks we track. ### What wetsuit do I need at Thurso East? At Thurso East you need a 5/4 from November to May and a 4/3 from June to October. Wear boots through the 5/4 months, and add a hood and gloves from December to April, when the sea is under 10°C. In March, the coldest month, Thurso East had good surf on 69% of days, against 47% in August. The sea is coldest in March at about 8°C and warmest in August at about 14°C, while the air reaches about 8°C on a March afternoon. ### How big do the waves get at Thurso East? On a typical day the best surf at Thurso East is about 7.8ft in winter and 2.9ft in summer. It was 8ft or bigger on 21% of days in 2023–2025, most often in February. It was flat on 3% of days, most often in July. ### Is Thurso East good for beginners? No. Thurso East is for experienced surfers: it breaks over flat reef and mistakes hurt. Beginners are better off at Dunnet Bay, 8 km away. ### Is it safe to surf at Thurso East? Only if you're experienced, as it breaks over flat reef. Shallow flagstone reef, strong river currents, cold water and short daylight in winter. Rescue cover is a long way off. We know of no lifeguard cover, so never surf it alone. ### How busy does Thurso East get? Busy at times. For more room, try Dunnet Bay (8 km away) and Brims Ness (9 km away). ### Where do you park for Thurso East? Limited parking on the east side of town near the castle. Park with care and don't block access. ### How do I get to Thurso East, and where can I stay? Take the A9 north from Inverness, about 2 hours 30 minutes by car. Trains run to Thurso from Inverness, and the nearest airport is Wick. Where to stay: Hotels and B&Bs in Thurso, and a campsite on the edge of town. ### Where else can I surf near Thurso East? When Thurso East isn't working, these nearby breaks often are: Dunnet Bay (8 km away) is offshore in an east-south-east wind, Skirza (26 km away) is offshore in a west wind and Sinclair's Bay (27 km away) is offshore in a west wind. Also close by: Brims Ness and the reefs to the west towards Melvich, and Dunnet Bay for beginners. --- # Pease Bay (Scotland) Forecast: https://swellotter.com/spot/pease Guide: https://swellotter.com/surf/pease Location: 55.95, -2.31 Pease Bay is a beachbreak in Scotland. It works best on a north-east swell with a south-west wind, which blows offshore there. Best tide: low to mid. It suits beginner and intermediate surfers. It is usually at its best in January, March and November. The sea ranges from about 7°C to 15°C over the year. In three years of Open-Meteo data (2023 to 2025), Pease Bay had rideable surf (2+ stars) on 47% of days and good surf (3+ stars) on 17%, was flat on 39% and 8ft or bigger on 1%. The most consistent month is March (68% of days rideable) and the quietest is August (28%). A typical winter day's best surf is about 1.7ft against 0.8ft in summer, the wind blows offshore for 4+ daylight hours on 43% of days, the average wind is 10.4 knots and about 995mm of rain falls a year. ## Overview WaveBeachbreakPeaks · sand AbilityBeginner, Intermediate ConsistencyMedium CrowdsRarely Best swellNEfrom 45° Best windSWoffshore ### Positives - Sheltered, friendly beachbreak - Within an hour of Edinburgh - Good for learners - Picks up east swell ### Negatives - Cold water - Needs an east or north-east swell - Holiday park dominates the bay - Flat for long spells Pease Bay is Edinburgh's surf beach, a small sandy bay tucked into the cliffs on the East Lothian and Borders coast, just off the A1. You drop down a steep, narrow lane, past a sea of static caravans, and there it is: a friendly little beachbreak that turns North Sea swell into gentle, rolling waves. It's not glamorous, and it's not always working. But when the North Sea wakes up and the wind blows from the south-west, Pease Bay can be a lovely place to surf, and it's less than an hour from the city. ## The break lowdown ### The wave Pease Bay is a sand-bottomed beachbreak with gentle, rolling peaks. The bay is small and sheltered, which helps to tame the swell and keep the waves soft and friendly. That makes it great for learning, and fun for longboarding. It picks up swell from the east and north-east and breaks gently over sand. On bigger swells, the waves can get punchier, but Pease Bay is never really heavy. It's a place to have fun, not to test yourself. ### Who it suits Beginners and intermediates. It's a great place to learn, with gentle waves and a sheltered bay. Intermediates will enjoy it on a bigger, cleaner day. Experienced surfers will probably find it a bit tame, but it's a fun option when nothing else is working. ## When to go ### Swell, wind and tide Pease Bay needs a NE swell, from the east or north-east, which comes from storms in the North Sea. The wind you want is SW, which blows offshore. It works best at low to mid. The best days come when a North Sea low sends swell down the coast, followed by a south-westerly. That's often when the west coast is blown out. ## Cheat sheet: when Pease Bay fires SwellNE WindSW (offshore) TideLow to mid Best monthsJanuary, March and November Sea temp7°C to 15°C Wetsuit5/4 with hood, boots and gloves in winter, 3/2 in summer (month by month) Check today's conditions → ### Season by season Over three years (2023 to 2025), Pease Bay had a surfable session on about 54% of winter days and only 29% of summer days. The best months are usually January, March and November. The sea is cold, from about 7°C to 15°C. Autumn to spring is the season, when the North Sea storms send swell down the coast. Summer is mostly flat, with only the occasional small swell. Jan65%7° Feb41%7° Mar68%7° Apr47%8° May33%11° Jun29%13° Jul30%14° Aug28%15° Sep49%14° Oct55%12° Nov64%11° Dec57%9° Top row: share of days with at least one 2-star session in daylight. Bottom row: average sea temperature in °C. From three years (2023 to 2025) of Open-Meteo history, rated with the same maths as our forecasts. ## Weather and water | | | Winter | Spring | Summer | Autumn | Surfable days | 54% | 49% | 29% | 56% | Typical surf | 2ft | 2ft | 1ft | 2ft | Offshore days | 59% | 25% | 41% | 45% | Sea temp | 8°C | 9°C | 14°C | 12°C | Wetsuit | 5/4, hood | 5/4, hood | 4/3 | 4/3 | Air, day high | 8°C | 12°C | 18°C | 13°C | Air, night low | 4°C | 6°C | 12°C | 8°C | Rain a month | 78mm | 68mm | 78mm | 108mm | Wet days a month | 14 | 14 | 16 | 15 Pack a 5/4 with hood, boots and gloves for winter and a 4/3 for summer. Seasonal averages from three years (2023 to 2025) of Open-Meteo history for this break. ## Travel information ### Getting there and where to stay Leave the A1 near Cockburnspath and follow the steep lane down to the bay, about 50 minutes from Edinburgh. Dunbar is the nearest station. Parking is limited near the beach; use the public spaces and pay where asked. Stay in the caravans at the bay, or in B&Bs and hotels in Dunbar and the Borders. ### Getting around There's no public transport to the beach itself, so you'll need a car. Dunbar is the best base for supplies, and North Berwick and Eyemouth are both within half an hour if you want to check other spots on the same swell. ## Off the water The Berwickshire Coastal Path runs along the cliffs nearby, and St Abbs Head, with its seabird colonies, is a short drive south. Dunbar has a harbour, a ruined castle and good places to eat, and Edinburgh is less than an hour away. ## Hazards Rips form on bigger days, and the water is cold, so bring a thick wetsuit, boots, gloves and a hood. The road down to the beach is steep and narrow, so drive carefully. The line-up is usually small and friendly, so say hello and share the waves. ## Handy hints - Watch for an east or north-east swell, usually from autumn to spring. - A south-west wind is offshore, so check Pease Bay when the west coast is blown out. - Drive carefully on the steep lane down to the bay. - Bring a thick suit, boots and gloves. The North Sea is cold. ## Nearby breaks If it's flat at Pease Bay, Belhaven Bay at Dunbar is a bigger, more open beach that sometimes picks up more swell. Coldingham Bay, to the south, is another option. And if you're up for a road trip, Thurso East on the north coast is the big one, while Tynemouth is a couple of hours south. Check the live Pease Bay forecast for the next North Sea swell. ### What conditions does Pease Bay need? Pease Bay works best on a north-east swell with a south-west wind, which blows offshore there. It is a beachbreak with shifting peaks over sand, and rides run about 50 to 100m. Best tide: Low to mid. In 2023–2025 the wind blew offshore for 4+ daylight hours on 43% of days, and Pease Bay had rideable surf (2+ stars) on 47% of days. ### When is the best time to surf Pease Bay? March is the most reliable month at Pease Bay: in 2023–2025 it had good surf (3+ stars) on 33% of days. The best run of months is March, November and December, and winter (December to February) is the strongest season overall. Offshore winds are most common in January, when they blow for 4+ daylight hours on 60% of days. For good winter days, Pease Bay ranks 25th of the 39 Scotland breaks we track. Winter is the most consistent, with 54% of days rideable, but the water is coldest then. ### Is Pease Bay good for surfing in summer? Often not: Pease Bay was flat on 63% of June to August days in 2023–2025, so keep a summer trip flexible. Good (3+ star) days made up 4% of summer, and July was the best summer month (30% rideable). The sea reaches about 15°C by late summer. For summer consistency it ranks 29th of the 39 Scotland breaks we track. ### What wetsuit do I need at Pease Bay? At Pease Bay you need a 5/4 from November to May, a 4/3 from June to July and from September to October and a 3/2 in August. Wear boots through the 5/4 months, and add a hood and gloves from December to April, when the sea is under 10°C. In February, the coldest month, Pease Bay had good surf on 16% of days, against 4% in August. The sea is coldest in February at about 7°C and warmest in August at about 15°C, while the air reaches about 9°C on a February afternoon. ### How big do the waves get at Pease Bay? On a typical day the best surf at Pease Bay is about 1.7ft in winter and 0.8ft in summer. Days of 8ft or more are rare here (1% of days in 2023–2025). It was flat on 39% of days, most often in July. ### Is Pease Bay good for beginners? Yes. Pease