Surf in Waikuku Beach
Today, Thursday, October 29, 2026 · local time (GMT+13) · Canterbury, New Zealand Today, Thu, Oct 29 · GMT+13- Surf at the shore
- Flat
- Swell
- 0.7 ft · 5 s · NE
- Wind
- 5 mph SSW · offshore
- Water and wetsuit
- 57.9 °F · 4/3 fullsuit
Today, Thursday, October 29, Waikuku Beach is flat: almost no waves reach the coast. The best day this week is Monday, November 2, with a 2 out of 10.
An estimate for this stretch of coast, not for a specific break: every beach or reef works its own way (its tide, bottom and angle). Check it when you get there.
Today’s surf in Waikuku Beach, hour by hour
Each column is an hour: its height is the surf at the shore (dark, the average wave; light, the sets) and its color, the score. Above, the wind (green offshore, amber cross-shore, red onshore); below, the tide. Night hours are gray.
Today in detail
FlatIt’s flat today: almost no waves reach this coast.
- Light: First light 5:46 am · sunrise 6:17 am · sunset 8:10 pm · last light 8:41 pm
- Tide: low 1:15 am (0.8 ft), high 7:33 am (7.4 ft), low 1:52 pm (1.0 ft) and high 8:00 pm (6.8 ft). Every break has its own tide: some work at low tide and others at high tide. The tide doesn’t change the score here.
- Water at 57.9 °F: a 4/3 fullsuit (booties if you run cold).
- Energy: 2 kJ · Low power
An estimate for this stretch of coast, not for a specific break: every beach or reef works its own way (its tide, bottom and angle). Check it when you get there.
Follow the flags and the lifeguards, and don’t paddle out if the surf is above your level: this score is a guide, not a substitute for what you see when you get there.
Today, hour by hour
| Time | Score | Surf | Swell | Wind swell | Wind | Tide | Energy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5:00 am | – | Flat | 0.7 ft · 5 s · NE | 0.5 ft · 1 s | 2 mph SSE calm | 5.2 ft ↑ | 2 kJ |
| 6:00 am | – | Flat | 0.7 ft · 5 s · NE | 0.3 ft · 1 s | 4 mph SSW calm | 6.6 ft ↑ | 2 kJ |
| 7:00 am | – | Flat | 0.7 ft · 5 s · NE | — | 5 mph SSW offshore | 7.3 ft ↑ | 2 kJ |
| 8:00 am | – | Flat | 0.7 ft · 5 s · NE | 0.1 ft | 5 mph SW offshore | 7.3 ft ↓ | 2 kJ |
| 9:00 am | – | Flat | 0.7 ft · 5 s · NE | 0.1 ft · 0 s | 5 mph SW offshore | 6.6 ft ↓ | 2 kJ |
| 10:00 am | – | Flat | 0.6 ft · 5 s · NE | 0.1 ft · 1 s | 4 mph SW calm | 5.2 ft ↓ | 2 kJ |
| 11:00 am | 0 | 0.7–1.0 ft | 0.7 ft · 5 s · ENE | 0.5 ft · 1 s | 3 mph SSE calm | 3.7 ft ↓ | 2 kJ |
| 12:00 pm | 0 | 0.8–1.2 ft | 0.7 ft · 4 s · ESE | 1.0 ft · 2 s | 8 mph ESE onshore | 2.2 ft ↓ | 3 kJ |
| 1:00 pm | 0 | 1.0–1.6 ft | 0.8 ft · 4 s · SE | 1.4 ft · 3 s | 11 mph ESE onshore | 1.2 ft ↓ | 4 kJ |
| 2:00 pm | 0 | 1.0–1.5 ft | 1.0 ft · 4 s · SE | 1.1 ft · 3 s | 12 mph E onshore | 1.0 ft ↑ | 4 kJ |
| 3:00 pm | 0 | 1.0–1.4 ft | 1.2 ft · 3 s · SE | 0.8 ft · 2 s | 10 mph E onshore | 1.5 ft ↑ | 3 kJ |
| 4:00 pm | 0 | 1.0–1.5 ft | 1.5 ft · 3 s · SE | 0.5 ft · 2 s | 9 mph E onshore | 2.7 ft ↑ | 4 kJ |
| 5:00 pm | 0 | 1.0–1.4 ft | 1.4 ft · 3 s · SE | 0.5 ft · 2 s | 6 mph E onshore | 4.2 ft ↑ | 4 kJ |
| 6:00 pm | 0 | 0.9–1.3 ft | 1.2 ft · 4 s · SE | 0.4 ft · 2 s | 4 mph ESE calm | 5.5 ft ↑ | 4 kJ |
| 7:00 pm | 0 | 0.8–1.2 ft | 1.0 ft · 4 s · ESE | 0.3 ft · 1 s | 4 mph SSE onshore | 6.5 ft ↑ | 3 kJ |
| 8:00 pm | 0 | 0.7–1.1 ft | 1.0 ft · 4 s · ESE | 0.2 ft · 1 s | 6 mph S onshore | 6.9 ft ↓ | 3 kJ |
Surf: at the shore, from the average wave to the sets. Swell and wind swell: offshore, with their period and direction. Energy: of the sea, in kJ per meter of wave crest.
