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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 Putsborough. 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).
Barely any swell. Not much to work with today. Short-period wind swell: expect weak, crumbly faces. Full onshore mess. Not worth the paddle unless you are desperate. Conditions improving through the afternoon. 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.
Putsborough is a sheltered beach break situated at the southern end of Woolacombe sand on the North Devon coast. The bathymetry consists of a gently sloping sand profile that produces consistent, spilling waves rather than heavily pitching barrels. Its primary geographical advantage is the massive Baggy Point headland to the south, which actively blocks prevailing south-westerly winds that typically ruin conditions at neighbouring exposed beaches. When a solid westerly Atlantic groundswell pushes up the Bristol Channel, Putsborough refracts the energy into organised, uniform lines. The wave breaks both left and right, offering long, workable walls ideal for fundamental manoeuvres and speed generation. Due to the forgiving nature of the sandbars and the reduced wind chop, it is universally classified as an excellent venue for beginners and longboarders. However, on larger winter swells, it provides highly functional, steep faces that cater to intermediate and advanced surfers seeking clean conditions during intense storm cycles.
Heads up: jellyfish: high.
Indicators derived from forecast data, not official warnings. Always check local lifeguard or official advice.
The air here is 47% 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 09:01
Moderate water clarity: ~5m visibility
Updated 10:32
Daily scores over the last 12 months at Putsborough
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 Putsborough is the week of 23 November (score 3/5) with low crowds.
Local knowledge and community tips for Putsborough
Putsborough sits at the southern, sheltered end of Woolacombe sand on the North Devon coast. Where Woolacombe and Croyde catch full Atlantic fury, Putsborough is tucked into the corner beneath Baggy Point, receiving a filtered, gentler version of the same swell. The result is soft, forgiving waves on a wide sandy beach. It is the go-to spot for beginners and families in the area, and a genuine refuge when Croyde is too heavy.
Picks up westerly Atlantic swell but requires more size than Woolacombe or Croyde due to the sheltered position. An easterly offshore wind creates clean conditions. Works on all tides with the gentle gradient. Consistent from September through May. The 2-5ft range is ideal here; above that, Woolacombe is working better.
The beach is wide with peaks forming along its length. The section closer to Baggy Point (north end) picks up slightly more swell. The inside section is perfect for learners. The gradual slope means waves reform multiple times, giving beginners several opportunities per wave.
Very safe. Sandy bottom, gentle waves, sheltered position. The rocks around Baggy Point should be avoided but they are well away from the main surfing area. Minimal rip currents due to the sheltered nature. One of north Devon's safest beaches for water users of all abilities.
Private car park (pay) with direct beach access. Short walk to the sand. A seasonal cafe operates at the car park. The beach is popular with dog walkers year-round and families in summer. Well-maintained facilities.
Surf schools and beginners dominate. Experienced surfers rarely choose Putsborough over Croyde or Woolacombe unless they specifically want a mellow session. Summer is busy with families. Winter is quiet. The gentle nature means everyone coexists peacefully.
Putsborough is the perfect spot to send a beginner friend while you surf Croyde. The waves are genuinely forgiving and the sandy bottom means confidence grows quickly. If Croyde is scaring you, come here without shame. It is also excellent for longboarding on slightly bigger days when proper walls form across the wide beach. The walk to Baggy Point is stunning if the surf goes flat.
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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 Putsborough tend to be best between 06:00 to 09:00 in July.
Average score during this window: 26/100
See timing scores, school holiday busyness, and lift pass pricing to find the best time to book.
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