Surf in Tarifa
Today, Wednesday, October 28, 2026 · local time (CET) · Cádiz, Spain Today, Wed, Oct 28 · CET- Surf at the shore
- 1.0–1.6 ft
- Swell
- 3.0 ft · 10 s · WNW
- Wind
- 2 mph SW · calm
- Water and wetsuit
- 67.6 °F · Springsuit
Today, Wednesday, October 28, the best time to surf in Tarifa is from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm, with 1.0–1.6 ft surf at the shore: glassy water, though with small waves. It’s a poor day (3 out of 10). Water at 67.6 °F: a springsuit or a 2 mm fullsuit. Today is the best day this week.
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 Tarifa, 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
Poor- Light: First light 7:15 am · sunrise 7:41 am · sunset 6:31 pm · last light 6:57 pm
- Tide: high 3:43 am (4.8 ft), low 9:09 am (0.8 ft), high 4:00 pm (4.9 ft) and low 9:35 pm (0.7 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 67.6 °F: a springsuit or a 2 mm fullsuit.
- 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7:00 am | 3 | 0.9–1.4 ft | 2.9 ft · 11 s · WNW | 0.1 ft · 0 s | 3 mph NNW calm | 2.2 ft ↓ | 168 kJ |
| 8:00 am | 3 | 0.9–1.4 ft | 2.9 ft · 11 s · WNW | 0.1 ft · 0 s | 3 mph NNW calm | 1.2 ft ↓ | 168 kJ |
| 9:00 am | 3 | 1.0–1.4 ft | 3.0 ft · 10 s · WNW | — | 3 mph N calm | 0.9 ft ↓ | 172 kJ |
| 10:00 am | 3 | 1.0–1.4 ft | 3.0 ft · 10 s · WNW | — | 2 mph W calm | 1.0 ft ↑ | 172 kJ |
| 11:00 am | 3 | 1.0–1.5 ft | 3.0 ft · 10 s · WNW | — | 2 mph SW calm | 1.5 ft ↑ | 180 kJ |
| 12:00 pm | 3 | 1.0–1.5 ft | 3.1 ft · 11 s · WNW | — | 3 mph S calm | 2.1 ft ↑ | 191 kJ |
| 1:00 pm | 3 | 1.0–1.6 ft | 3.1 ft · 11 s · WNW | — | 3 mph SSE calm | 2.9 ft ↑ | 203 kJ |
| 2:00 pm | 1 | 1.0–1.6 ft | 3.2 ft · 11 s · WNW | — | 5 mph SE onshore | 3.8 ft ↑ | 216 kJ |
| 3:00 pm | 2 | 1.1–1.7 ft | 3.3 ft · 11 s · WNW | — | 6 mph SE onshore | 4.6 ft ↑ | 234 kJ |
| 4:00 pm | 2 | 1.1–1.7 ft | 3.4 ft · 11 s · WNW | — | 5 mph ESE onshore | 4.9 ft ↓ | 243 kJ |
| 5:00 pm | 2 | 1.1–1.7 ft | 3.5 ft · 11 s · WNW | 0.1 ft · 1 s | 6 mph E onshore | 4.6 ft ↓ | 262 kJ |
| 6:00 pm | 2 | 1.1–1.8 ft | 3.6 ft · 11 s · WNW | 0.2 ft · 1 s | 7 mph E cross | 3.7 ft ↓ | 267 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 | 3 Poor | 1.0–1.6 ft | 10:00 am–2:00 pm3:00–6:57 pm | 3.0 ft · 10 s · WNW | 2 mph · calm | 67.6 °F · Springsuit |
| Thu 29 | 0 Poor | 1.6–2.4 ft | 7:16–11:00 am | 3.1 ft · 11 s · WNW | 17 mph · onshore | 67.3 °F · Springsuit |
| Fri 30 | 0 Poor | 1.2–1.9 ft | 7:17–11:00 am | 1.5 ft · 9 s · WNW | 15 mph · cross | 68.0 °F · Springsuit |
| Sat 31 | 0 Poor | 1.0–1.5 ft | 7:17–11:00 am | 1.8 ft · 10 s · WNW | 12 mph · cross | 68.7 °F · Springsuit |
| Sun 1 | 0 Poor | 1.4–2.2 ft | 7:18–11:00 am | 2.3 ft · 9 s · WNW | 15 mph · onshore | 68.7 °F · Springsuit |
| Mon 2 | 1 Poor | 0.7–1.0 ft | 3:00–6:52 pm | 1.4 ft · 9 s · WNW | 5 mph · cross | 68.4 °F · Springsuit |
| Tue 3 | – Flat | Flat | 3:00–6:51 pm | 0.9 ft · 9 s · WNW | 12 mph · cross | 68.2 °F · Springsuit |
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 Tarifa gets waves
Tarifa usually gets waves from February to April. The month with the biggest waves on average is March. The water ranges from 61 °F in the coldest month to 72 °F in the warmest.
- 3.2
- 3.6
- 3.7
- 3.3
- 2.6
- 2.3
- 2.0
- 2.1
- 2.2
- 2.6
- 3.1
- 3.2
| Month | Avg. wave | Water | Wetsuit |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 3.2 ft | 62.0 °F | a 4/3 fullsuit |
| February | 3.6 ft | 60.8 °F | a 4/3 fullsuit |
| March | 3.7 ft | 60.6 °F | a 4/3 fullsuit |
| April | 3.3 ft | 61.7 °F | a 4/3 fullsuit |
| May | 2.6 ft | 63.8 °F | a 3/2 fullsuit |
| June | 2.3 ft | 67.2 °F | a springsuit or a 2 mm fullsuit |
| July | 2.0 ft | 70.4 °F | a springsuit or a 2 mm fullsuit |
| August | 2.1 ft | 71.7 °F | a rash guard or a neoprene top |
| September | 2.2 ft | 70.1 °F | a springsuit or a 2 mm fullsuit |
| October | 2.6 ft | 68.2 °F | a springsuit or a 2 mm fullsuit |
| November | 3.1 ft | 65.8 °F | a 3/2 fullsuit |
| December | 3.2 ft | 63.7 °F | a 3/2 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.
Surf spots and surf schools nearby
- Kiteboarding Club Tarifa · Surf school or club · 0.3 mi E
Within 3.1 mi, from OpenStreetMap. Some may be missing; if you know one, you can add it there. Spots: © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).
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: 2.1 for size, +0 for period and +1 for wind; the window scores 3.2 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 Tarifa
Are there waves to surf in Tarifa today?
Today is a poor day (3 out of 10). The best time is from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm, with 1.0–1.6 ft surf at the shore: glassy water, though with small waves.
What about tomorrow? When is the best time to surf in Tarifa?
Tomorrow, Thursday, October 29, from 7:16 am to 11:00 am, with 1.6–2.4 ft surf and a score of 0 out of 10.
Which day this week is best for surfing in Tarifa?
Wednesday, October 28, with a 3 out of 10: its best time is from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm, with 1.0–1.6 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 Tarifa the coast faces toward the south-southeast, so offshore wind blows from the north-northwest.
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 Tarifa?
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: high 3:43 am (4.8 ft), low 9:09 am (0.8 ft), high 4:00 pm (4.9 ft) and low 9:35 pm (0.7 ft). Ask a local surf school.
What wetsuit do I need to surf in Tarifa?
Water at 67.6 °F: a springsuit or a 2 mm fullsuit. 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 7:15 am) and on weekdays. Early mornings also tend to have lighter wind.
Is it a good day to learn?
With 1.0–1.6 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 Tarifa 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 Tarifa (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