Varkala
India · Indian Ocean
Right now
ThunderstormWind and swell direction
Swell: 0.8m SSE
Wind: 1 km/h NNW (cross-offshore)
Beach faces: SW
Very light wind. Expect glassy, clean conditions.
Swell is coming in at an oblique angle, some refraction expected.
Today hour by hour
Updated 08:35Expected crowds
Prediction model v16amDawn patrol territory
7amMidweek quiet
Next 7 days
Forecast via Open-MeteoWhat to pack
- Small waves expected. Longboard or fish to make the most of it.
- Boardshorts weather. 31°C water.
Today's briefing
0.8m swell at 9s. Moderate winds. Water temperature 31°C.
AI-generated summary for Varkala. Always check local reports before heading out.
Forecast accuracy at Varkala
Not enough data yet. Log a session to help build the accuracy score.
Best time to go
No great windows in the next 2 days
Best available option is Today around 6am (score: 27). Conditions are below the Good threshold but may still be surfable.
Crowd report
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Session journal
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Create free accountTide
Approximate modelSwell forecast
7-day forecastDaily score breakdown
This week is looking above average for late April.
Comparing the 7-day forecast to the last 5 years of marine data for the same week at Varkala.
What's driving it
Recent form
Last 3 days of logged conditions.
About Varkala
Varkala is a scenic, accessible beach break situated beneath towering red laterite cliffs in the southern state of Kerala, India. The bathymetric profile is defined by a wide, gently sloping expanse of dark sand, which effectively dissipates the kinetic energy of incoming waves. As south-westerly swells from the Indian Ocean approach the shoreline, they filter across this gradual depth profile, resulting in soft, spilling waves rather than heavy, plunging barrels. A north-easterly wind, typical during the winter monsoon season, provides the necessary offshore flow to groom the wave face and maintain its shape. The wave breaks as slow-moving lefts and rights that offer forgiving, workable rides. Because the energy is widely dispersed, the impact zone is highly manageable and rip currents are generally weak. It is universally classified as a reliable training venue for beginners learning to negotiate unbroken waves, as well as intermediate longboarders looking for consistent, low-risk practice sessions in warm, tropical waters.
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Create Profile →Frequently asked questions
How often is this page updated?
Current conditions refresh every 6 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.
What is the luck factor?
We compare the 7-day forecast to the last 5 years of marine data for the same week at Varkala. The delta tells you whether conditions are shaping up better, worse, or about the same as a typical late April.
How is 'best session' picked?
We score each day of the 7-day forecast using the same algorithm as the leaderboard, and highlight the highest scorer.
Where does the data come from?
Open-Meteo's Marine API (swell height, period, water temperature) and Weather API (wind and conditions).
Does the score capture local knowledge?
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.
When is the best time to surf Varkala?
Check our timing score heatmap above for a week-by-week breakdown combining surf conditions with crowd pressure.