Bay is one of the better places to learn in Scottish Borders, with sand underfoot and gentle whitewater on small days. The gentlest months that still have surf are February, April and September. ### Is it safe to surf at Pease Bay? Yes when it's small, but know this. Rips on bigger days, cold water and a steep, narrow road down to the beach. We know of no lifeguard cover, so never surf it alone. ### Where do you park for Pease Bay? Limited parking near the beach. Use the public spaces and pay where asked. ### How do I get to Pease Bay, and where can I stay? Leave the A1 near Cockburnspath and follow the steep lane down to the bay, about 50 minutes from Edinburgh. Dunbar is the nearest station. Where to stay: Caravans at the bay, and B&Bs and hotels in Dunbar and the Borders. ### Where else can I surf near Pease Bay? Close to Pease Bay: Belhaven Bay at Dunbar and Coldingham Bay to the south. --- # Whiterocks, Portrush (Northern Ireland) Forecast: https://swellotter.com/spot/whiterocks Guide: https://swellotter.com/surf/whiterocks Location: 55.22, -6.62 Whiterocks, Portrush is a beachbreak in Northern Ireland. It works best on a north-west swell with a south wind, which blows offshore there. Best tide: all tides. It suits beginner and intermediate surfers. It is usually at its best in February, March and December. The sea ranges from about 9°C to 16°C over the year. In three years of Open-Meteo data (2023 to 2025), Whiterocks, Portrush had rideable surf (2+ stars) on 85% of days and good surf (3+ stars) on 54%, was flat on 6% and 8ft or bigger on 15%. The most consistent month is December (98% of days rideable) and the quietest is May (69%). A typical winter day's best surf is about 6.3ft against 2.7ft in summer, the wind blows offshore for 4+ daylight hours on 44% of days, the average wind is 9.5 knots and about 1262mm of rain falls a year. ## Overview WaveBeachbreakPeaks · sand AbilityBeginner, Intermediate ConsistencyHigh CrowdsSometimes Best swellNWfrom 320° Best windSoffshore ### Positives - Picks up Atlantic swell from the north - Stunning white cliffs - Close to Portrush - Good for learners and improvers ### Negatives - Cold water - Exposed to wind - Busy in summer - Rips on bigger days Whiterocks is the jewel of Northern Ireland's surf coast. A long sandy beach just east of Portrush, it sits below bright limestone cliffs on the Causeway Coast, facing north into the Atlantic. The swell wraps around the top of Ireland and rolls in onto the sand, giving waves for everyone from first-timers to seasoned locals. It's also part of a string of good beaches around Portrush, which is its secret weapon. If Whiterocks is too busy or too windy, another beach nearby might be perfect. ## The break lowdown ### The wave Whiterocks is a sand-bottomed beachbreak with peaks along its length. The waves are usually friendly and forgiving, but on a good swell they can have real punch. The banks shift with the storms, so the best peaks move from season to season. It faces north into the Atlantic and catches swell that wraps around the top of Ireland. The beach is long enough to spread out on, so even on a busy day you can usually find a peak of your own. ### Who it suits Beginners and intermediates will love it. The waves are friendly, and there are surf schools in Portrush. Experienced surfers will enjoy the bigger days, and the reefs along the coast. ## When to go ### Swell, wind and tide Whiterocks needs a NW swell, from the north or north-west. The wind you want is S (south), which blows offshore. It works at all tides. The beach is exposed to the wind, so the best days come with a light southerly. When the wind is wrong, the other beaches around Portrush, facing slightly different ways, might be cleaner. ## Cheat sheet: when Whiterocks, Portrush fires SwellNW WindS (offshore) TideAll tides Best monthsFebruary, March and December Sea temp9°C to 16°C Wetsuit5/4 with hood, boots and gloves in winter, 3/2 in summer (month by month) Check today's conditions → ### Season by season Over three years (2023 to 2025), Whiterocks had a surfable session on about 94% of winter days and 77% of summer days. The best months are usually February, March and December. The sea runs from about 9°C to 16°C. Autumn and winter bring the most swell, as the Atlantic storms track past the north of Ireland. Spring can be good, but the water is cold. Summer is smaller but still picks up something fairly often, and it's a great time to learn. Jan91%9° Feb94%9° Mar92%9° Apr79%9° May69%11° Jun78%14° Jul69%15° Aug84%16° Sep84%15° Oct87%14° Nov92%13° Dec98%11° Top row: share of days with at least one 2-star session in daylight. Bottom row: average sea temperature in °C. From three years (2023 to 2025) of Open-Meteo history, rated with the same maths as our forecasts. ## Weather and water | | | Winter | Spring | Summer | Autumn | Surfable days | 94% | 80% | 77% | 88% | Typical surf | 6ft | 3ft | 3ft | 4ft | Offshore days | 51% | 42% | 36% | 46% | Sea temp | 10°C | 10°C | 15°C | 14°C | Wetsuit | 5/4, hood | 5/4, hood | 4/3 | 4/3 | Air, day high | 9°C | 13°C | 18°C | 13°C | Air, night low | 4°C | 6°C | 12°C | 8°C | Rain a month | 101mm | 91mm | 117mm | 111mm | Wet days a month | 17 | 17 | 21 | 18 Pack a 5/4 with hood, boots and gloves for winter and a 4/3 for summer. Seasonal averages from three years (2023 to 2025) of Open-Meteo history for this break. ## Travel information ### Getting there and where to stay Follow the A2 coast road east from Portrush for a few minutes. Portrush station has trains from Coleraine and Belfast. There's a car park at the beach. Stay in hotels, B&Bs and caravan parks in Portrush and Portstewart. ### Getting around Whiterocks is a few minutes east of Portrush on the A2. A car makes it easy to check all the nearby beaches, but Portrush station is close enough to walk from, and the town is small. ## Off the water The Giant's Causeway is a short drive east along the coast, past the ruins of Dunluce Castle on its cliff. Portrush has a famous golf course, plenty of cafes and a lively seafront. The Causeway Coast is one of the most beautiful drives in Ireland. ## Hazards Rips form on bigger days, and there are rocks at the ends of the beach. The water is cold, so bring a good wetsuit. The beach gets busy in summer, so be patient and share the waves. ## Handy hints - If it's onshore here, check the other beaches around Portrush. One of them may face a better way. - A south wind is offshore at Whiterocks. - Autumn and winter bring the most swell. - Bring a good wetsuit. The water is cold for most of the year. ## Nearby breaks If it's too busy or too windy at Whiterocks, try East Strand or West Strand in Portrush, or Portstewart Strand to the west. Each one faces a slightly different way, so one might be cleaner. And if you're up for a ferry trip, Thurso East in Scotland picks up the same northern swells. Check the live Whiterocks forecast before heading out. ### What conditions does Whiterocks, Portrush need? Whiterocks, Portrush works best on a north-west swell with a south wind, which blows offshore there. It is a beachbreak with shifting peaks over sand, and rides run about 50 to 100m. Best tide: All tides. In 2023–2025 the wind blew offshore for 4+ daylight hours on 44% of days, and Whiterocks, Portrush had rideable surf (2+ stars) on 85% of days. ### When is the best time to surf Whiterocks, Portrush? February is the most reliable month at Whiterocks, Portrush: in 2023–2025 it had good surf (3+ stars) on 79% of days. The best run of months is January, February and December, and winter (December to February) is the strongest season overall. Offshore winds are most common in January, when they blow for 4+ daylight hours on 53% of days. For good winter days, Whiterocks, Portrush ranks 1st of the 10 Northern Ireland breaks we track. Winter often gets too big: 36% of December to February days were 8ft or more. ### Is Whiterocks, Portrush good for surfing in summer? Yes, better than most UK breaks: Whiterocks, Portrush had rideable surf on 77% of June to August days in 2023–2025. Good (3+ star) days made up 30% of summer, and August was the best summer month (84% rideable). The sea reaches about 16°C by late summer. For summer consistency it ranks 1st of the 10 Northern Ireland breaks we track. ### What wetsuit do I need at Whiterocks, Portrush? At Whiterocks, Portrush you need a 5/4 from December to May, a 4/3 in June and from September to November and a 3/2 from July to August. Wear boots through the 5/4 months, and add a hood and gloves from January to April, when the sea is under 10°C. In February, the coldest month, Whiterocks, Portrush had good surf on 79% of days, against 42% in August. The sea is coldest in February at about 9°C and warmest in August at about 16°C, while the air reaches about 9°C on a February afternoon. ### How big do the waves get at Whiterocks, Portrush? On a typical day the best surf at Whiterocks, Portrush is about 6.3ft in winter and 2.7ft in summer. It was 8ft or bigger on 15% of days in 2023–2025, most often in February. It was flat on 6% of days, most often in May. ### Is Whiterocks, Portrush good for beginners? Yes. Whiterocks, Portrush is one of the better places to learn in Causeway Coast, with sand underfoot and gentle whitewater on small days. The gentlest months that still have surf are April, July and August. ### Is it safe to surf at Whiterocks, Portrush? Yes when it's small, but know this. Rips on bigger days, cold water and rocks at the ends of the beach. We know of no lifeguard cover, so never surf it alone. ### How busy does Whiterocks, Portrush get? Busy at times. Busy in summer. For more room, try Portballintrae (4 km away) and Castlerock (12 km away). ### How do I get to Whiterocks, Portrush, and where can I stay? Follow the A2 coast road east from Portrush for a few minutes. Portrush station has trains from Coleraine and Belfast. Where to stay: Hotels, B&Bs and caravan parks in Portrush and Portstewart. ### Where else can I surf near Whiterocks, Portrush? Close to Whiterocks, Portrush: East and West Strand in Portrush, and Portstewart Strand to the west. --- # Best time to surf in the UK: month by month, region by region Source: https://swellotter.com/guides/best-time-to-surf-in-the-uk ## The short answer The UK's surf season runs from autumn to