United Kingdom › Cornwall › Porthtowan
Live conditions
Local time
12:00pm
Swell
Flat
Onshore wind
On
21mph
33mph
Rising tide
High
11:49am
Weather
18°C
17°C
3/2mm wetsuit
Boots
Gloves
Hood
Nearest spots
10 day surf forecast
| Time | Primary Swell | Secondary Swell | Wind | Secondary Swell | Weather |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | 3-4ft 10s | Cross 23mph 37mph | Flat |  15°C 0.45mm/h | |
 | 4ft 10s | Cross 25mph 39mph | Flat | 16°C 0.41mm/h | |
 | 4ft 10s | Cross 24mph 36mph | Flat | 17°C 0.13mm/h | |
 | 0-3ft 10s | 1ft 8s | On 22mph 34mph | 1ft 8s | 17°C |
 | 3-8ft 10s | 1ft 4s | Cross 20mph 33mph | 1ft 4s | 17°C |
 | 8-9ft 11s | 1ft 4s | Cross 18mph 31mph | 1ft 4s | 17°C |
 | 9ft 12s | 2-4ft 11s | Cross 18mph 31mph | 2-4ft 11s | 17°C |
 | 8-9ft 13s | 1-3ft 10s | Cross 18mph 33mph | 1-3ft 10s |  17°C |
| Time | Primary Swell | Secondary Swell | Wind | Secondary Swell | Weather |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3-6ft 8s | 2ft 7s | Cross 19mph 29mph | 2ft 7s |  19°C |
| 3ft 6s | 1-2ft 6s | Cross 19mph 28mph | 1-2ft 6s |  19°C |
| 4-6ft 9s | 1ft 5s | Cross 15mph 24mph | 1ft 5s | 18°C |
| Time | Primary Swell | Secondary Swell | Wind | Secondary Swell | Weather |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5ft 10s | 1ft 13s | Cross 10mph 14mph | 1ft 13s | 18°C |
| 5ft 10s | 0-1ft 10s | Cross 11mph 16mph | 0-1ft 10s | 19°C |
| 4-5ft 10s | 0-1ft 11s | Cross 10mph 15mph | 0-1ft 11s | 17°C |
| Time | Primary Swell | Secondary Swell | Wind | Secondary Swell | Weather |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3ft 9s | 0-1ft 12s | Cross 7mph 13mph | 0-1ft 12s | 15°C 2.09mm/h |
| 3ft 9s | 1-2ft 9s | Cross 6mph 12mph | 1-2ft 9s | 15°C 2.29mm/h |
| 3ft 7s | 2ft 9s | Off 6mph 10mph | 2ft 9s | 15°C 1.75mm/h |
| Time | Primary Swell | Secondary Swell | Wind | Secondary Swell | Weather |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4ft 10s | 1ft 20s | Cross 38mph 47mph | 1ft 20s | 11°C 1.66mm/h |
| 6-10ft 11s | 2ft 14s | Cross 37mph 46mph | 2ft 14s | 10°C 1.19mm/h |
| 9ft 12s | 3ft 9s | Cross 34mph 42mph | 3ft 9s | 10°C 0.69mm/h |
| Time | Primary Swell | Secondary Swell | Wind | Secondary Swell | Weather |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Flat | 1-2ft 6s | On 21mph 25mph | 1-2ft 6s | 12°C |
| Flat | 1ft 5s | Cross 21mph 24mph | 1ft 5s | 13°C 0.07mm/h |
| Flat | Cross 22mph 25mph | Flat | 12°C 0.1mm/h |
| Time | Primary Swell | Secondary Swell | Wind | Secondary Swell | Weather |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1ft 5s | 0-1ft 12s | Cross 11mph 13mph | 0-1ft 12s |  13°C 0.05mm/h |
| 1ft 11s | 0-1ft 11s | Cross 13mph 14mph | 0-1ft 11s | 13°C 0.05mm/h |
| 1ft 13s | Cross 13mph 15mph | Flat | 13°C |
| Time | Primary Swell | Secondary Swell | Wind | Secondary Swell | Weather |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2ft 11s | 0-1ft 8s | Cross 12mph 14mph | 0-1ft 8s | 14°C |
| 2-3ft 11s | 1-2ft 11s | Cross 12mph 13mph | 1-2ft 11s | 14°C |
| 3ft 10s | 2ft 12s | Cross 12mph 15mph | 2ft 12s | 14°C |
| Time | Primary Swell | Secondary Swell | Wind | Secondary Swell | Weather |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2-3ft 9s | 0-1ft 6s | On 8mph 9mph | 0-1ft 6s | 14°C |
| 2ft 9s | 1ft 9s | On 9mph 10mph | 1ft 9s | 14°C |
| 2ft 9s | 1ft 11s | On 9mph 12mph | 1ft 11s | 14°C |
| Time | Primary Swell | Secondary Swell | Wind | Secondary Swell | Weather |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2-3ft 11s | 0-1ft 3s | Cross 22mph 29mph | 0-1ft 3s | 12°C 0.95mm/h |
| 2ft 11s | 1ft 4s | Cross 21mph 27mph | 1ft 4s | 12°C 1.32mm/h |
| 2ft 11s | 1ft 4s | On 19mph 23mph | 1ft 4s | 12°C 1.08mm/h |
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.
