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United Kingdom › Cornwall › Porthtowan
Live conditions
Local time
02:16am
Swell
2ft
10s
Onshore wind
On
10mph
14mph
Falling tide
Low
03:19am
Weather
10°C
10°C
5/4mm wetsuit
Boots
Gloves
Hood
Nearest spots
10 day surf forecast
| Time | Primary Swell | Secondary Swell | Wind | Secondary Swell | Weather |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | 2ft 10s | 1ft 5s | On 10mph 14mph | 1ft 5s | 10°C 0.09mm/h |
 | 2ft 8s | 1ft 9s | On 11mph 16mph | 1ft 9s | 10°C 0.07mm/h |
 | 1-2ft 9s | 0-1ft 12s | On 13mph 17mph | 0-1ft 12s |  10°C |
 | 1ft 10s | 0-1ft 12s | On 13mph 17mph | 0-1ft 12s |  11°C |
 | 2-3ft 10s | 1-2ft 10s | On 13mph 17mph | 1-2ft 10s | 11°C |
 | 4-6ft 10s | 2ft 11s | On 12mph 17mph | 2ft 11s |  10°C |
 | 6ft 10s | 2ft 8s | On 11mph 16mph | 2ft 8s |  10°C |
 | 6ft 10s | 1-2ft 5s | On 9mph 14mph | 1-2ft 5s | 10°C |
| Time | Primary Swell | Secondary Swell | Wind | Secondary Swell | Weather |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4-5ft 10s | 2ft 11s | Cross 14mph 18mph | 2ft 11s | 12°C |
| 3-4ft 10s | 2ft 10s | Cross 19mph 25mph | 2ft 10s | 12°C |
| 3ft 10s | 1ft 7s | Cross 21mph 32mph | 1ft 7s | 11°C 1.26mm/h |
| Time | Primary Swell | Secondary Swell | Wind | Secondary Swell | Weather |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5-8ft 9s | 0-1ft 11s | On 17mph 23mph | 0-1ft 11s |  11°C 0.14mm/h |
| 7-8ft 9s | 1ft 13s | Cross 11mph 16mph | 1ft 13s | 11°C |
| 7ft 10s | 1ft 12s | Cross 8mph 11mph | 1ft 12s | 11°C |
| Time | Primary Swell | Secondary Swell | Wind | Secondary Swell | Weather |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4ft 11s | Cross 7mph 7mph | Flat | 13°C | |
| 4ft 12s | 1ft 12s | Cross 11mph 12mph | 1ft 12s | 13°C |
| 4ft 12s | 1ft 16s | Cross 14mph 18mph | 1ft 16s | 12°C |
| Time | Primary Swell | Secondary Swell | Wind | Secondary Swell | Weather |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6ft 13s | 1ft 6s | Cross 11mph 18mph | 1ft 6s | 12°C 1.27mm/h |
| 6ft 13s | 1ft 7s | Cross 11mph 17mph | 1ft 7s | 12°C 0.74mm/h |
| 6ft 13s | Cross 8mph 13mph | Flat | 12°C 0.6mm/h |
| Time | Primary Swell | Secondary Swell | Wind | Secondary Swell | Weather |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5-6ft 13s | 1ft 5s | Cross 7mph 8mph | 1ft 5s | 12°C 0.1mm/h |
| 5ft 12s | 0-1ft 13s | On 11mph 13mph | 0-1ft 13s | 12°C |
| 5ft 12s | On 13mph 20mph | Flat | 11°C |
| Time | Primary Swell | Secondary Swell | Wind | Secondary Swell | Weather |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4-5ft 11s | 0-1ft 9s | Cross 11mph 15mph | 0-1ft 9s | 11°C |
| 4ft 11s | Cross 11mph 15mph | Flat | 11°C | |
| 4ft 10s | 1ft 11s | Cross 9mph 13mph | 1ft 11s | 11°C |
| Time | Primary Swell | Secondary Swell | Wind | Secondary Swell | Weather |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4ft 12s | 1-2ft 7s | Cross 1mph 6mph | 1-2ft 7s | 14°C |
| 5ft 13s | 0-1ft 4s | Cross 4mph 7mph | 0-1ft 4s | 14°C |
| 5ft 13s | Cross 6mph 7mph | Flat | 13°C |
| Time | Primary Swell | Secondary Swell | Wind | Secondary Swell | Weather |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4ft 11s | Off 7mph 10mph | Flat | 14°C | |
| 3-4ft 11s | Off 5mph 8mph | Flat | 15°C | |
| 3ft 10s | Cross 4mph 6mph | Flat | 15°C |
| Time | Primary Swell | Secondary Swell | Wind | Secondary Swell | Weather |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2ft 10s | 1ft 14s | Cross 9mph 11mph | 1ft 14s | 13°C |
| 2ft 10s | 1-2ft 14s | Cross 9mph 12mph | 1-2ft 14s | 13°C |
| 2ft 9s | 2ft 13s | On 9mph 12mph | 2ft 13s | 12°C |
Location guide
Located on the North Coast of Cornwall, Porthtowan is a renowned surfing location in the United Kingdom. Porthtowan beach has exceptional surfing conditions which are largely defined by the Atlantic’s vigorous waves and powerful swell. The distinctive tidal patterns and wind conditions contribute greatly to the surfing conditions, generating an ambience well-suited for both seasoned and beginner surfers. The best time for surfing in Porthtowan is undeniably during the Autumn and Winter months. These seasons produce the strongest swells and the wind tends to be offshore, creating the perfect tubes and breaks, calling surfers from all around the globe. The gentle wind orchestrates an ideal balance between challenge and excitement, making the surf highly desirable and thrilling. Porthtowan is also protected by cliffs on either side, which aids in maintaining steady surfing conditions, minimizing the impact of onshore winds that could disrupt the uniformity of the waves. This ensures that the sea delivers consistent, neat waves that are a joy to ride. Even though the beach is suitable for all levels of surfers, caution should always be taken, especially during high north-westerly swells and spring tides. These can occasionally produce strong rip currents that might pose a challenge even for experienced surfers. This is where the expertise of the local surf schools and lifeguards come into play, providing necessary assistance and safety measures. In conclusion, Porthtowan fosters a vibrant surf culture with its consistent waves, beautiful sandy beach, and safe conditions under supervision. A true jewel for surfing enthusiasts, the beach guarantees an exhilarating experience with the mesmerizing dance of Atlantic waves playing backdrop to a surfers’ paradise.