spring. Across the 13 breaks we have three years (2023 to 2025) of history for, January is the best month, with surfable waves on 82% of days. July is the worst, at 44%. If you want waves and warm-ish water together, go in September, October or November. That's the opposite of what most people expect, because summer is when we go to the beach. But the swell that reaches our coast is made by Atlantic and North Sea storms, and those are winter storms. In summer the storms are weaker and further away, so the sea goes quiet. ## Surfable days, month by month This is the share of days, in each month, that had at least one daylight hour rated 2 stars or more at the breaks we track in each region. | | | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Cornwall | 85% | 81% | 80% | 68% | 59% | 38% | 33% | 42% | 63% | 69% | 72% | 74% | Devon | 78% | 69% | 73% | 61% | 40% | 24% | 25% | 30% | 44% | 62% | 66% | 60% | North East England | 71% | 49% | 74% | 58% | 44% | 34% | 44% | 36% | 54% | 68% | 82% | 65% | Wales | 90% | 83% | 88% | 78% | 68% | 38% | 46% | 47% | 65% | 76% | 85% | 73% | Scotland | 77% | 69% | 79% | 64% | 55% | 55% | 46% | 55% | 69% | 73% | 75% | 77% | Northern Ireland | 91% | 94% | 92% | 79% | 69% | 78% | 69% | 84% | 84% | 87% | 92% | 98% | UK average | 82% | 74% | 81% | 68% | 56% | 44% | 44% | 49% | 63% | 72% | 78% | 74% Share of days with at least one daylight hour rated 2 stars or more, three years (2023 to 2025) of Open-Meteo history, averaged across the breaks we track in each region. Read across any row and you'll see the same shape: high from late autumn to early spring, a sharp drop from April, and a summer trough. Each region still has its own best month: January in Cornwall, January in Devon, November in North East England, January in Wales, March in Scotland and December in Northern Ireland. ## The four seasons | | | Winter | Spring | Summer | Autumn | Surfable days | 77% | 68% | 46% | 71% | Good days (3+ stars) | 45% | 33% | 14% | 36% | Flat days | 9% | 14% | 28% | 11% | 8ft+ days | 21% | 6% | 2% | 9% | Sea temperature | 9.3°C | 10.1°C | 15.6°C | 14°C UK average across the 13 breaks with three years of history. Seasons are meteorological: winter is December to February. ### Winter: the most waves, the coldest water Winter is when the UK gets its best and biggest surf. It's also when the swell is most likely to be too big: December has the most days with 8ft or bigger surf, about 21% of them. On those days the exposed beaches close out and the sheltered corners and reefs come into their own. The sea is at its coldest in late winter, so you'll want a 5/4 and, in many places, a hood, gloves and boots. Short days are the other catch: around the solstice you get about eight hours of daylight in the south west and less in Scotland. ### Spring: fading swell, cold sea Spring starts with winter's swell and ends with summer's flat spells. The water stays cold well into April, because the sea warms slowly. It's a good season if you watch the forecast and move fast, but on average it has fewer waves than autumn and colder water. ### Summer: learn, longboard or travel In July, only 44% of days were surfable and 27% were flat. Summer is the best time to learn, because small, gentle waves are what a beginner needs, the water is warmest and the beaches have lifeguards. For everyone else, it's longboard and fish season. Some breaks hold up better than others. The most reliable in summer were Whiterocks, Portrush (77%), Thurso East (75%) and Fistral (51%), and the least were Bantham (20%), Porthleven (22%) and Pease Bay (29%). ### Autumn: the sweet spot Autumn is when the Atlantic wakes up and the sea is still warm from the summer. In October 72% of days were surfable with the sea at 14°C on average. Compare that with April: 68% of days, in a sea of 9.7°C. More waves, warmer water and emptier beaches once the school holidays are over. ## The Swell Otter take If you can only take one surf trip a year in the UK, take it in October. If you surf every week, the forecast matters far more than the calendar: a good day in July beats a blown-out day in January, and our star ratings are there to find it. We'd also say this. The idea of a "surf season" puts a lot of people off going in winter, and winter is when the UK is at its best. With a proper winter suit, a sheltered break for the windy days and an eye on the forecast, December to February is when you'll get the waves you remember. Our wetsuit guide covers what to wear each month. ## Summer against winter, break by break Some beaches go flat for months. Others keep working. This table ranks every break with three years of history by how often it was surfable in summer. | | Break | Summer surfable days | Winter surfable days | Winter 8ft+ days | Whiterocks, Portrush | 77% | 94% | 36% | Thurso East | 75% | 94% | 46% | Fistral | 51% | 90% | 33% | Rest Bay, Porthcawl | 46% | 88% | 19% | Watergate Bay | 40% | 84% | 30% | Freshwater West | 40% | 76% | 37% | Tynemouth Longsands | 39% | 62% | 2% | Sennen | 37% | 78% | 30% | Saltburn | 37% | 61% | 8% | Croyde | 32% | 79% | 11% | Pease Bay | 29% | 54% | 2% | Porthleven | 22% | 68% | 0% | Bantham | 20% | 58% | 5% Summer is June to August, winter December to February. Three years (2023 to 2025) of history per break. The pattern is mostly about exposure. Breaks that face straight into the open Atlantic, or catch swell from more than one direction, keep going through the summer. Breaks tucked into bays or facing the North Sea need a proper storm to wake up. If you're booking a summer trip, pick a break near the top of this table and read its guide first. The most consistent of all, Whiterocks, Portrush, suits beginners too, so it's a good bet for a family trip. ## Questions ### What is the best month to surf in the UK? January, by our numbers: 82% of days had surfable waves across the 13 breaks with three years of history. October is the best month if you also want warmer water and fewer crowds. ### Is there surf in the UK in summer? Yes, but less of it. In July only 44% of days were surfable on average. Summer is ideal for learning and for longboards, and some exposed breaks stay surprisingly consistent. ### When is the surf season in Cornwall? Roughly September to April. Cornwall gets the most consistent surf in England through the autumn and winter, and its winter sea is the warmest in England. The Cornwall guide has each break month by month. ### Is it worth surfing in the UK in winter? Yes. Winter has the most surfable days of the year and the best quality waves. You need a 5/4 wetsuit, usually with boots, a hood and gloves, and the patience to pick the right break when the wind is up. Find this week's best days on the UK surf forecasts, or pick a region from the region guides. --- # Best UK beaches for beginners: where and when to learn to surf Source: https://swellotter.com/guides/best-uk-beaches-for-beginners ## The short answer Learn on a sandy beachbreak with a lifeguard, in summer, on a day with small, clean waves. Of the 13 breaks we have three years (2023 to 2025) of history for, 10 suit beginners. The ones we rate most highly for learning are Watergate Bay, Saltburn, Tynemouth Longsands, Pease Bay and Whiterocks, Portrush. Don't learn at a reef or a heavy beachbreak. We don't rate Porthleven, Freshwater West and Thurso East as beginner breaks: think shallow rock or powerful waves, and crowds who won't thank you for getting in the way. ## The beaches compared Every beach here is one we rate as suitable for beginners. The dots are our beginner score out of 3 and our crowd score out of 5, both from the spot guides. | | Beach | For beginners | Crowds | Best tide | Summer surfable days | Summer 8ft+ days | Watch out for | Whiterocks, Portrush Northern Ireland | ●●● | ●●●○○ | All tides | 77% | 4% | Rips on bigger days | Watergate Bay Cornwall | ●●● | ●●●○○ | Low to mid | 40% | 2% | Closes out once it gets overhead | Tynemouth Longsands North East England | ●●● | ●●●●○ | Low to mid | 39% | 0% | Cold water | Saltburn North East England | ●●● | ●●●○○ | All tides | 37% | 0% | Rips by the pier | Pease Bay Scotland | ●●● | ●●○○○ | Low to mid | 29% | 0% | Cold water | Fistral Cornwall | ●●○ | ●●●●● | All tides | 51% | 3% | Rips beside the headland | Rest Bay, Porthcawl Wales | ●●○ | ●●●●○ | Low to mid | 46% | 1% | Rocky patches at the edges | Sennen Cornwall | ●●○ | ●●●○○ | All tides | 37% | 4% | Gwynver end has strong currents | Croyde Devon | ●●○ | ●●●●● | Low to mid on the push | 32% | 1% | Rips at low tide | Bantham Devon | ●●○ | ●●●●○ | Low to mid on the push | 20% | 0% | Dangerous river currents on the ebb Beginner and crowd scores, tides and hazards come from our spot guides; surfable and 8ft+ days from three years of history (June to August). Only breaks we rate as suitable for beginners are listed. How to read it: a high beginner score means gentle, forgiving waves over sand and plenty of room in the white water. "Summer surfable days" is how often there were waves worth riding in June to August. "Summer 8ft+ days" is how often it was far too big for a beginner, which in summer is rare. ## Why summer is the best time to learn Most surfers will tell you winter has the best waves, and they're right. But a learner needs small, gentle waves, and summer is when the sea is calmest and big days are rare. The water is also at its warmest, the beaches have lifeguards and surf schools run every day. The catch is that some beaches go flat for weeks in summer. Whiterocks, Portrush had surfable waves on 77% of summer days in our history. Bantham managed 20%. If you're booking lessons for a summer week, that difference matters. In winter, the same beaches can be dangerous for a beginner. At Whiterocks, Portrush, the beginner-friendly beach with the most big winter days in our history, about 36% of winter days had surf of 8ft or bigger. Size isn't the only problem: winter swell also brings stronger rips and colder water. ## The Swell Otter take Pick the beach for the conditions on the day, not for its name. A famous beach on a big, messy day is a worse place to learn than a quiet one on a small, clean day. Use the forecast the way an experienced surfer would: look for a small swell, a long period and a light or offshore wind. Our guide to reading a surf forecast explains it in plain English. And