United Kingdom › Cornwall › Porthtowan
Live conditions

Local time
03:00pm
Swell
2ft
6s
Cross-onshore wind
Cross
8mph
8mph
Falling tide
Low
08:02pm
Weather
8°C
11°C
5/4mm wetsuit
Boots
Gloves
Hood
Nearest spots


10 day surf forecast
| Time | Primary Swell | Secondary Swell | Wind | Secondary Swell | Weather |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2ft 13s | 1ft 9s | Cross 13mph 17mph | 1ft 9s | 9°C | |
2ft 12s | 1ft 10s | Cross 11mph 17mph | 1ft 10s | 7°C | |
2ft 12s | 1ft 10s | Cross 12mph 18mph | 1ft 10s | 7°C | |
2ft 12s | 1ft 10s | Cross 12mph 16mph | 1ft 10s | 7°C | |
2ft 10s | 1ft 10s | Cross 10mph 11mph | 1ft 10s | 8°C | |
2ft 6s | 1ft 12s | Cross 7mph 8mph | 1ft 12s | 7°C | |
2ft 6s | 1ft 12s | Cross 5mph 5mph | 1ft 12s | 6°C | |
1ft 8s | 1ft 9s | Cross 5mph 5mph | 1ft 9s | 5°C |
| Time | Primary Swell | Secondary Swell | Wind | Secondary Swell | Weather |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
0-1ft 10s | On 19mph 22mph | Flat | 10°C 0.22mm/h | ||
Flat | Cross 20mph 24mph | Flat | 10°C 0.3mm/h | ||
Flat | 0-1ft 11s | Cross 22mph 26mph | 0-1ft 11s | 10°C 0.37mm/h |
| Time | Primary Swell | Secondary Swell | Wind | Secondary Swell | Weather |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
5-7ft 10s | 1ft 8s | Cross 29mph 34mph | 1ft 8s | 8°C 0.37mm/h | |
3-4ft 10s | 1ft 4s | Cross 28mph 32mph | 1ft 4s | 8°C 0.2mm/h | |
2-3ft 10s | 1ft 7s | Cross 28mph 32mph | 1ft 7s | 8°C 0.15mm/h |
| Time | Primary Swell | Secondary Swell | Wind | Secondary Swell | Weather |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1-2ft 11s | 1-2ft 10s | Cross 19mph 24mph | 1-2ft 10s | 7°C 0.07mm/h | |
2ft 11s | 1ft 5s | Off 21mph 24mph | 1ft 5s | 7°C 0.18mm/h | |
2ft 11s | 1-2ft 5s | Cross 22mph 25mph | 1-2ft 5s | 7°C 0.4mm/h |
| Time | Primary Swell | Secondary Swell | Wind | Secondary Swell | Weather |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2ft 8s | 1-2ft 8s | Cross 15mph 18mph | 1-2ft 8s | 9°C 0.07mm/h | |
1-2ft 12s | 1ft 5s | Cross 20mph 23mph | 1ft 5s | 9°C 0.15mm/h | |
1-2ft 11s | 0-1ft 5s | Cross 23mph 30mph | 0-1ft 5s | 9°C 0.44mm/h |
| Time | Primary Swell | Secondary Swell | Wind | Secondary Swell | Weather |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
3ft 13s | 1-2ft 7s | On 39mph 47mph | 1-2ft 7s | 11°C 0.51mm/h | |
2-3ft 13s | 2-3ft 9s | On 38mph 46mph | 2-3ft 9s | 10°C 0.4mm/h | |
1-2ft 11s | 1ft 5s | On 32mph 41mph | 1ft 5s | 11°C 0.32mm/h |
| Time | Primary Swell | Secondary Swell | Wind | Secondary Swell | Weather |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
4-6ft 9s | 2ft 15s | On 17mph 19mph | 2ft 15s | 11°C 0.23mm/h | |
1-3ft 5s | 2ft 15s | Cross 16mph 18mph | 2ft 15s | 11°C 0.17mm/h | |
1ft 3s | 2ft 15s | Cross 17mph 21mph | 2ft 15s | 11°C 0.17mm/h |
| Time | Primary Swell | Secondary Swell | Wind | Secondary Swell | Weather |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
4ft 10s | 0-1ft 4s | Cross 14mph 23mph | 0-1ft 4s | 11°C | |
3ft 10s | 2ft 7s | Cross 19mph 29mph | 2ft 7s | 12°C 0.09mm/h | |
2-3ft 8s | 2ft 7s | Cross 20mph 34mph | 2ft 7s | 12°C 0.29mm/h |
| Time | Primary Swell | Secondary Swell | Wind | Secondary Swell | Weather |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
7-8ft 12s | 1-2ft 6s | On 28mph 34mph | 1-2ft 6s | 11°C | |
7ft 12s | 0-1ft 8s | On 30mph 36mph | 0-1ft 8s | 11°C 0.15mm/h | |
6ft 12s | 1-2ft 9s | On 31mph 36mph | 1-2ft 9s | 10°C 0.26mm/h |
| Time | Primary Swell | Secondary Swell | Wind | Secondary Swell | Weather |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
4-5ft 11s | Cross 32mph 38mph | Flat | 10°C 0.11mm/h | ||
4ft 11s | 0-1ft 3s | Cross 32mph 36mph | 0-1ft 3s | 10°C 0.11mm/h | |
4ft 11s | 0-1ft 3s | Cross 30mph 34mph | 0-1ft 3s | 10°C 0.07mm/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.