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 Zarautz. 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 onshore crumble taking the edge off.
PeakWave scores are planning signals, not safety clearance. Check local authorities, official bulletins and on-site conditions before you go. Read our editorial policy.
Zarautz is an expansive, highly consistent beach break located in the Basque Country of northern Spain. The bathymetric profile is defined by a wide, two-and-a-half-kilometre stretch of gently sloping silica sand, which dissipates incoming wave energy steadily. As north-westerly Atlantic groundswells filter into the bay, they spread across this flat platform, generating long, predictable lines. A southerly wind blowing off the surrounding mountains provides the necessary offshore flow to cleanly hold up the wave faces. The wave mechanics typically produce soft, spilling A-frames that offer extended, workable rides, highly conducive to basic trim and longboarding. Because the energy is distributed across such a massive stretch of beach, it effectively disperses crowds and minimises severe rip currents. While powerful winter swells can create steeper, faster sections, the predominantly forgiving nature of the sandbars universally classifies Zarautz as an ideal, low-risk venue for beginners and intermediate surfers looking to refine their fundamentals.
Heads up: jellyfish: high.
Indicators derived from forecast data, not official warnings. Always check local lifeguard or official advice.
The air here is 74% cleaner than the average comparison city right now.
Significantly cleaner air than a typical city. Ideal for outdoor exercise with minimal respiratory strain.
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
Crystal clear water: ~15m visibility
Daily scores over the last 12 months at Zarautz
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 Zarautz is the week of 16 November (score 3/5) with low crowds.
This guide was generated from conditions data. Know this spot? Submit your own tips below.
Zarautz is a long, popular beach break on the Basque coast between San Sebastian and Getaria. The beach faces north and receives consistent Bay of Biscay swell. The town has a strong surf culture with numerous shops, schools, and a lively social scene. The beach is wide with multiple peaks and the waves suit beginners through to intermediates. The medieval old town and seafront promenade add charm.
Picks up north and north-westerly swells consistently. A southerly wind is offshore. Works on all tides. Consistent October through April. The 2-5ft range is ideal. Summer produces smaller but rideable waves. Reliable and user-friendly.
Peaks form across the wide beach. The eastern end near the campsite is popular. The western end towards Getaria picks up slightly more swell. Multiple peaks mean space is usually available.
Safe overall. Sandy bottom, manageable waves. Rip currents on bigger days. Crowds in the main sections. Rocks at the Getaria end.
Pay parking along the seafront. Beach access directly from the promenade. Full town facilities. Multiple surf shops and schools. Well-established surf infrastructure.
Busy. Zarautz is one of the Basque Country's most popular surf beaches due to its town location and accessibility. Good days see 30-40 people. Surf schools are numerous. The atmosphere is social and friendly.
Zarautz combines good surf with excellent Basque cuisine. The old town has superb pintxo bars and traditional restaurants. The txakoli wine from the local hillside vineyards is worth trying. If the beach is too crowded, drive to Orio or Deba (both 15 minutes) for fewer people. The coastal road between Zarautz and Getaria is one of the Basque Country's most scenic drives.
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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 Zarautz 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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