take a lesson, at least for the first few sessions. A good instructor will pick the right part of the beach, teach you to spot a rip and get you standing up much faster than trial and error. ## Staying safe - Surf at a lifeguarded beach, between the black and white flags. That's the zone set aside for surfboards. Red and yellow flags are for swimmers and bodyboards. A red flag means don't go in at all. The RNLI website lists the beaches it patrols and when. - Learn to spot a rip. Rips are channels of water flowing out to sea, often where the waves aren't breaking. Our spot guides list rips as a hazard at 4 of these beaches: Fistral, Croyde, Saltburn and Whiterocks, Portrush. If you're caught in one, don't fight it. Float, raise a hand and shout for help, or paddle across it, parallel to the beach. - Use a soft-top board with a leash. Big, buoyant foam boards are easier to catch waves on and kinder when they hit you. - Check the tide. Some beaches lose most of the sand at high tide, or get rocky corners at low. The table above gives each beach's best tide, and every spot page shows today's times. ## Questions ### Where is the best place to learn to surf in the UK? A sandy, lifeguarded beachbreak with small waves. From our spot guides, the beaches we rate highest for beginners are Watergate Bay, Saltburn, Tynemouth Longsands, Pease Bay and Whiterocks, Portrush. Each one has a full guide with the best tide, the hazards and how to get there. ### Is Cornwall good for beginners? Yes. Cornwall has several big, sandy beaches with surf schools and lifeguards, and the warmest sea in England in winter. Avoid the reefs, and pick a smaller day in summer for your first sessions. ### What time of year is best to learn to surf in the UK? Summer, from June to September. The waves are smaller and gentler, the water is warmest and lifeguards patrol the busiest beaches. ### What waves are best for beginners? Small, slow, crumbling waves of 1 to 3ft over sand, with a light or offshore wind. Our star ratings favour clean, long-period swell, so on a small day look for 1 to 2 stars at a beginner beach. See every break on the UK surf forecasts, or browse the spot guides for the full story on each beach. --- # Where and when the UK gets its biggest surf: three years of data Source: https://swellotter.com/guides/biggest-waves-uk ## The short answer Big surf in the UK is a winter thing. Across the 13 breaks we have three years (2023 to 2025) of history for, the best surf of the day reached 8ft or more on 20% of days from December to February, and on only 2% from June to August. January is the peak month, with 21% of days, and July is the quietest, at 0%. The break that gets big surf most often is Thurso East, with an 8ft+ day 21% of the time across the year and 46% in winter. Next come Freshwater West (18%) and Whiterocks, Portrush (15%). The biggest single month at any break on our list was February at Thurso East, when 49% of days reached 8ft or more. Big is not the same as good. Most of these days are too big, too windy or too messy for most surfers. This guide is about where and when the size comes, so you know what you're looking at on the forecast. ## What we mean by big Every number here comes from three years (2023 to 2025) of hourly wave and wind history from Open-Meteo. We took the swell at each break and turned it into a surf height with the same maths our live forecasts use. That estimates the height of the face of a breaking wave, the way surfers talk about size, not the height of the swell out at sea. An 8ft+ day is a day when the best surf at the break reached 8ft or more on the face at some point. That is roughly head-and-a-half high or bigger. At that size most beach breaks close out, the paddle out is hard work and the rips are strong. It's a fair line for "big" in the UK. This is a model of the past, not a record of what people saw. The model doesn't know about every sandbar or every reef, and the biggest waves at a reef can be bigger than any model says. But because every break is measured the same way, the comparison between them holds. ## Month by month | | | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | 8ft+ days | 21% | 18% | 12% | 4% | 2% | 1% | 0% | 4% | 5% | 10% | 13% | 20% Average across the 13 breaks with three years of history. Across the UK, the size builds through autumn: 10% of days in October, 13% in November. It peaks in midwinter. It fades through spring: 12% in March, 4% in April. Then summer is close to zero. The reason is the North Atlantic storm track. In winter, deep low-pressure systems cross the ocean one after another, with strong winds blowing over thousands of miles of sea. That is what makes long, powerful swell. In summer the storms are fewer, weaker and further north, so the swell that reaches us is smaller. Autumn builds faster than spring fades. November has more big days than March, even though the sea is warmer in November. If you want size and can't face the coldest water, late autumn is the time to watch. ## Break by break | | Break | 8ft+ days, year | Dec to Feb | Jun to Aug | Biggest month | Typical winter day | Thurso East Scotland | 21% | 46% | 6% | Feb, 49% | 7.8ft | Freshwater West Wales | 18% | 37% | 4% | Jan, 46% | 6.3ft | Whiterocks, Portrush Northern Ireland | 15% | 36% | 4% | Feb, 42% | 6.3ft | Sennen Cornwall | 15% | 30% | 4% | Jan, 35% | 6.2ft | Fistral Cornwall | 15% | 33% | 3% | Jan, 37% | 6.3ft | Watergate Bay Cornwall | 13% | 30% | 2% | Jan, 33% | 6.1ft | Rest Bay, Porthcawl Wales | 8% | 19% | 1% | Dec, 24% | 4.7ft | Saltburn North East England | 5% | 8% | 0% | Nov, 13% | 2.6ft | Croyde Devon | 4% | 11% | 1% | Jan, 14% | 4ft | Bantham Devon | 3% | 5% | 0% | Jan, 10% | 3.2ft | Pease Bay Scotland | 1% | 2% | 0% | Oct, 8% | 1.7ft | Tynemouth Longsands North East England | 1% | 2% | 0% | Oct, 5% | 2.3ft | Porthleven Cornwall | 0% | 0% | 0% | Mar, 1% | 2.8ft 8ft+ day: the best surf of the day reached 8ft or more on the face. Typical winter day: the median of each day's best surf, December to February. Same surf-height maths as our live forecasts. Three years (2023 to 2025) of Open-Meteo history at each break. ### The north coast of Scotland gets the most Thurso East is a reef on the north coast of Caithness, facing straight into swell from the North Atlantic and close to where many of the storms pass. In February, 49% of days reached 8ft or more there, and the typical day's best surf in winter was 7.8ft, against 2.9ft in summer. It's a wave for experienced surfers only, and on the biggest days it's for very few of them. ### Open Atlantic beaches come next Freshwater West (18%) and Whiterocks, Portrush (15%) come next. Like Thurso East, they face the open Atlantic, so they take the full force of the winter storms. In winter, a big day at breaks like these is common, not rare. That is good news if you're experienced and bad news if you're learning, because a friendly summer beach becomes a heavy, rippy place from November. If you're a beginner on a winter trip, read where to surf when it's onshore for the more sheltered options. ### Some famous breaks rarely get huge Croyde is one of the best-known waves in England, but it had an 8ft+ day only 4% of the time across the year, against 15% at Fistral. Even in winter it was 11%. So a famous name doesn't mean big surf: check each break's numbers before you go looking for size. ### The North Sea rarely gets big Saltburn, Pease Bay and Tynemouth Longsands take their swell from the North Sea, and they all sit in the bottom half of our list. The North Sea breaks averaged an 8ft+ day 2.6% of the time, against 11% for the rest. The North Sea is smaller and shallower than the Atlantic, so its swells are shorter and lose power faster. When the east coast does get big, it is usually from a strong northerly or north-easterly blow, and it often comes with cold, rough conditions. ## Staying safe on big days - Know your limit, and stay below it. If you're asking yourself whether it's too big, it is. Watch for twenty minutes before you decide. - Look at the period as well as the size. A long-period swell (14 seconds or more) carries more power than the same height at 8 seconds, and the sets can be much bigger than the average. - Expect strong rips. Big surf moves a lot of water. Beach breaks that are gentle in summer can pull hard in winter. - Use lifeguarded beaches when you can, and surf between the red and yellow flags if you're not sure. In winter many beaches have no lifeguards, so go with someone who knows the break. - Call 999 and ask for the Coastguard if you see someone in trouble in the sea. ## The Swell Otter take The UK gets more big surf than most people think, but it comes in winter, at a handful of exposed breaks, and often with wind and cold to match. For most surfers, the best days aren't the biggest. They're the clean, mid-sized days a day or two after a big swell, when the wind drops and the size comes down. So when you see a big number on the forecast, look at the wind and the period too, and think about where that swell will be smaller and cleaner. And if you're not sure, watch from the beach. There is always another swell. ## Questions ### Where are the biggest waves in the UK? Of the 13 breaks we have three years of history for, Thurso East on the north coast of Scotland gets 8ft+ surf most often, followed by Freshwater West and Whiterocks, Portrush. ### When is the surf biggest in the UK? In winter. Across our breaks, 20% of days from December to February had surf of 8ft or more, and January is the peak month. From June to August it's only 2%. ### How big do waves get in Cornwall? On Cornwall's exposed north coast, 8ft+ days are common in winter, and the biggest storms bring surf well beyond that. Fistral had an 8ft+ day 15% of the time across the year. In summer it's rare. ### Is the surf big in summer in the UK? Hardly ever. Only 2% of summer days reached 8ft or more across our breaks, and July is the quietest month of the year. Summer is the best time to learn, not to chase size. See the best time to surf in the UK. --- # How to read a surf forecast: the five numbers that matter, in order Source: https://swellotter.com/guides/how-to-read-a-surf-forecast ## The short answer Read a surf forecast in this order: swell period first, then wind direction compared with