South Africa · Southern Africa
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Create Profile →Current conditions refresh every 3 hours when the cron runs. Hourly data updates every 30 minutes. The 7-day forecast, luck factor, and packing notes are all pre-computed at the same time.
We compare the 7-day forecast to the last 5 years of marine data for the same week at Elands Bay. The delta tells you whether conditions are shaping up better, worse, or about the same as a typical early July.
We score each day of the 7-day forecast using the same algorithm as the leaderboard, and highlight the highest scorer.
Open-Meteo's Marine API (swell height, period, water temperature) and Weather API (wind and conditions).
Honestly, no. Every break has tide windows, swell directions and reef contours that a global model cannot see. Treat the score as a starting point, then check a local cam.
The best week for surf at Elands Bay is the week of 30 November (score 3/5) with low crowds.
Moderate swell providing fun waves for a session. Full onshore mess. Not worth the paddle unless you are desperate. Best conditions early morning before the sea breeze arrives. Not enough swell to get this spot firing properly.
Heads up: rip risk elevated, and rocks exposed at low tide.
Indicators derived from forecast data, not official warnings. Always check local lifeguard or official advice.
The air here is 69% cleaner than the average comparison city right now.
Noticeably cleaner air than a typical city. Good conditions for prolonged outdoor activity.
Not a pollutant. Ozone is naturally higher at altitude and near the coast, and lower in cities where traffic exhaust breaks it down. High readings here typically indicate clean air. Can cause short-term airway irritation during intense exercise but is not linked to the long-term health risks of particulate pollution.
Additive health score: each pollutant contributes points relative to its WHO 2021 guideline and long-term health impact (PM2.5 9, NO₂ 5, O₃ 3, PM10 2, SO₂ 1 at WHO limits). Data via Open-Meteo. City markers show live readings. Red line marks the WHO guideline. Updated 03:00
Reduced water clarity: ~2m visibility
Elevated phytoplankton detected, possible algal bloom
This guide was generated from conditions data. Know this spot? Submit your own tips below.
Elands Bay is an iconic left-hand point break on South Africa's wild West Coast, producing fast, mechanical barrels when winter swells march up from the Southern Ocean. The wave peels along a kelp-covered sandstone and boulder reef beneath ochre-coloured cliffs, offering long rides with serious barrel potential. The landscape is stark and beautiful: arid fynbos scrubland, red-rock formations, and the cold, kelp-filled Atlantic. This is one of South Africa's most respected waves, reserved for surfers who can handle speed, power, and cold.
South-westerly winter groundswells from May through September deliver the goods. The point needs at least 5-6ft of swell to properly wrap around the headland and activate the full length of the reef. South-easterly winds blow directly offshore and are most reliable during summer, creating an awkward mismatch with the winter swell season. The ideal window is a winter swell combined with a brief south-easterly wind event.
The take-off zone sits at the top of the point where the swell first wraps around the headland. From here, the wave peels left at high speed for 100-200 metres, with barrel sections forming where the reef shallows. The inside bowl offers a final heavy section. Position yourself at the boil at the top of the point and commit early to the steep drop. The kelp-filled channel provides the paddle-out route.
The water is frigid (10-14C) and the thick kelp beds can entangle leashes and restrict movement. The reef is a mix of sharp sandstone and boulders. Strong currents sweep down the point on bigger swells. Great white sharks are present in the area. The wave's speed leaves little margin for error; getting caught behind a section results in being driven onto the reef.
A dirt road leads to parking above the point. The walk to the waterline is short, down a rocky path. No formal facilities exist at the break itself. The nearest town, Elands Bay village, is small with limited services. Cape Town is approximately three hours' drive south.
The remote location, cold water, and heavy wave keep crowds naturally thin. Expect 5-15 surfers on a good day, mostly experienced West Coast locals. The vibe is friendly among those who have earned their place in this demanding line-up. Respect the pecking order and don't burn locals.
A thick wetsuit (5/4mm with hood, boots, and gloves) is mandatory year-round. The water never warms above 14C. A step-up board handles the wave's speed and power better than a standard shortboard. The kelp actually helps by dampening wind chop, so moderate onshore days can still be rideable. Time your arrival for a mid to high incoming tide when the reef is covered and the barrel sections are most defined. The drive from Cape Town passes through stunning West Coast scenery and several wine regions.
Surf at Elands Bay
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Daily scores over the last 12 months at Elands Bay
Based on historical weekly averages
Conditions at Elands Bay tend to be best between 08:00 to 11:00 in July.
Average score during this window: 61/100
See timing scores, school holiday busyness, and lift pass pricing to find the best time to book.
View Best Time to Go →Combining historical conditions with school holiday crowd pressure to find the sweet spot.
The timing score combines two signals: historical conditions quality (how good the skiing or surfing typically is in a given week, based on 5 years of weather data) and crowd pressure (how many of this destination's feeder markets have school holidays that week).
Crowd pressure is weighted by each feeder country's share of visitors. If 40% of a resort's visitors come from France and France is on holiday, that contributes 0.40 to the crowd pressure score. Crowds can reduce the timing score by up to 35%, ensuring conditions still matter most.
Scores: 5 = great conditions with low crowds (the sweet spot). 4 = great conditions with moderate crowds, or good conditions with low crowds. 3 = average. 2 = below average conditions or very crowded. 1 = poor conditions or peak holiday chaos.
Last 31 days of logged conditions.
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