Surf in Kilbirnie
Today, Thursday, October 29, 2026 · local time (GMT+13) · Wellington, New Zealand Today, Thu, Oct 29 · GMT+13- Surf at the shore
- 2.1–3.2 ft
- Swell
- 1.8 ft · 11 s · S
- Wind
- 26 mph NW · offshore
- Water and wetsuit
- 58.6 °F · 4/3 fullsuit
Today, Thursday, October 29, the best time to surf in Kilbirnie is from 8:00 am to 12:00 pm, with 2.1–3.2 ft surf at the shore: a good size, though with wind swell. It’s a fair day (5 out of 10). Water at 58.6 °F: a 4/3 fullsuit (booties if you run cold). The best day this week is Friday, October 30, with a 7 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 Kilbirnie, 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
Fair- Light: First light 5:43 am · sunrise 6:12 am · sunset 7:58 pm · last light 8:27 pm
- Tide: low 1:45 am (2.2 ft), high 7:59 am (5.8 ft), low 2:31 pm (1.9 ft) and high 8:33 pm (5.5 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 58.6 °F: a 4/3 fullsuit (booties if you run cold).
- Energy: 180 kJ · Medium 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 | 4 | 2.0–3.1 ft | 2.0 ft · 9 s · S | 4.9 ft · 5 s | 23 mph NW offshore | 4.1 ft ↑ | 145 kJ |
| 6:00 am | 4 | 2.0–3.1 ft | 1.8 ft · 10 s · S | 5.1 ft · 5 s | 24 mph NNW offshore | 4.9 ft ↑ | 156 kJ |
| 7:00 am | 5 | 1.9–2.9 ft | 1.6 ft · 10 s · S | 5.2 ft · 5 s | 25 mph NNW offshore | 5.6 ft ↑ | 156 kJ |
| 8:00 am | 5 | 2.0–3.0 ft | 1.7 ft · 11 s · S | 5.3 ft · 5 s | 25 mph NNW offshore | 5.8 ft ↓ | 172 kJ |
| 9:00 am | 5 | 2.0–3.1 ft | 1.8 ft · 11 s · S | 5.4 ft · 5 s | 26 mph NW offshore | 5.5 ft ↓ | 180 kJ |
| 10:00 am | 5 | 2.1–3.2 ft | 1.8 ft · 10 s · S | 5.5 ft · 5 s | 26 mph NW offshore | 4.8 ft ↓ | 189 kJ |
| 11:00 am | 5 | 2.0–3.1 ft | 1.8 ft · 10 s · SW | 5.2 ft · 5 s | 25 mph NW offshore | 3.9 ft ↓ | 172 kJ |
| 12:00 pm | 4 | 1.6–2.5 ft | 1.9 ft · 10 s · W | 4.9 ft · 5 s | 23 mph NW offshore | 3.1 ft ↓ | 161 kJ |
| 1:00 pm | 0 | 1.2–1.8 ft | 1.9 ft · 10 s · NW | 4.6 ft · 5 s | 21 mph NW offshore | 2.4 ft ↓ | 143 kJ |
| 2:00 pm | 0 | 1.2–1.8 ft | 2.0 ft · 10 s · NNW | 4.5 ft · 5 s | 21 mph NW offshore | 1.9 ft ↓ | 143 kJ |
| 3:00 pm | 0 | 1.2–1.8 ft | 2.0 ft · 10 s · NNW | 4.3 ft · 4 s | 21 mph NW offshore | 1.9 ft ↑ | 132 kJ |
| 4:00 pm | 0 | 1.2–1.8 ft | 2.0 ft · 10 s · NNW | 4.1 ft · 4 s | 21 mph WNW offshore | 2.4 ft ↑ | 123 kJ |
| 5:00 pm | 0 | 1.0–1.6 ft | 2.4 ft · 8 s · NNW | 3.1 ft · 3 s | 20 mph WNW offshore | 3.2 ft ↑ | 91 kJ |
| 6:00 pm | 0 | 0.9–1.3 ft | 2.8 ft · 7 s · NW | 2.0 ft · 2 s | 19 mph WNW cross | 4.1 ft ↑ | 72 kJ |
| 7:00 pm | 0 | 0.9–1.3 ft | 3.1 ft · 6 s · NW | 0.9 ft · 2 s | 18 mph WNW cross | 4.9 ft ↑ | 69 kJ |
| 8:00 pm | 0 | 0.9–1.4 ft | 2.9 ft · 7 s · NW | 1.8 ft · 2 s | 18 mph WNW cross | 5.4 ft ↑ | 77 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 | 5 Fair | 2.1–3.2 ft | 8:00 am–12:00 pm | 1.8 ft · 11 s · S | 26 mph · offshore | 58.6 °F · 4/3 fullsuit |
| Fri 30 | 7 Good | 3.2–4.9 ft | 8:00 am–12:00 pm6:00–7:00 am | 3.8 ft · 10 s · S | 15 mph · offshore | 58.6 °F · 4/3 fullsuit |
| Sat 31 | 6 Good | 5.7–8.8 ft | 5:00–8:30 pm | 7.9 ft · 10 s · S | 12 mph · offshore | 58.5 °F · 4/3 fullsuit |
| Sun 1 | 6 Good | 4.2–6.4 ft | 6:00–10:00 am | 5.4 ft · 9 s · S | 18 mph · offshore | 58.5 °F · 4/3 fullsuit |
| Mon 2 | 4 Fair | 2.1–3.2 ft | 6:00–10:00 am2:00–6:00 pm | 2.2 ft · 9 s · S | 21 mph · offshore | 58.5 °F · 4/3 fullsuit |
| Tue 3 | 5 Fair | 1.6–2.4 ft | 5:00–8:34 pm | 1.4 ft · 11 s · S | 16 mph · offshore | 58.5 °F · 4/3 fullsuit |