Surf over the next 7 days
| Day | Score | Surf | Best time | Swell | Wind | Water |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Today | – Flat | Flat | 6:00–10:00 am | 0.7 ft · 5 s · NE | 5 mph · offshore | 57.9 °F · 4/3 fullsuit |
| Fri 30 | 2 Poor | 0.7–1.1 ft | 12:00–3:00 pm6:00–10:00 am | 0.5 ft · 11 s · SE | 6 mph · offshore | 57.7 °F · 4/3 fullsuit |
| Sat 31 | 0 Poor | 0.9–1.3 ft | 6:00–10:00 am | 1.2 ft · 5 s · SSE | 5 mph · offshore | 57.7 °F · 4/3 fullsuit |
| Sun 1 | 1 Poor | 1.2–1.8 ft | 7:00–8:45 pm3:00–6:00 pm | 1.4 ft · 5 s · NE | 4 mph · calm | 57.7 °F · 4/3 fullsuit |
| Mon 2 | 2 Poor | 1.5–2.3 ft | 6:00–7:00 am6:00–8:46 pm | 1.7 ft · 6 s · NE | 18 mph · offshore | 57.9 °F · 4/3 fullsuit |
| Tue 3 | 1 Poor | 1.1–1.6 ft | 11:00 am–3:00 pm | 1.2 ft · 5 s · ENE | 4 mph · calm | 57.7 °F · 4/3 fullsuit |
| Wed 4 | 1 Poor | 1.2–1.9 ft | 11:00 am–3:00 pm | 1.2 ft · 4 s · ESE | 5 mph · offshore | 58.5 °F · 4/3 fullsuit |
Each day’s score is that of its best daylight window. The marine forecast covers about 7 days and the last ones are less reliable.
When Waikuku Beach gets waves
Waikuku Beach usually gets waves all year round. The month with the biggest waves on average is July. The water ranges from 48 °F in the coldest month to 63 °F in the warmest.
- 3.7
- 3.8
- 3.9
- 4.0
- 4.0
- 4.2
- 4.3
- 4.1
- 4.0
- 3.6
- 3.5
- 3.6
| Month | Avg. wave | Water | Wetsuit |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 3.7 ft | 61.8 °F | a 4/3 fullsuit |
| February | 3.8 ft | 62.5 °F | a 4/3 fullsuit |
| March | 3.9 ft | 61.0 °F | a 4/3 fullsuit |
| April | 4.0 ft | 58.0 °F | a 4/3 fullsuit |
| May | 4.0 ft | 54.9 °F | a 5/4 fullsuit with booties (and a hood if it’s windy) |
| June | 4.2 ft | 51.1 °F | a 6/5 hooded fullsuit with booties and gloves |
| July | 4.3 ft | 48.8 °F | a 6/5 hooded fullsuit with booties and gloves |
| August | 4.1 ft | 48.2 °F | a 6/5 hooded fullsuit with booties and gloves |
| September | 4.0 ft | 49.9 °F | a 6/5 hooded fullsuit with booties and gloves |
| October | 3.6 ft | 52.7 °F | a 5/4 fullsuit with booties (and a hood if it’s windy) |
| November | 3.5 ft | 56.6 °F | a 5/4 fullsuit with booties (and a hood if it’s windy) |
| December | 3.6 ft | 59.4 °F | a 4/3 fullsuit |
Average wave height each month in the open sea off the coast (Copernicus ERA5, 2011–2020) and normal water temperature for the month (NOAA OISST, 1991–2020). An average hides the flat days and the big ones: a month averaging 4.9 ft has both.
How we calculate the surf score
We score each hour of the day from 0 to 10 with simple, fixed rules, using Open-Meteo’s sea and wind forecast:
- Surf at the shore: from the swell and the wind swell (height, period and direction), the share that reaches this coast given the way it faces, and the Komar and Gaughan breaking-wave formula, cut by 15%. A longer period makes bigger surf: 3.3 ft at 8 s gives about 3.9 ft sets; at 14 s, about 4.9 ft.
- Size: from 0 points with no waves to 7 with 4.6 to 6.6 ft sets; bigger surf scores lower (from 7.2 ft it’s for experienced surfers, and beach breaks tend to close out).