the way the beach faces, then wind speed, then swell direction, and only then swell height. Check the tide last, against what your break likes. Most people read it the other way round, starting with the big number at the top, and that's why so many of us drive two hours to a mess. The big number is the least useful thing on a surf forecast. Period and wind decide whether it's any good. That's the Swell Otter take, and it isn't just opinion. It's how our star rating is built. Period is worth up to two and a half of the five stars, wind is worth up to two and a half, and size mostly decides whether there's anything to ride at all. The rest of this guide walks through each number, then runs a real break, Fistral in Newquay, through the same code that rates every hour on the site. ## Step 1: Start with the swell period The period is the time in seconds between one wave and the next passing the same point. It tells you how far the swell travelled and how much energy it carries. A long-period swell was made by a storm far out in the Atlantic and arrives as clean, evenly spaced lines. A short-period swell was made by wind close to the coast and arrives as a jumble. As a rough guide for UK beaches: - Under 8 seconds: local windswell. Weak, close together and usually messy. Fine for a learner, rarely worth a long drive. - 8 to 11 seconds: a mix. Can be fun, especially with a light offshore wind. - 12 seconds and over: proper groundswell. This is what makes a beach come alive, and it breaks bigger than the height suggests. Period also changes the size of the wave you actually ride. We multiply the swell height by a period factor: 0.988 at 7 seconds, 1.175 at 10 seconds and 1.425 at 14 seconds. So two forecasts with the same height can produce very different surf. ## Step 2: Check the wind direction against the beach Wind direction on a forecast is where the wind is coming from. What matters is how that compares with the way your beach faces. - Offshore wind blows from the land out to sea. It holds the waves up, grooms the faces and makes them peel. We count anything within 45 degrees of a break's offshore direction as offshore. - Cross-shore wind blows along the beach. Light cross-shore is fine; strong cross-shore makes the faces bumpy. That's 45 to 120 degrees off. - Onshore wind blows from the sea onto the beach. It knocks waves over early and fills the bay with chop. Everything else counts as onshore. Every beach has its own offshore direction. At Fistral it's SE (135 degrees). At a beach on the other side of the same county it could be the opposite. That's why a "westerly wind" means nothing on its own, and why every Swell Otter spot page labels the wind as offshore, cross-shore or onshore for that break. ## Step 3: Then the wind speed Direction tells you whether the wind helps. Speed tells you by how much. Under 3 knots it barely matters which way it blows: the surface is glassy and the wind earns full marks. Above that, onshore wind does damage fast. In our rating it loses most of its points as soon as it passes 3 knots and all of them past 7. Cross-shore wind costs a little from 4 knots and more past 12, and is worth nothing past 16. Offshore keeps full marks up to 15 knots and only starts to cost past that, when it blows into the faces and makes paddling into waves hard work. Early mornings are often the best of the day in the UK because the wind is usually lightest at dawn. Check the hourly wind, not the daily one. ## Step 4: Check the swell direction Each break faces a particular way and has a swell direction it likes best. At Fistral that's WNW (295 degrees). A swell coming straight in keeps all its size. One coming in at an angle wraps round headlands and loses energy on the way. In our maths, a swell 45 degrees off a break's best direction keeps about 81% of its size, and one 90 degrees off keeps only 35%. This is why a big south swell can leave the north coast of Cornwall flat while the south coast fires, and the other way round. The spot guides list the best swell direction for every break we cover, and so does each spot page. ## Step 5: Only now look at the swell height Swell height on a forecast is the height of the swell out at sea, in metres or feet. It is not the wave you'll ride. The breaking face is usually bigger, sometimes much bigger, depending on the period and how well the swell lines up with the beach. Swell Otter shows both. The big surf height on each spot page is our estimate of the breaking face, worked out as swell height, times the period factor from step 1, times the direction factor from step 4. The raw swell height and period sit underneath it, so you can check our working. ## Step 6: Match the tide to the break Tide doesn't change the swell, but it changes how the swell meets the sand or reef. Some breaks only work around low tide, some close out at low and come alive on the push, and some reefs are dangerous at the bottom of a big spring tide. There's no single rule here, so each spot guide says what tide its break prefers, and each spot page shows the day's high and low times. ## A worked example at Fistral Say the forecast for Fistral shows a 1.5m swell (4.9ft) at 12 seconds from the WNW, with an 8 knot wind from the ESE. Here's how we read it: - Period: 12 seconds is groundswell, so the period factor is 1.3. - Wind: from the ESE at 8 knots is offshore at Fistral, which faces into the Atlantic with its back to the land. - Direction: the WNW is close to Fistral's best swell direction, so it keeps 100% of its size. - Height: 1.5m times 1.3 times 100% comes out at a breaking face of about 6.4ft. That adds up to 5 stars out of 5: a genuinely good day. Now change one thing at a time and watch what happens. | | What changes | Swell | Wind | Breaking face | Stars | The starting forecast | 1.5m at 12s from WNW | 8kn ESE (offshore) | 6.4ft | ★★★★★ 5/5 | Same swell, wind turns onshore at 14 knots | 1.5m at 12s from WNW | 14kn NW (onshore) | 6.4ft | ★★★★★ 2/5 | Same height, short 7 second windswell | 1.5m at 7s from WNW | 8kn ESE (offshore) | 4.8ft | ★★★☆☆ 3/5 | Same swell, but from the south | 1.5m at 12s from SSW | 8kn ESE (offshore) | 2.2ft | ★★★★☆ 4/5 | Half the height, same period and wind | 0.8m at 12s from WNW | 8kn ESE (offshore) | 3.2ft | ★★★★★ 5/5 Every row is run through the same code that rates the live Fistral forecast. Faded stars are the ones the wind took away. These are example inputs, not a real day's forecast. The onshore row is the one to remember. Same swell, same size, but a 14 knot onshore wind takes it from 5 stars to 2. The short-period row is the other lesson: the height on the forecast hasn't changed, but the wave you'd ride shrinks to about 4.8ft and the rating drops to 3. Now look at the south swell row. The wave shrinks to about 2.2ft because the swell is coming in at an angle, yet it still scores 4 stars. That's on purpose. Size sets a ceiling, but a clean, long-period, offshore 2.2ft wave is a genuinely good surf, especially on a longboard or a fish. So when you see high stars next to a small number, read it as a quality small day, not a mistake. ## What period and wind are worth This table holds the size at a 4ft face and changes only the period and the wind, so you can see how much each one is worth on its own. | | Wind | 6s period | 8s period | 10s period | 12s period | 14s period | Calm (under 3kn) | 3★ | 4★ | 4★ | 5★ | 5★ | Offshore, 12kn | 3★ | 4★ | 4★ | 5★ | 5★ | Cross-shore, 10kn | 2★ | 2★ | 3★ | 3★ | 4★ | Onshore, 6kn | 1★ | 2★ | 2★ | 3★ | 3★ | Onshore, 15kn | 1★ | 1★ | 2★ | 2★ | 3★ Stars for a 4ft breaking face, straight from the Swell Otter rating code. Read across a row to see what period is worth; read down a column to see what wind is worth. Read along the calm row and you'll see a 4ft day goes from average to excellent on period alone. Read down any column and you'll see the wind take two or three of those stars away again. When you're choosing between two days, this is the trade you're making. ## The Swell Otter take We built Swell Otter because the forecasts we used kept putting the size first. Size is the easiest number to understand and the least reliable guide to a good session. So our stars lean on period and wind, and the size only decides whether there's anything to ride and how high the rating can go. A small, clean, long-period day can score better than a big messy one, because it surfs better. Three habits that will save you wasted trips: - Read the hourly wind, not the daily summary. The best hour of a "blown out" day is often first thing. - Trust the trend more than the number. Forecast models are good at saying a swell is coming and when the wind will swing, a few days out. They are less sure about the exact height at a particular sandbank. - Look at the beach before you paddle out. Every forecast, ours included, is a model estimate. Sandbanks move, reefs behave oddly on certain tides, and local winds don't always follow the model. ## Questions ### What is a good swell period for surfing in the UK? Twelve seconds or more is good groundswell and usually means clean, powerful waves. Eight to eleven seconds can still be fun with a light offshore wind. Under eight seconds is local windswell, which is weak and messy at most UK beaches. ### Is offshore wind good for surfing? Yes. Offshore wind blows from the land out to sea and holds the waves up, so they break cleanly. Light to moderate offshore is ideal. Strong offshore, past about 22 knots, blows into the wave faces and makes it hard to paddle in, so our rating starts taking points off. ### Why is the surf smaller than the forecast said? Usually the swell came from a direction the beach doesn't face, the period was shorter than forecast, or you're reading swell height and expecting it to be the wave height. Swell Otter shows an estimated breaking face that already allows for period and direction, with the raw swell numbers underneath. ### What does the star rating on Swell Otter mean? Each hour gets 0 to 5 stars from the swell period, the wind and the size. Period and wind are worth up to two and a half stars each, and the size sets a ceiling: under 1ft is 0, 1 to 2ft can score at most 2, and 2 to 3ft at most 4. Faded stars are the ones the wind took away. The full method is on the about page. Ready to try it? Pick a break from the UK surf