Each location is refreshed once every three hours. The hourly view, 7-day forecast, luck factor and packing notes come from the same stored update.
We compare the 7-day forecast with the version-matched historical observations available for the same time of year at Kirra. The delta shows whether conditions look better, worse or about the same as a typical late 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).
Not much swell but keen eyes will find something to ride. Short-period chop. The waves lack any real push. Light cross-shore texture but very manageable. Not enough swell to get this spot firing properly.
PeakWave scores are planning signals, not safety clearance. Check local authorities, official bulletins and on-site conditions before you go. Read our editorial policy.
Kirra is an iconic, highly mechanical right-hand point break situated on the Gold Coast of Queensland, Australia. The bathymetry is defined by a massive accumulation of compacted sand, heavily structured by the engineered Big Groyne and local sand-bypassing systems. This exceptionally smooth, uniform gradient flawlessly intercepts powerful easterly and south-easterly groundswells, typically generated by passing cyclones. The wave energy diffracts aggressively, producing a high-speed, intensely hollow, cylindrical barrel that reels mechanically down the sandbank. A south-westerly offshore wind is essential to hold up the thick lip and groom the expansive wave face. Because the wave breaks rapidly and frequently outpaces the surfer, demanding steep take-offs and profound tube-riding expertise, Kirra is strictly an advanced surfing location. It requires immense paddle fitness, split-second decision-making, and high-level physical reflexes to successfully negotiate the intensely fast barrel sections.
Heads up: rocks exposed at low tide, and cold-shock risk.
Indicators derived from forecast data, not official warnings. Always check local lifeguard or official advice.
The air here is 63% 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, NOโ 5, Oโ 3, PM10 2, SOโ 1 at WHO limits). Data via Open-Meteo. City markers show live readings. Red line marks the WHO guideline. Updated 15:12
Moderate water clarity: ~6m visibility
Daily scores over the last 12 months at Kirra
Historical quality only. Safety is not reconstructed for this view.
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Create Profile โPartly. The model uses stored spot geometry, swell ranges and tide preferences where configured. It cannot see changing banks, crowds, access, closures or everything visible on a local cam, so treat it as a starting point.
The best week for surf at Kirra is the week of 2 November (score 3/5) with low crowds.
This guide was generated from conditions data. Know this spot? Submit your own tips below.
Kirra is a legendary right-hand point break on Queensland's Gold Coast, famous for producing some of Australia's longest and most perfect barrel rides. The wave peels along a sand-bottom point, created by sand drifting along the coast. When the banks align (which is variable and often controversial due to dredging), Kirra produces mechanical, grinding barrels for up to 200 metres. One of the most celebrated waves in surfing history.
Needs a solid east or south-east cyclone swell. A westerly or south-westerly wind is offshore. Works best at mid to high tide when the sand bottom is covered. The 4-8ft range is ideal. Works primarily during cyclone season (January-April). The banks are crucial and variable; some years Kirra barely works, others it fires for weeks.
The take-off is at the top of the point (Big Groyne area). The wave then runs right along the sand bottom towards the beach. The barrel sections are in the first half of the ride. Position at the top for the longest rides.
The crowd is the main hazard. When Kirra is working, hundreds of people converge. Sand-bottom makes falls less dangerous. Strong currents sweep down the point on bigger swells. The sheer number of surfers creates collision risk.
Street parking and car parks along the Gold Coast Highway. Direct beach access. Full urban facilities.
Insanely crowded. When Kirra is properly working, it attracts surfers from across Australia. 50-100+ people in the water is common. Competition for waves is fierce. The local crew have deep history with this wave. Drop-ins are epidemic on good swells.
Kirra is fickle and crowded but the wave itself is genuinely magical when it works. Go at first light for the best chance at waves. The sand situation is controversial (dredging and sand pumping affect the banks) and some years are dramatically better than others. Coolangatta at the south end of the Gold Coast is the base for the entire Snapper-Kirra stretch.
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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 30 days of logged conditions.
Based on historical weekly averages
Conditions at Kirra tend to be best between 07:00 to 10:00 in July.
Average score during this window: 42/100
See timing scores, school holiday busyness, and lift pass pricing to find the best time to book.
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