Swell Intel

Cape Ann Surf Forecast, Massachusetts

Massachusetts

Wingaersheek BeachFlatCrane Beach1-2+ftDevereux0-1ft
Cape Ann surf spot

Current Conditions

Poor
Wave Height
1-2ft
ankle to knee high
Swell Period
3.85s
Wind
4mph
ENE / Gusts 9mph
Conditions
Poor
Active Swells
Primary
1.6ft @ 5sSSE
Secondary
0.6ft @ 9sSE
Wind Swell
2.2ft @ 4sNE

Nearest Webcam

Daily Forecast

3 of 5 days
Tue, Mar 311-2ft
Poor

Slim pickings today — 0-1ft and poor with light NNW winds.

6am9am12pm3pm
8s E|4mph NNW
Wed, Apr 12-3ft
Poor

A slow one — 1-2ft waves and poor conditions with 9mph from the SSW.

6am9am12pm3pm
5s NE|9-11mph SSW
Thu, Apr 22-3ft
Poor

Afternoon is the play — morning is only poor at 1-2ft. Things come together by the afternoon with 2-3ft at poor - fair.

6am9am12pm3pm
7s SE|11-14mph ENE
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Sat

Forecast Charts

Cape Ann Surf Spot Guide

Break
Point
Bottom
Rock
Level
Intermediate
Crowd
Moderate
Best Swell
NE
Best Wind
SSE
Season
Fall

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.

RocksCold waterStrong currentsKelpSea urchinsLocalism

Wave heights shown are breaking wave heights — the actual rideable wave size at this spot.

Cape Ann Surf Forecast FAQ

What is the current surf forecast for Cape Ann?
The current wave height at Cape Ann is 1-2ft with a 3.85s swell period. Wind is ENE at 4mph. Conditions are rated Poor.
How accurate is the Cape Ann surf forecast?
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.
What is the breaking wave height at Cape Ann?
The current breaking wave height at Cape Ann is 1-2ft, produced by a 1.6ft SSE primary swell at 5s, a 0.6ft SE secondary swell at 9s, a 2.2ft NE wind swell swell at 4s. 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.
When is the best time to surf Cape Ann?
Based on the current 5-day forecast, the best window to surf Cape Ann is Friday from 9 AM to 12 PM with 2ft waves, a 6.05s swell period, and conditions rated Fair. Check the hourly forecast for updates as conditions can shift.