forecasts and read it in the order above, or start with the live Fistral forecast from the example. --- # Magicseaweed has gone: where to check UK surf forecasts now Source: https://swellotter.com/guides/magicseaweed-alternative-uk ## The short answer Magicseaweed no longer exists. Surfline bought it in 2017 and closed it in 2023. Every old Magicseaweed address, including the spot pages people had bookmarked for years, now sends you to Surfline's home page, not to the break you were looking for. We checked this on 8 November 2026. If you used Magicseaweed for free star ratings and a quick look at your local break, you still have good options. Surfline is the direct successor. Surf-Forecast.com and Windy cover the whole world. For the UK on its own, Swell Otter gives 203 UK breaks an hourly forecast and a star rating for the next 7 days, free and with no ads. ## What happened to Magicseaweed Magicseaweed, often shortened to MSW, was for many British surfers the first place to look for years. In 2017 Surfline bought it. For a while both sites ran side by side. In 2023 Surfline shut Magicseaweed down and pointed its address at Surfline. Two things changed for UK surfers. Old bookmarks and links stopped going to the break, because every old page now lands on Surfline's front page. And the forecasts, ratings and spot pages now follow Surfline's layout and its mix of free and paid features. ## Where UK surfers check the surf now There is no single right answer. Most surfers we know use two or three of these together. - Surfline. The company that bought Magicseaweed. Worldwide forecasts, surf cams and spot guides, with a paid Premium subscription for its fullest forecasts. The obvious place to go if you want the closest thing to the old service. - Surf-Forecast.com. A worldwide forecast with a page for each break, UK breaks included. - Windy. A weather map, not a surf site, but its wave and wind layers are excellent for watching a swell cross the Atlantic. Our spot pages use Windy's own free embed for their swell map. - The Met Office Inshore Waters Forecast and RNLI beach pages. Official forecasts for wind and sea state along the coast, and tide times and short forecasts for lifeguarded beaches. Good for safety, not built for judging how good the surf will be. - Swell Otter. Built only for the UK. An hourly forecast for 203 breaks with a star rating from swell period, size and the wind at that beach, tides, sea temperature and a long guide for each spot. Our spot guides. ## Why two forecasts can disagree Once you check more than one site, you will see them disagree, sometimes by a lot. That is normal, and it is worth knowing why. Most surf forecasts start from the same few global weather and wave models, run by national weather services such as ECMWF, NOAA and the Met Office. Swell Otter takes its data from those models through Open-Meteo. What each site adds on top is where the difference comes from. - How they turn open-ocean swell into surf height. A model predicts swell out at sea. Each forecast has its own way of guessing how big that swell will be when it breaks on a particular beach, and how much a headland or a sandbar takes off it. - How they rate it. Stars are an opinion, not a measurement. One site might give three stars to a clean waist-high day, another might save three stars for overhead. A three on one site is not a three on another, so compare a site with itself from day to day, not with its rivals. - Which wind they use. A forecast for the open sea a few miles out can show a different wind from the one on the beach, where land and cliffs bend it. Wind direction decides whether the surf is clean or messy, so this alone can turn a good rating into a poor one. - When they last updated. The big models run a few times a day. Two sites checked at the same moment may be showing different runs. When two forecasts agree, you can be fairly confident. When they don't, look at the swell period and the wind direction on both, because those two numbers usually explain the gap. ## How to rebuild your Magicseaweed routine on Swell Otter If you open the surf forecast every morning out of habit, here is how the same routine works on Swell Otter. 1. Find your break. Use the search on the home page or browse by region, from Cornwall to Scotland. 2. Save it. Tap the heart on the spot page and sign in to keep it in your favourites. 3. Read the stars. Stars lean on swell period and wind, and size decides whether there is anything to ride. How to read a surf forecast walks through a real example. 4. Let the swell come to you. Sign up for swell alerts, our free email of UK surf forecasts, so you hear when swell is on the way. 5. Have a plan for the wind. When the wind is onshore at your local, where to surf when it's onshore shows which beaches turn offshore in each wind direction. ## The Swell Otter take Magicseaweed's real strength was never its maths. It was that it felt British: the breaks you knew, rated in a way you could read at a glance before work. We built Swell Otter for the same habit. It covers only the UK, so every break has its own guide, the stars come from that beach's own offshore wind direction, and you don't have to scroll past Hawaii to find Croyde. Don't rely on one forecast, ours included. Check two, look at a cam if there is one, and trust what you see when you get to the beach. ## Questions ### Does Magicseaweed still exist? No. Surfline closed Magicseaweed in 2023. Every old magicseaweed.com address now redirects to Surfline's home page, including the old spot pages. ### What replaced Magicseaweed? Surfline, which bought Magicseaweed in 2017, is its official replacement. Many UK surfers also use Surf-Forecast.com, Windy, the Met Office Inshore Waters Forecast and UK-only forecasts such as Swell Otter. ### Is there a free alternative to Magicseaweed for UK surf? Yes. Swell Otter is free with no ads, and gives 203 UK breaks an hourly forecast with star ratings, tides and sea temperature for the next 7 days, plus a guide to each spot. ### Why do my old Magicseaweed links go to Surfline? When Surfline closed Magicseaweed it pointed every old address at Surfline's front page. The old spot links no longer go to a specific break, so you will need to find your break again on whichever forecast you use now. --- # The UK's most consistent surf spots: three years of data, ranked Source: https://swellotter.com/guides/most-consistent-surf-spots-uk ## The short answer Of the 13 UK breaks we have three years (2023 to 2025) of surf history for, Thurso East is the most consistent. On an average day of the year, it had a 2-star surf or better at some point in daylight 85% of the time, and a 3-star surf or better 57% of the time. Next come Whiterocks, Portrush (85%), Fistral (75%) and Rest Bay, Porthcawl (73%). The least consistent break on our list is Bantham, with surfable waves on 42% of days and nothing rideable on 27%. Consistency here means one thing: how often a break has waves worth paddling out for. It doesn't mean the waves are the best, the easiest or the most fun. The most consistent break on this list is a reef for experienced surfers only. ## How we measured it Every number on this page comes from the same place. For each break, we took three years (2023 to 2025) of hourly wave and wind history from Open-Meteo, which rebuilds past conditions from the same kind of weather and wave models that make forecasts. Then we ran every daylight hour through the same code that gives the star ratings on our live forecasts. That gives us three simple counts for each break: - A surfable day has at least one daylight hour rated 2 stars or more. - A good day has at least one daylight hour rated 3 stars or more. - A flat day has no rideable surf at all. This is a model of the past, not a diary of what surfers saw. A sandbar that shifted, a wind that bent round a headland or a swell the model got wrong won't show up. But because every break is measured the same way, the ranking between them is a fair comparison. ## The ranking | | Break | Surfable days | Good days (3★+) | Flat days | Worst month | Months over half surfable | 1. Thurso East Scotland | 85% | 57% | 3% | Jul, 62% | 12 of 12 | 2. Whiterocks, Portrush Northern Ireland | 85% | 54% | 6% | May, 69% | 12 of 12 | 3. Fistral Cornwall | 75% | 39% | 6% | Jul, 47% | 10 of 12 | 4. Rest Bay, Porthcawl Wales | 73% | 29% | 7% | Jun, 37% | 10 of 12 | 5. Watergate Bay Cornwall | 69% | 31% | 7% | Jun, 38% | 9 of 12 | 6. Freshwater West Wales | 66% | 32% | 7% | Jun, 38% | 9 of 12 | 7. Sennen Cornwall | 63% | 29% | 6% | Jul, 30% | 9 of 12 | 8. Croyde Devon | 62% | 24% | 14% | Jun, 26% | 9 of 12 | 9. Tynemouth Longsands North East England | 57% | 24% | 30% | Jun, 34% | 7 of 12 | 10. Saltburn North East England | 56% | 28% | 28% | Aug, 33% | 7 of 12 | 11. Pease Bay Scotland | 47% | 17% | 39% | Aug, 28% | 5 of 12 | 12. Porthleven Cornwall | 47% | 10% | 22% | Jul, 14% | 6 of 12 | 13. Bantham Devon | 42% | 15% | 27% | Jul, 15% | 5 of 12 Surfable day: at least one daylight hour rated 2 stars or more by the same code that rates our live forecasts. Good day: 3 stars or more. Flat day: no rideable surf all day. Three years (2023 to 2025) of Open-Meteo history at each break, averaged over every month of the year. The last column counts the months of the year in which more than half of the days were surfable. It's a good way to see how long each break's season is. ## What stands out ### The far north is the most reliable Thurso East beats every Cornish break, and it isn't only good on average. Even in July, its worst month, 62% of days were surfable, and 12 of the 12 months were over half surfable. Judged by their worst month, the steadiest breaks on our list are Whiterocks, Portrush (69%), Thurso East (62%) and Fistral (47%). The reason is position. The north coast of Scotland and the north coast of Northern Ireland sit right in the path of swell from the North Atlantic, close to where the storms that make it pass by. Swell arrives there more often, even in summer. The catch is that Thurso East is a powerful reef break for experienced surfers, in a cold northern sea. Its consistency is real, but it's not a reason for a beginner to drive to Caithness. ### Cornwall's north coast is the most reliable in England The top English breaks are on the north