Massachusetts
Here's how the next 5 days are shaping up at Cape Ann, Massachusetts. Each day is rated based on breaking wave height, swell period, and wind — updated hourly from the latest NOAA GFS run.
Sat, May 16: 5–6ft, 10s period, rated Poor - Fair. Get out early for the best of it — 5-6ft waves on E swell at 10s and calm winds. Wind fills in through the day, pushing up to 9mph from the S and dropping conditions to poor - fair.
Sun, May 17: 2–3ft, 9s period, rated Poor. Dawn patrol is the move — 3-4ft on ESE swell at 9s with moderate SW wind around 7mph. Wind fills in through the day, pushing up to 15mph from the W and dropping conditions to poor.
Mon, May 18: 0–1ft, 8s period, rated Very Poor. Not the most exciting day — 0-1ft and very poor conditions with light E winds. Afternoon breeze fills in to 13mph.
Tue, May 19: 0–1ft, 9s period, rated Very Poor. Slim pickings today — 0-1ft and very poor with 12mph SW winds.
Wed, May 20: 0–1ft, 9s period, rated Very Poor. Pretty quiet out there — 0-1ft and mostly very poor with moderate SW wind around 12mph.
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Cape Ann in Massachusetts is a rugged granite headland north of Boston that picks up powerful nor'easter swells funneling down from the Gulf of Maine, producing punchy, hollow waves along its rocky points and coves. The NNW-facing exposure means it lights up when northeast storms push energy down the coast, with waves that can range from fun chest-high peaks to heaving overhead sets during prime fall and winter swells. The dramatic New England scenery and consistent swell exposure make it a favorite among dedicated Massachusetts surfers willing to brave the cold North Atlantic waters.
Wave heights shown are breaking wave heights — the actual rideable wave size at this spot.
The current wave height at Cape Ann is 5-6ft with a 10s swell period. Wind is WSW at 10mph and conditions are rated Fair. The forecast updates hourly so you can plan your session around the cleanest windows.
The current breaking wave height at Cape Ann is 5-6ft, produced by a 3.7ft E primary swell at 10s. Breaking wave height is the actual rideable wave size at the shore — calculated from offshore swell data using this spot's coastal bathymetry — not the raw buoy reading.
Based on the current 5-day forecast, the best window to surf Cape Ann is Saturday from 9 AM to 12 PM with 6ft waves, a 10s swell period, and conditions rated Fair. Check the hourly forecast for updates as conditions can shift.
Cape Ann works best with a NE swell and SSE winds. Offshore winds groom the face of the wave, while onshore winds turn it sloppy. Cross-offshore conditions usually produce the cleanest shape.
Tide plays a big role at Cape Ann. Mid tide works for most beach breaks, while reef and point breaks often prefer higher or lower stages. Use the tide chart above to line up your session with the swell peak.
Cape Ann is a point with a rock bottom, suited to intermediate surfers. Cape Ann in Massachusetts is a rugged granite headland north of Boston that picks up powerful nor'easter swells funneling down from the Gulf of Maine, producing punchy, hollow waves along its rocky points and coves. The NNW-facing exposure means it lights up when northeast storms push energy down the coast, with waves that can range from fun chest-high peaks to heaving overhead sets during prime fall and winter swells. The dramatic New England scenery and consistent swell exposure make it a favorite among dedicated Massachusetts surfers willing to brave the cold North Atlantic waters.
The prime season at Cape Ann is fall, when swell direction, wind patterns, and water temps line up most consistently. Outside the peak season you can still score, but you'll need to watch the forecast closely for the right windows.
Common hazards at Cape Ann include rocks, cold water, strong currents, kelp, sea urchins, localism. Always check conditions before paddling out, respect local etiquette, and never surf alone if you're unfamiliar with the break.
Our Cape Ann forecast uses NOAA GFS and other weather models combined with spot-specific bathymetry to calculate breaking wave heights. Short-range (1-3 day) forecasts are most reliable. Extended forecasts show general trends. See the forecast accuracy card above for per-spot and regional performance metrics.
