United Kingdom › Cornwall › Porthtowan
Live conditions

Local time
10:13am
Swell
4ft
9s
Onshore wind
On
4mph
10mph
Falling tide
Low
01:44pm
Weather
17°C
18°C
3/2mm wetsuit
Boots
Gloves
Hood
Nearest spots
10 day surf forecast
Time | Primary Swell | Secondary Swell | Wind | Secondary Swell | Weather |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
3-5ft 6s | On 14mph 21mph | Flat | 17°C 0.4mm/h | ||
4-5ft 8s | On 10mph 16mph | Flat | 17°C 0.4mm/h | ||
5ft 9s | On 3mph 8mph | Flat | 17°C 0.17mm/h | ||
4ft 9s | 1ft 4s | On 7mph 14mph | 1ft 4s | 18°C 0.12mm/h | |
4ft 8s | 1ft 6s | Cross 13mph 21mph | 1ft 6s | 18°C 0.31mm/h | |
1-3ft 6s | 0-1ft 5s | Cross 10mph 16mph | 0-1ft 5s | 18°C 0.16mm/h | |
2-4ft 7s | On 9mph 16mph | Flat | 18°C 0.08mm/h | ||
2-3ft 5s | 1-2ft 2s | Cross 12mph 21mph | 1-2ft 2s | 18°C 0.1mm/h |
Time | Primary Swell | Secondary Swell | Wind | Secondary Swell | Weather |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
4ft 9s | 1-2ft 10s | On 12mph 16mph | 1-2ft 10s | 19°C | |
3-4ft 9s | 1ft 10s | On 14mph 17mph | 1ft 10s | 20°C | |
3-4ft 9s | 1ft 4s | On 13mph 17mph | 1ft 4s | 19°C |
Time | Primary Swell | Secondary Swell | Wind | Secondary Swell | Weather |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
4ft 9s | 0-1ft 12s | On 12mph 15mph | 0-1ft 12s | 18°C 0.53mm/h | |
4ft 9s | 0-1ft 12s | On 9mph 12mph | 0-1ft 12s | 18°C 0.5mm/h | |
2-3ft 11s | Cross 12mph 14mph | Flat | 17°C 0.42mm/h |
Time | Primary Swell | Secondary Swell | Wind | Secondary Swell | Weather |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Flat | On 17mph 20mph | Flat | 16°C 0.3mm/h | ||
Flat | On 17mph 19mph | Flat | 16°C 0.19mm/h | ||
Flat | On 16mph 20mph | Flat | 16°C 0.1mm/h |
Time | Primary Swell | Secondary Swell | Wind | Secondary Swell | Weather |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
0-1ft 7s | On 21mph 24mph | Flat | 16°C 0.27mm/h | ||
3-6ft 9s | On 17mph 20mph | Flat | 16°C 0.35mm/h | ||
5-6ft 10s | On 14mph 15mph | Flat | 16°C 0.25mm/h |
Time | Primary Swell | Secondary Swell | Wind | Secondary Swell | Weather |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
2ft 9s | 0-1ft 7s | On 12mph 15mph | 0-1ft 7s | 17°C | |
1-2ft 10s | On 14mph 16mph | Flat | 17°C 0.05mm/h | ||
2-3ft 8s | 1-2ft 8s | Cross 11mph 15mph | 1-2ft 8s | 16°C 0.07mm/h |
Time | Primary Swell | Secondary Swell | Wind | Secondary Swell | Weather |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1ft 6s | 1ft 5s | On 15mph 18mph | 1ft 5s | 18°C | |
2-3ft 7s | 2ft 6s | On 19mph 27mph | 2ft 6s | 18°C | |
3ft 8s | 2-3ft 8s | On 18mph 27mph | 2-3ft 8s | 18°C |
Time | Primary Swell | Secondary Swell | Wind | Secondary Swell | Weather |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
3-6ft 7s | 1ft 9s | On 13mph 17mph | 1ft 9s | 18°C | |
6ft 9s | 0-1ft 7s | On 12mph 13mph | 0-1ft 7s | 18°C | |
5ft 9s | On 15mph 21mph | Flat | 18°C |
Time | Primary Swell | Secondary Swell | Wind | Secondary Swell | Weather |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
3-4ft 9s | Cross 8mph 8mph | Flat | 17°C | ||
3ft 9s | 0-1ft 4s | Cross 8mph 8mph | 0-1ft 4s | 17°C | |
3ft 9s | 1-2ft 5s | Cross 9mph 10mph | 1-2ft 5s | 18°C |
Time | Primary Swell | Secondary Swell | Wind | Secondary Swell | Weather |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
2-4ft 9s | 1ft 7s | Cross 11mph 10mph | 1ft 7s | 17°C | |
2ft 9s | 0-1ft 6s | Cross 14mph 13mph | 0-1ft 6s | 17°C | |
2ft 9s | Cross 15mph 15mph | Flat | 17°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.