coast of Cornwall, which faces straight into the Atlantic. If you live in the south and want the best odds of a wave on any given day, that's where to go. But look at how much the season moves. Croyde had surfable waves on 87% of days in March and only 26% in June. That's the biggest swing on our list. Breaks like this are very consistent in winter and much less so in summer, which is when most people visit. Our guide to the best time to surf in the UK goes month by month. ### The North Sea gets less, but not nothing The breaks on our list that take their swell from the North Sea, Tynemouth Longsands, Saltburn and Pease Bay, had surfable waves on 53% of days on average. The rest of our breaks, which face the Atlantic, the Irish Sea or the Channel, averaged 67%. The North Sea breaks were flat on 32% of days, against 11% for the rest. The North Sea is smaller and shallower than the Atlantic, so its swells are shorter and come and go faster. When they arrive, though, the east coast can be very good, and it's far less crowded. Watch for northerly and north-easterly winds out at sea, which are what usually build a North Sea swell. ### Bantham needs the right swell Bantham sits on the south Devon coast, where Atlantic swell has to travel up the English Channel, past Cornwall, before it gets there. It still gets good waves, but far less often: even in January, its best month, only 72% of days were surfable. Breaks with no month over half surfable on our list are . That doesn't make these breaks bad. It means you need to watch the forecast and go when it comes together, instead of turning up and expecting surf. ### Summer is the low point everywhere Every break on our list has its worst month between May and August. The storms that make swell are weaker and further away from June to August, so the sea goes quiet from Cornwall to Caithness. If you're planning a summer trip, pick a break that's near the top of this table, and have a back-up plan. ## The best bet for beginners Of the breaks on this list that suit beginners, Whiterocks, Portrush is the most consistent, with surfable waves on 85% of days and good waves on 54%. Read its spot guide for the best tide, where to paddle out and the hazards before you go. Consistency matters more for beginners than most people think. A beach that has small, clean waves most days is a better place to learn than one that's flat for a week and then too big. For more, see our guide to the best UK beaches for beginners. ## The Swell Otter take Consistency is the most underrated thing in surf travel. People plan trips around famous breaks, then sit and watch a flat sea. If you have a fixed week off and can't move it, go somewhere near the top of this table. If you can go at short notice, the less consistent breaks can be brilliant on their day, and much quieter. Whatever you choose, these numbers are odds, not promises. Check the live forecast for your break before you go, and trust what you see at the beach. ## Questions ### Where is the most consistent surf in the UK? Of the 13 breaks we have three years of history for, Thurso East on the north coast of Scotland is the most consistent, with surfable waves on 85% of days. In England, the north coast of Cornwall is the most consistent. ### What is the most consistent surf spot in England? On our list, Whiterocks, Portrush in Northern Ireland, with surfable waves on 85% of days across the year. ### Is the east coast of England good for surfing? Yes, but less often. Our North Sea breaks had surfable waves on 53% of days, compared with 67% for breaks facing the Atlantic, Irish Sea or Channel. When a North Sea swell does arrive, the east coast can be very good and much quieter. ### Which month has the least surf in the UK? Summer is the low point at every break on our list. Every break had its worst month in June, July or August. See the best time to surf in the UK for the full month-by-month picture. --- # UK wetsuit guide by month: what to wear, region by region Source: https://swellotter.com/guides/uk-wetsuit-guide-by-month ## The short answer For most of the UK, wear a 5/4 with boots from December to April and a 4/3 from May to November. Add a hood and gloves when the sea drops under 10°C: February to March in Cornwall, January to March in Devon and Wales, December to April in North East England and Scotland and January to April in Northern Ireland. A 3/2 is only warm enough in summer and early autumn, and in Scotland the sea never gets there. That's the quick version. The table below is the long one: the wetsuit we'd reach for in each month, in each of the 6 regions we cover, worked out from the average sea temperature at the breaks we forecast there over three years (2023 to 2025). | | | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Cornwall | 5/4 + boots | 5/4 + hood | 5/4 + hood | 5/4 + boots | 4/3 | 3/2 | 3/2 | 3/2 | 3/2 | 4/3 | 4/3 | 5/4 + boots | Devon | 5/4 + hood | 5/4 + hood | 5/4 + hood | 5/4 + boots | 4/3 | 3/2 | 3/2 | 3/2 | 3/2 | 3/2 | 4/3 | 5/4 + boots | North East England | 5/4 + hood | 5/4 + hood | 5/4 + hood | 5/4 + hood | 5/4 + boots | 4/3 | 3/2 | 3/2 | 4/3 | 4/3 | 5/4 + boots | 5/4 + hood | Wales | 5/4 + hood | 5/4 + hood | 5/4 + hood | 5/4 + boots | 4/3 | 3/2 | 3/2 | 3/2 | 3/2 | 3/2 | 4/3 | 5/4 + boots | Scotland | 5/4 + hood | 5/4 + hood | 5/4 + hood | 5/4 + hood | 5/4 + boots | 4/3 | 4/3 | 4/3 | 4/3 | 4/3 | 5/4 + boots | 5/4 + hood | Northern Ireland | 5/4 + hood | 5/4 + hood | 5/4 + hood | 5/4 + hood | 5/4 + boots | 4/3 | 3/2 | 3/2 | 4/3 | 4/3 | 4/3 | 5/4 + boots Our pick for a typical one to two hour session, from the average sea temperature at the breaks we track in each region. Three years (2023 to 2025) of Open-Meteo history. ## How we pick the suit Wetsuit thickness is written as two numbers in millimetres: the first is the neoprene on your body, the second is the arms and legs. A 5/4 is 5mm on the chest and back and 4mm on the limbs. Thicker is warmer, and stiffer. We match the suit to the sea temperature, because that's what you're sitting in for an hour or two: - Under 10°C: a 5/4 with a hood, boots and gloves. - 10 to 12°C: a 5/4 with boots. - 12 to 15°C: a 4/3. - 15°C and over: a 3/2. These are the same thresholds we use on every spot guide and every spot page. They assume an average surfer doing a normal session. If you feel the cold, go a step warmer. If you surf for three hours at a time, or you're a learner spending a lot of time standing in the shallows in the wind, go a step warmer too. ## Sea temperature by month and region These are the averages behind the table above, in °C. They come from three years (2023 to 2025) of Open-Meteo sea surface temperature history at the 13 breaks we have long-term data for. | | | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Cornwall | 10.3° | 9.7° | 10° | 11° | 13.1° | 15.5° | 16.7° | 17.2° | 16.3° | 14.7° | 13.2° | 11.7° | Devon | 9.9° | 9.3° | 9.4° | 10.8° | 13.4° | 15.6° | 16.6° | 17.5° | 17° | 15.5° | 13.6° | 11.6° | North East England | 7.1° | 6.7° | 7.1° | 8.5° | 11.7° | 14.2° | 15.4° | 16° | 14.5° | 12.3° | 10.4° | 8.8° | Wales | 9.1° | 8.6° | 8.7° | 10.3° | 13.2° | 15.6° | 17° | 17.9° | 17.3° | 15.5° | 13.5° | 11.1° | Scotland | 8° | 7.4° | 7.3° | 8.3° | 10.8° | 12.6° | 14° | 14.7° | 14° | 12.5° | 10.9° | 9.4° | Northern Ireland | 9.4° | 8.7° | 8.7° | 9.3° | 11.4° | 13.7° | 15.2° | 15.5° | 14.9° | 13.7° | 12.5° | 10.8° Average sea surface temperature in °C, 2023 to 2025. Breaks used: Cornwall (Fistral, Watergate Bay, Sennen, Porthleven); Devon (Croyde, Bantham); North East England (Saltburn, Tynemouth Longsands); Wales (Freshwater West, Rest Bay, Porthcawl); Scotland (Thurso East, Pease Bay); Northern Ireland (Whiterocks, Portrush). A few things jump out: - The sea lags the air by a couple of months. The water is coldest in February and March, not December or January, and warmest in August, not July. Spring surfers get caught out by this every year: it's warm on the beach in April and the sea is barely warmer than in January. - Coldest: North East England. The breaks we track there drop to about 6.7°C in February. - Cornwall in winter is a different world from the North East. In January the sea at the Cornish breaks we track averages 10.3°C. At the North East breaks it's 3.3°C colder. North East England also has the biggest swing of any region, 9.3°C between its coldest and warmest months. - Scotland never really warms up. The Scottish breaks we track peak at about 14.7°C, so by our rule they never reach 3/2 weather. Bring the 4/3 in August too. - Warmest: Wales. The breaks we track there reach about 17.9°C in August. ## The Swell Otter take: buy the winter suit first Here's the bit most wetsuit guides miss. In the UK, the best surf and the coldest water arrive together. | | Region | January: surfable days | January: sea | July: surfable days | July: sea | Cornwall | 85% | 10.3°C | 33% | 16.7°C | Devon | 78% | 9.9°C | 25% | 16.6°C | North East England | 71% | 7.1°C | 44% | 15.4°C | Wales | 90% | 9.1°C | 46% | 17°C | Scotland | 77% | 8°C | 46% | 14°C | Northern Ireland | 91% | 9.4°C | 69% | 15.2°C Surfable day: at least one daylight hour rated 2 stars or more in three years of history. Averages across the breaks we track in each region. At the Cornish breaks we track, 85% of January days had surfable waves in our three years of history, against 33% in July. The Atlantic storms that make the swell are winter storms. So if you can only afford one good suit, make it the winter one. A cheap 3/2 for the few warm summer weeks is fine. A cheap 5/4 that leaks in January means you'll stay in the car on the best days of the year. We'd go further: if you surf the North East or Scotland, a good hood and gloves are worth more than an expensive summer suit. The North East breaks we track sit under 10°C for 5 months of the year. ## Autumn is the UK's best-kept secret If you're planning a trip, look at October. In Cornwall the sea is still about 14.7°C in October, warmer than in May (13.1°C), and the surf is far more reliable: 69% of October days were surfable against 59% in May. Same 4/3, warmer water, 17% more days with waves, and the summer crowds have gone home. ## Boots, gloves and hoods The suit is half of it. Your hands, feet and head lose heat fast, and cold feet are what usually end a winter session. - Boots: worth it whenever the sea is under 12°C. That's December to April in most of the south west and Wales, and longer up north. 