United Kingdom › Cornwall › Porthtowan
Live conditions

Local time
05:41pm
Swell
1ft
10s
Offshore wind
Off
11mph
15mph
Falling tide
Low
10:29pm
Weather
15°C
14°C
4/3mm wetsuit
Boots
Gloves
Hood
Nearest spots
10 day surf forecast
Time | Primary Swell | Secondary Swell | Wind | Secondary Swell | Weather |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
2ft 10s | 1ft 5s | Off 13mph 27mph | 1ft 5s | 12°C | |
1-2ft 10s | 1ft 5s | Off 17mph 28mph | 1ft 5s | 12°C | |
1ft 10s | 1ft 5s | Off 19mph 27mph | 1ft 5s | 14°C | |
1ft 10s | 1ft 4s | Off 18mph 23mph | 1ft 4s | 15°C | |
1ft 10s | 1ft 4s | Off 16mph 20mph | 1ft 4s | 15°C | |
1ft 10s | 1ft 3s | Off 11mph 15mph | 1ft 3s | 15°C | |
1ft 9s | Off 9mph 17mph | Flat | 13°C | ||
1ft 9s | Off 8mph 18mph | Flat | 12°C |
Time | Primary Swell | Secondary Swell | Wind | Secondary Swell | Weather |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1ft 9s | Cross 5mph 7mph | Flat | 16°C | ||
1ft 9s | Off 7mph 8mph | Flat | 16°C | ||
1ft 5s | 0-1ft 8s | On 4mph 4mph | 0-1ft 8s | 16°C |
Time | Primary Swell | Secondary Swell | Wind | Secondary Swell | Weather |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1ft 8s | Cross 4mph 4mph | Flat | 15°C | ||
1ft 8s | Cross 9mph 10mph | Flat | 15°C | ||
0-1ft 8s | Cross 10mph 14mph | Flat | 14°C |
Time | Primary Swell | Secondary Swell | Wind | Secondary Swell | Weather |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
2ft 11s | 1ft 11s | Cross 5mph 7mph | 1ft 11s | 15°C | |
2ft 11s | 1ft 6s | Cross 3mph 5mph | 1ft 6s | 15°C | |
3ft 12s | 1ft 4s | Cross 4mph 5mph | 1ft 4s | 15°C |
Time | Primary Swell | Secondary Swell | Wind | Secondary Swell | Weather |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
2ft 11s | 2ft 15s | Cross 10mph 11mph | 2ft 15s | 16°C | |
2ft 13s | 2ft 12s | Cross 13mph 15mph | 2ft 12s | 15°C | |
3ft 14s | 1-2ft 6s | Cross 12mph 16mph | 1-2ft 6s | 15°C |
Time | Primary Swell | Secondary Swell | Wind | Secondary Swell | Weather |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
3ft 12s | 1ft 7s | Cross 9mph 12mph | 1ft 7s | 15°C | |
3ft 11s | 0-1ft 12s | Cross 13mph 16mph | 0-1ft 12s | 15°C | |
2-3ft 11s | 1-2ft 13s | Cross 12mph 17mph | 1-2ft 13s | 14°C |
Time | Primary Swell | Secondary Swell | Wind | Secondary Swell | Weather |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
2ft 10s | 1ft 7s | Off 6mph 9mph | 1ft 7s | 14°C | |
2ft 10s | 1ft 8s | Off 7mph 11mph | 1ft 8s | 16°C | |
2ft 9s | 1ft 6s | Off 9mph 14mph | 1ft 6s | 16°C |
Time | Primary Swell | Secondary Swell | Wind | Secondary Swell | Weather |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
2ft 10s | 1ft 5s | Off 9mph 12mph | 1ft 5s | 15°C 0.05mm/h | |
2ft 10s | 1ft 4s | Cross 7mph 8mph | 1ft 4s | 15°C 0.09mm/h | |
2ft 10s | 1ft 5s | Cross 6mph 7mph | 1ft 5s | 14°C 0.11mm/h |
Time | Primary Swell | Secondary Swell | Wind | Secondary Swell | Weather |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
2ft 6s | 1ft 9s | On 9mph 12mph | 1ft 9s | 14°C | |
1-2ft 8s | 1ft 11s | Cross 10mph 13mph | 1ft 11s | 15°C | |
1ft 9s | 1ft 11s | Cross 11mph 15mph | 1ft 11s | 15°C |
Time | Primary Swell | Secondary Swell | Wind | Secondary Swell | Weather |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
2ft 9s | 0-1ft 6s | Cross 14mph 17mph | 0-1ft 6s | 14°C 0.46mm/h | |
1-2ft 10s | Cross 13mph 17mph | Flat | 14°C 0.3mm/h | ||
1-2ft 10s | 0-1ft 5s | Cross 15mph 19mph | 0-1ft 5s | 13°C 0.36mm/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.