- Period: from −2.5 points for wind swell under 6 s to +2 for swell of 17 s or more (0 at 10 s). If wind swell carries half the energy, −1 more (messy waves).
- Wind: calm and light offshore add 1, but strong offshore takes away; onshore takes points away from 4 mph, up to 6.5 points; cross-shore, a bit less.
- Thunderstorms take away 4. With sets under 1.0 ft it’s flat: the score stays at 1 or less.
- Daily score: the average of the best window, 1 to 4 hours in a row between first and last light.
- The tide doesn’t count: every break has its own. We show it so you can pick.
- Wetsuit, from the day’s coldest water: from 75 °F, boardshorts; from 72 °F, rash guard or top; from 66 °F, springsuit; from 63 °F, 3/2; from 57 °F, 4/3; from 52 °F, 5/4 with booties; colder, 6/5 hooded with booties and gloves.
Today, in the best window: 0.9 for size, +0 for period and +1 for wind; the window scores 1.0 out of 10.
It’s an estimate for this stretch of coast, not for a specific break: we don’t know the bottom of each beach or reef or which tide it likes. The wave model sits offshore, a few kilometers out, and doesn’t see small sheltered corners. Use it to pick the day and time, and check the surf when you get there.
Before you paddle out
- Follow the flags and the lifeguards: with a red flag, stay out.
- Watch for rip currents: if one pulls you out, don’t swim against it; swim parallel to the shore until you’re out of it and raise an arm for help.
- Pick waves at your level. If in doubt, stay on the beach or go with a surf school.
- Respect priority: the wave belongs to the surfer closest to where it breaks. Don’t drop in and don’t let go of your board.
- Don’t surf alone in big surf or after dark, and get out of the water in a thunderstorm.
- In cold water, wear the right wetsuit and booties: cold wears you out faster than you think.
Questions about surfing in Waikuku Beach
Are there waves to surf in Waikuku Beach today?
It’s flat today (1 out of 10): almost no waves reach the coast.
What about tomorrow? When is the best time to surf in Waikuku Beach?
Tomorrow, Friday, October 30, from 12:00 pm to 3:00 pm, with 0.7–1.1 ft surf and a score of 2 out of 10.
Which day this week is best for surfing in Waikuku Beach?
Monday, November 2, with a 2 out of 10: its best time is from 6:00 am to 7:00 am, with 1.5–2.3 ft surf.
What is offshore wind and why does it matter?
It blows from the land out to sea: it holds the wave up, makes it peel and keeps it clean. Onshore wind makes waves break early and choppy. In Waikuku Beach the coast faces toward the east, so offshore wind blows from the west.
What wave height do you show?
The height at the shore, where waves break: from the average wave to the sets (the biggest ones, which come every few minutes). We work it out from the swell and its period; it isn’t the offshore wave height.
What tide is best for surfing in Waikuku Beach?
It depends on the break: some work at low tide and others at high tide, and with a big tidal range the waves change through the day. Today: low 1:15 am (0.8 ft), high 7:33 am (7.4 ft), low 1:52 pm (1.0 ft) and high 8:00 pm (6.8 ft). Ask a local surf school.
What wetsuit do I need to surf in Waikuku Beach?
Water at 57.9 °F: a 4/3 fullsuit (booties if you run cold). If it’s windy or you’ll be out for a long session, go thicker.
When is it less crowded?
We don’t have crowd data, but it’s usually quieter early in the morning (first light today is at 5:46 am) and on weekdays. Early mornings also tend to have lighter wind.
Is it a good day to learn?
Check the score and the size: waist-high or smaller is best for learning, on a sandy beach with lifeguards.
How is the score calculated?
From the surf height at the shore (worked out from the swell, its period and direction), the period, the wind swell, the wind (offshore or onshore) and thunderstorms. Each part adds or takes away fixed points and the score sums up the best daylight window out of 10. It’s an estimate for the coast, not for a specific break.
More about Waikuku Beach today
Learn more
Our own calculation: waves, wind and water from Open-Meteo (Météo-France, ECMWF, NOAA GFS and Copernicus Marine, CC BY 4.0), sun from astronomy-engine, tide from New Brighton Pier (TICON-4), wave climate from ERA5 (Copernicus) and water climate from NOAA OISST. Surf spots: © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL). Slackwater database (https://github.com/openwatersio/slackwater-database). Source: Hart-Davis, M., Dettmering, D., Seitz, F. (2025), TICON-4: TIdal CONstants based on GESLA-4 sea-level records, SEANOE, https://doi.org/10.17882/109129. Licensed CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). Modified: see https://github.com/openwatersio/slackwater-database#modifications-to-source-data