United Kingdom › Cornwall › Porthtowan
Live conditions
Local time
02:19am
Swell
3ft
11s
Cross-offshore wind
Cross
11mph
25mph
Rising tide
High
04:42am
Weather
16°C
15°C
4/3mm wetsuit
Boots
Gloves
Hood
Nearest spots
10 day surf forecast
| Time | Primary Swell | Secondary Swell | Wind | Secondary Swell | Weather |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | 3ft 11s | 1ft 9s | Cross 11mph 25mph | 1ft 9s | 16°C |
 | 2ft 10s | 0-1ft 5s | Cross 9mph 22mph | 0-1ft 5s | 15°C |
 | 2ft 10s | 0-1ft 3s | Cross 11mph 19mph | 0-1ft 3s |  16°C |
 | 2ft 10s | 1ft 6s | Cross 12mph 16mph | 1ft 6s |  19°C 0.29mm/h |
 | 2ft 9s | 1ft 8s | Cross 12mph 15mph | 1ft 8s |  19°C 0.38mm/h |
 | 2ft 9s | 1ft 7s | Cross 15mph 21mph | 1ft 7s | 18°C 1.55mm/h |
 | 2ft 9s | 1ft 5s | Cross 12mph 16mph | 1ft 5s | 16°C 0.76mm/h |
 | 1-2ft 9s | 1ft 5s | Cross 8mph 9mph | 1ft 5s | 14°C 0.54mm/h |
| Time | Primary Swell | Secondary Swell | Wind | Secondary Swell | Weather |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0-1ft 10s | 1ft 10s | Cross 4mph 7mph | 1ft 10s | 17°C 0.37mm/h |
| 1ft 9s | 1ft 10s | Cross 5mph 7mph | 1ft 10s | 18°C 0.14mm/h |
| 1ft 8s | 1ft 6s | Cross 7mph 11mph | 1ft 6s |  17°C |
| Time | Primary Swell | Secondary Swell | Wind | Secondary Swell | Weather |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0-1ft 6s | 1ft 4s | On 5mph 4mph | 1ft 4s | 16°C 0.27mm/h |
| Flat | 0-1ft 4s | Cross 7mph 7mph | 0-1ft 4s | 16°C 0.39mm/h |
| Flat | Cross 11mph 12mph | Flat | 15°C 0.15mm/h |
| Time | Primary Swell | Secondary Swell | Wind | Secondary Swell | Weather |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1ft 7s | 0-1ft 6s | Cross 15mph 19mph | 0-1ft 6s | 15°C 0.5mm/h |
| 1ft 8s | On 15mph 19mph | Flat | 15°C 0.24mm/h | |
| 1ft 8s | On 16mph 20mph | Flat | 15°C 0.08mm/h |
| Time | Primary Swell | Secondary Swell | Wind | Secondary Swell | Weather |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Flat | 1ft 8s | Cross 8mph 9mph | 1ft 8s |  16°C |
| Flat | 1ft 9s | Cross 9mph 10mph | 1ft 9s | 16°C |
| 1ft 8s | 0-1ft 4s | On 10mph 13mph | 0-1ft 4s |  15°C |
| Time | Primary Swell | Secondary Swell | Wind | Secondary Swell | Weather |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1-2ft 6s | Cross 15mph 23mph | Flat | 16°C 0.07mm/h | |
| 0-1ft 8s | Cross 14mph 21mph | Flat | 16°C 0.16mm/h | |
| Flat | Cross 13mph 18mph | Flat | 15°C 0.07mm/h |
| Time | Primary Swell | Secondary Swell | Wind | Secondary Swell | Weather |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Flat | 1ft 11s | Cross 29mph 37mph | 1ft 11s | 16°C 0.57mm/h |
| 0-1ft 7s | 1ft 10s | Cross 27mph 35mph | 1ft 10s | 15°C 0.27mm/h |
| 1ft 9s | 1ft 10s | Cross 27mph 35mph | 1ft 10s | 15°C 0.23mm/h |
| Time | Primary Swell | Secondary Swell | Wind | Secondary Swell | Weather |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Flat | 0-1ft 8s | On 27mph 31mph | 0-1ft 8s | 13°C 0.37mm/h |
| Flat | 1ft 9s | Cross 29mph 33mph | 1ft 9s | 12°C 0.26mm/h |
| 0-1ft 7s | 0-1ft 6s | Cross 28mph 32mph | 0-1ft 6s | 12°C 0.12mm/h |
| Time | Primary Swell | Secondary Swell | Wind | Secondary Swell | Weather |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1ft 6s | 1ft 4s | Cross 15mph 17mph | 1ft 4s | 12°C |
| 1-2ft 5s | 1ft 4s | Cross 15mph 16mph | 1ft 4s | 13°C |
| 1-2ft 5s | 1ft 6s | Cross 14mph 17mph | 1ft 6s | 12°C |
| Time | Primary Swell | Secondary Swell | Wind | Secondary Swell | Weather |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1ft 7s | 1ft 6s | On 7mph 8mph | 1ft 6s | 14°C |
| 1ft 5s | 1ft 7s | Cross 7mph 8mph | 1ft 7s | 13°C |
| 1ft 4s | 1ft 8s | Cross 7mph 9mph | 1ft 8s | 13°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.