5mm boots for winter, 3mm for the shoulder months. - Gloves: under 10°C. Three-finger lobster mitts are warmest; 3mm five-finger gloves are easier to paddle in. - Hood: under 10°C, or any time the wind is strong. A hood also helps keep cold water out of your ears, which matters if you surf all winter. Don't forget the air and the wind. In January the average daytime high at the North East breaks we track is only about 7°C, and a fresh wind on a wet suit makes it feel much colder. Getting changed is often the coldest part of the session. A changing robe and a flask of something warm make a winter surf a lot more pleasant. ## Questions ### What wetsuit do I need for surfing in the UK in winter? A 5/4 with boots at the start and end of winter, and a 5/4 with a hood, boots and gloves once the sea drops under 10°C. That happens in every region we cover: briefly in Cornwall, and for most of December to April in the North East and Scotland. UK sea temperatures are lowest in late winter, so February and March are colder than December. ### Can I surf in a 3/2 in the UK? In high summer, yes, in most regions. By our 15°C rule it's 3/2 weather in Cornwall (June to September), Devon (June to October), North East England (July to August), Wales (June to October) and Northern Ireland (July to August). The Scottish breaks we track never reach 15°C on average, so stay in a 4/3 there. ### What is the sea temperature in Cornwall? About 9.7°C at its coldest in February and 17.2°C at its warmest in August, averaged across the Cornish breaks we track from 2023 to 2025. Every spot guide shows the month-by-month figure for that break. ### When is the sea warmest in the UK? August, across every region we cover. The sea keeps warming after the air has peaked, so early September is usually warmer than June. Every break's own sea temperature, month by month, is on its spot guide, and the live sea temperature is on each surf forecast. --- # Where to surf in the UK when the wind is onshore Source: https://swellotter.com/guides/where-to-surf-when-its-onshore ## The short answer Most UK surf faces the Atlantic, and most UK wind comes from the Atlantic too. Across the 13 breaks we have wind history for, the most common wind in a month is south-westerly or westerly 74% of the time. That wind blows straight in at the famous west-facing beaches, so a good swell often arrives with an onshore mess on top. The answer is to go round the corner. Coasts that face away from the south-west, like the North East of England and the east and north of Scotland, are offshore in exactly the winds that ruin the west. In our data, the break with the most offshore days is Whiterocks, Portrush, with one 44% of the time, while Rest Bay, Porthcawl gets one 17% of the time. ## Why the wind matters more than the size Offshore wind blows from the land out to sea. It holds the wave up, grooms the face smooth and makes it peel. Onshore wind blows from the sea to the land. It pushes the top of the wave over early, chops up the face and turns lines of swell into a lumpy mess. A 3ft wave with a light offshore is often better surf than a 6ft wave with a strong onshore. That's why the Swell Otter star rating gives wind as much weight as swell period. Size only decides whether a wave is surfable and caps how many stars it can earn. So the quickest way to find better waves on a windy day is usually not a bigger swell, it's a beach where the same wind is blowing the other way. ## The wind finder: which breaks are offshore in each wind Find today's wind direction in the left column. The middle column lists the breaks where that wind is offshore. Cross-shore is the next best thing: rideable, with some texture. | | Wind from | Offshore at | Cross-shore at | North (N) | Porthleven · Bantham | Watergate Bay · Sennen · Croyde · Tynemouth Longsands · Freshwater West · Rest Bay, Porthcawl | North-east (NE) | Sennen · Porthleven · Bantham · Freshwater West · Rest Bay, Porthcawl | Fistral · Watergate Bay · Croyde | East (E) | Fistral · Watergate Bay · Sennen · Porthleven · Croyde · Bantham · Freshwater West · Rest Bay, Porthcawl | Saltburn · Thurso East · Whiterocks, Portrush | South-east (SE) | Fistral · Watergate Bay · Sennen · Croyde · Freshwater West · Thurso East · Whiterocks, Portrush | Porthleven · Bantham · Saltburn · Rest Bay, Porthcawl · Pease Bay | South (S) | Fistral · Saltburn · Thurso East · Pease Bay · Whiterocks, Portrush | Watergate Bay · Sennen · Croyde · Tynemouth Longsands · Freshwater West | South-west (SW) | Saltburn · Tynemouth Longsands · Thurso East · Pease Bay | Fistral · Croyde · Whiterocks, Portrush | West (W) | Tynemouth Longsands · Pease Bay | Saltburn · Thurso East · Whiterocks, Portrush | North-west (NW) | None | Porthleven · Bantham · Saltburn · Tynemouth Longsands · Rest Bay, Porthcawl · Pease Bay Offshore: the wind blows within 45° of a break's best offshore direction. Cross-shore: within 120°. Same rule as our star rating. A few things jump out. In a south-westerly, the UK's most common wind, the offshore breaks are Saltburn, Tynemouth Longsands, Thurso East and Pease Bay. In a straight westerly it's Tynemouth Longsands and Pease Bay. And in a north-westerly, none of the breaks we've written up are offshore, so on those days you're looking for shelter from a headland or a bay that bends away from the wind. The happy flip side: an easterly is offshore at 8 of our breaks, including Fistral, Watergate Bay, Sennen, Porthleven, Croyde, Bantham, Freshwater West and Rest Bay, Porthcawl. When high pressure settles over Scandinavia and the wind swings east, the west-facing beaches that are normally blown out turn glassy. Those are the days locals in Cornwall, Devon and Wales wait all winter for. ## Who gets the most clean days This table counts the days, over the year and in each half of it, that had at least four daylight hours of offshore wind at each break. It's a simple measure of how often you'd find the surface clean, whatever the swell is doing. | | Break | Region | Offshore wind | Offshore days, year | Oct to Mar | Apr to Sep | Whiterocks, Portrush | Northern Ireland | S | 44% | 50% | 38% | Tynemouth Longsands | North East England | W | 44% | 50% | 37% | Pease Bay | Scotland | SW | 43% | 52% | 34% | Saltburn | North East England | SSW | 41% | 48% | 35% | Thurso East | Scotland | S | 38% | 45% | 31% | Fistral | Cornwall | SE | 28% | 32% | 23% | Croyde | Devon | ESE | 27% | 31% | 24% | Bantham | Devon | NE | 27% | 25% | 29% | Freshwater West | Wales | E | 23% | 26% | 21% | Sennen | Cornwall | E | 22% | 24% | 21% | Watergate Bay | Cornwall | E | 21% | 25% | 17% | Porthleven | Cornwall | NE | 17% | 17% | 17% | Rest Bay, Porthcawl | Wales | NE | 17% | 21% | 13% Offshore day: at least four daylight hours of offshore wind (2 knots or more). Three years (2023 to 2025) of Open-Meteo history at each break. The breaks that are offshore in a south-westerly average 41% offshore days. The breaks where a south-westerly blows straight in average 21%. And the sheltered breaks get even more of them from October to March, about 14 points more than in the summer half, because that's when the big south-westerly storm winds blow most. ## How to use this on a real day Check the wind before you check the size. Open the live forecast for your local and look at the wind arrow and its label: offshore, cross-shore or onshore. If it's onshore and strong, look up the direction in the wind finder above and see which breaks are offshore instead. Then check those breaks for swell. The east coast needs its own swell from the North Sea, and the north coast of Scotland needs swell from the north-west. An offshore wind on a flat beach is still a flat beach. The best days come when a swell and a wind from the right direction line up at the same place, and that's exactly what the star rating on each forecast is measuring. Finally, look at the hours, not just the day. Wind often drops and swings at dawn and dusk, and a sea breeze can turn a glassy morning onshore by lunchtime in summer. The hourly forecast shows you the window. ## The Swell Otter take We think the onshore problem is the most underrated thing in UK surfing. People drive to the most famous beaches because that's where the swell is biggest, and then spend the session fighting chop. Meanwhile, a coast that faces away from the wind can have smaller but far better waves. Our honest rule of thumb: when the wind is strong and onshore at your local, a smaller wave with an offshore wind beats a bigger blown-out one almost every time. If you live in the North East or Scotland, you're on the lucky side of the country for wind. If you live in Cornwall, Devon or Wales, learn which of your local coves faces north or east, and save the big open beaches for the days the wind drops or swings east. The sheltered breaks in our data are Saltburn, Tynemouth Longsands, Thurso East and Pease Bay. ## Questions ### What is an onshore wind in surfing? An onshore wind blows from the sea towards the beach. It pushes waves over early and makes the surface choppy, so the waves are messy and close out more. Offshore wind blows the other way and makes cleaner, better-shaped waves. ### Which UK surf spots are offshore in a south-westerly wind? Of the breaks we've written guides for, Saltburn, Tynemouth Longsands, Thurso East and Pease Bay are offshore in a south-westerly. That's mostly the east-facing coasts of North East England and Scotland, plus north-facing Scottish breaks. The west-facing beaches of Cornwall, Devon and Wales are onshore or cross-shore in a south-westerly. ### What is the most common wind direction in the UK? South-west and west. At the breaks we track, the most common wind in a month is south-westerly or westerly 74% of the time. That's why west-facing beaches are so often onshore, and why an east wind is such good news for them. ### Is it worth surfing in an onshore wind? A light onshore wind under about 7 knots can still give fun, if bumpy, waves, especially for beginners on a soft board. A strong onshore wind usually isn't worth it. You're better off finding a break where the same wind is offshore, or waiting for the wind to drop, which it often does early in the morning.