United Kingdom › Cornwall › Porthtowan
Live conditions
Local time
01:09am
Swell
7ft
11s
Onshore wind
On
15mph
18mph
Falling tide
Low
04:15am
Weather
12°C
12°C
4/3mm wetsuit
Boots
Gloves
Hood
Nearest spots
10 day surf forecast
| Time | Primary Swell | Secondary Swell | Wind | Secondary Swell | Weather |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | 7ft 11s | 1ft 4s | On 14mph 17mph | 1ft 4s |  12°C |
 | 3-5ft 7s | 1ft 3s | On 13mph 16mph | 1ft 3s |  12°C |
 | 3-5ft 8s | 1ft 3s | On 12mph 14mph | 1ft 3s |  13°C 0.07mm/h |
 | 5ft 10s | 1ft 6s | On 13mph 14mph | 1ft 6s | 13°C 0.09mm/h |
 | 5ft 10s | 1ft 7s | On 14mph 16mph | 1ft 7s | 14°C 0.06mm/h |
 | 3-4ft 9s | 0-1ft 4s | Cross 14mph 17mph | 0-1ft 4s | 13°C |
 | 3-4ft 10s | Cross 12mph 17mph | Flat | 12°C | |
 | 4ft 9s | 0-1ft 12s | Cross 13mph 21mph | 0-1ft 12s | 12°C |
| Time | Primary Swell | Secondary Swell | Wind | Secondary Swell | Weather |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1ft 8s | 0-1ft 7s | Cross 15mph 20mph | 0-1ft 7s | 14°C 0.14mm/h |
| 1-2ft 10s | Cross 21mph 28mph | Flat | 15°C 0.15mm/h | |
| 0-1ft 12s | On 23mph 31mph | Flat | 14°C 0.14mm/h |
| Time | Primary Swell | Secondary Swell | Wind | Secondary Swell | Weather |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1ft 12s | 1ft 8s | On 20mph 25mph | 1ft 8s | 13°C 0.24mm/h |
| 1ft 12s | 1ft 10s | On 22mph 27mph | 1ft 10s |  14°C 0.22mm/h |
| 2-4ft 10s | 1ft 11s | On 20mph 25mph | 1ft 11s | 14°C 0.16mm/h |
| Time | Primary Swell | Secondary Swell | Wind | Secondary Swell | Weather |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1-3ft 9s | 0-1ft 11s | On 21mph 28mph | 0-1ft 11s | 14°C 0.12mm/h |
| 2ft 9s | 1ft 11s | On 24mph 31mph | 1ft 11s | 14°C 0.11mm/h |
| 2ft 9s | 1ft 10s | On 24mph 31mph | 1ft 10s | 14°C 0.11mm/h |
| Time | Primary Swell | Secondary Swell | Wind | Secondary Swell | Weather |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5-6ft 9s | 2ft 6s | Cross 17mph 23mph | 2ft 6s | 14°C |
| 5ft 9s | 1-2ft 4s | Cross 20mph 30mph | 1-2ft 4s | 14°C |
| 5ft 9s | 1-2ft 12s | Cross 22mph 32mph | 1-2ft 12s | 15°C 0.12mm/h |
| Time | Primary Swell | Secondary Swell | Wind | Secondary Swell | Weather |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3ft 9s | On 5mph 5mph | Flat | 15°C | |
| 3ft 9s | On 6mph 6mph | Flat | 15°C | |
| 2ft 8s | On 4mph 4mph | Flat | 15°C |
| Time | Primary Swell | Secondary Swell | Wind | Secondary Swell | Weather |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2ft 8s | Cross 4mph 6mph | Flat | 17°C | |
| 1ft 8s | Cross 8mph 10mph | Flat |  18°C | |
| 1-2ft 8s | Cross 10mph 13mph | Flat | 17°C |
| Time | Primary Swell | Secondary Swell | Wind | Secondary Swell | Weather |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2ft 7s | Cross 13mph 17mph | Flat |  19°C | |
| 2ft 7s | Cross 10mph 13mph | Flat | 19°C | |
| 2ft 8s | Cross 8mph 10mph | Flat | 18°C |
| Time | Primary Swell | Secondary Swell | Wind | Secondary Swell | Weather |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1ft 7s | On 15mph 17mph | Flat | 14°C 0.49mm/h | |
| 1ft 7s | On 15mph 17mph | Flat | 14°C 0.14mm/h | |
| 1ft 7s | On 14mph 17mph | Flat | 14°C |
Historical data
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.