| Wed 4 | 4 Fair | 1.7–2.6 ft | 6:00–10:00 am | 1.7 ft · 10 s · SSW | 13 mph · offshore | 59.0 °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 Kilbirnie gets waves
Kilbirnie usually gets waves all year round. The month with the biggest waves on average is June. The water ranges from 54 °F in the coldest month to 62 °F in the warmest.
- 5.5
- 5.2
- 5.6
- 6.1
- 6.6
- 6.7
- 6.7
- 5.9
- 6.6
- 6.0
- 5.7
- 5.1
| Month | Avg. wave | Water | Wetsuit |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 5.5 ft | 60.7 °F | a 4/3 fullsuit |
| February | 5.2 ft | 61.8 °F | a 4/3 fullsuit |
| March | 5.6 ft | 60.9 °F | a 4/3 fullsuit |
| April | 6.1 ft | 59.3 °F | a 4/3 fullsuit |
| May | 6.6 ft | 57.6 °F | a 4/3 fullsuit |
| June | 6.7 ft | 55.3 °F | a 5/4 fullsuit with booties (and a hood if it’s windy) |
| July | 6.7 ft | 53.9 °F | a 5/4 fullsuit with booties (and a hood if it’s windy) |
| August | 5.9 ft | 53.7 °F | a 5/4 fullsuit with booties (and a hood if it’s windy) |
| September | 6.6 ft | 54.1 °F | a 5/4 fullsuit with booties (and a hood if it’s windy) |
| October | 6.0 ft | 55.2 °F | a 5/4 fullsuit with booties (and a hood if it’s windy) |
| November | 5.7 ft | 56.8 °F | a 5/4 fullsuit with booties (and a hood if it’s windy) |
| December | 5.1 ft | 58.8 °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: 5.3 for size, −0.5 for period and +0 for wind; the window scores 4.8 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 Kilbirnie
Are there waves to surf in Kilbirnie today?
Today is a fair day (5 out of 10). The best time is from 8:00 am to 12:00 pm, with 2.1–3.2 ft surf at the shore: a good size, though with wind swell.
What about tomorrow? When is the best time to surf in Kilbirnie?
Tomorrow, Friday, October 30, from 8:00 am to 12:00 pm, with 3.2–4.9 ft surf and a score of 7 out of 10.
Which day this week is best for surfing in Kilbirnie?
Friday, October 30, with a 7 out of 10: its best time is from 8:00 am to 12:00 pm, with 3.2–4.9 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 Kilbirnie the coast faces toward the south, so offshore wind blows from the north.
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 Kilbirnie?
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 1:45 am (2.2 ft), high 7:59 am (5.8 ft), low 2:31 pm (1.9 ft) and high 8:33 pm (5.5 ft). Ask a local surf school.
What wetsuit do I need to surf in Kilbirnie?
Water at 58.6 °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 5:43 am) and on weekdays. Early mornings also tend to have lighter wind.
Is it a good day to learn?
With 2.1–3.2 ft surf at the shore, yes: pick a sandy beach with lifeguards or go with a surf school.
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 Kilbirnie 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 Wellington (LINZ), wave climate from ERA5 (Copernicus) and water climate from NOAA OISST. Surf spots: © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL). Slackwater database (https://github.com/openwatersio/slackwater-database). This work is based on Toitū Te Whenua Land Information New Zealand data which are licensed by Toitū Te Whenua Land Information New Zealand for re-use under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International licence. Licensed CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). Modified: see https://github.com/openwatersio/slackwater-database#modifications-to-source-data