What is the current surf forecast for Cisco?
The current wave height at Cisco is 2-3ft with a 4s swell period. Wind is S at 12mph. Conditions are rated Very Poor. The forecast updates hourly so you can plan your session around the cleanest windows.
Cisco Surf Forecast, Massachusetts
Massachusetts
Right nowVery Poor
2-3ft
Not the most exciting day — 2-3ft and very poor conditions with moderate S wind around 12mph.
Not the most exciting day — 2-3ft and very poor conditions with moderate S wind around 12mph.
Swell
3.4ft
4s · SSE
Wind
12mph
S · Onshore
Water
69°F
Springsuit / 2mm
Tide
Mid
rising · high 5:35 PM
Surf: nearshore model · 1 PM localWind: model · 1 PM localTide: forecast
Best window·Monday 7AM–10AM·2-3ft·Fair - Good
Registered at the buoy
Wind wave1.0ft @ 3s SSE
Cisco 5-Day Forecast Summary
Here's how the next 5 days are shaping up at Cisco, Massachusetts. Each day is rated based on breaking wave height, swell period, and wind — updated hourly from the latest NOAA GFS run.
Thu, Sep 3: 2–3ft, 9s period, rated Very Poor. Pretty quiet out there — 2-3ft and mostly very poor with 12mph S winds.
Fri, Sep 4: 2–3ft, 6s period, rated Poor. First light looks cleanest — 2-3ft on E swell at 6s with light NNW winds. It gets a bit messier later in the day.
Sat, Sep 5: 1–2ft, 4s period, rated Poor. Dawn patrol is the move — 1-2ft on NNW swell at 3s with 15mph out of the N. Wind fills in through the day, pushing up to 21mph from the NNE and dropping conditions to poor.
Sun, Sep 6: 1–2ft, 8s period, rated Poor. Slim pickings today — 1-2ft and poor with 26mph out of the N.
Mon, Sep 7: 2–3ft, 10s period, rated Fair - Good. Aim for the middle of the day — 2-3ft on E swell at 10s with 12mph from the NNW. It's a bit wonky first thing but settles down.
Daily Forecast
Hourly Forecast
Two days at a glance. Swipe for later hours.Five days at a glance. Drag for later hours.
Very Poor today — get one free email when Cisco turns Good.
Better right now nearby:Long PointPoor1-2ft· point· 26 mi
Check Cisco from the lineup
Forecasts, surf alerts, and live conditions in the Swell Intel iPhone app.
Cisco Surf Spot Guide
Break
Beach
Bottom
Sand
Level
Intermediate
Crowd
Moderate
Best Swell
S
Best Wind
N
Season
Fall
Cisco Beach is a beloved surf spot on the south shore of Nantucket Island in massachusetts, offering consistent south and southwest swells that roll across open Atlantic fetch before wrapping into this exposed stretch of coastline. The sandy bottom produces punchy, hollow beach break waves that can deliver quality peaks, especially during fall hurricane season when powerful groundswells light up the lineup. Its remote island location keeps crowds manageable compared to mainland massachusetts spots, and the wide beach gives surfers room to spread out and find their own peak.
Strong currentsRip currentsCold waterRemote locationShore breakFog
Wave heights shown are breaking wave heights — the actual rideable wave size at this spot.
Cisco Surf Forecast FAQ
(9)
Cisco Surf Forecast FAQ
(9)What is the breaking wave height at Cisco?
The current breaking wave height at Cisco is 2-3ft, produced by a 3.4ft SSE 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 Cisco?
Based on the current 5-day forecast, the best window to surf Cisco is Monday from 7 AM to 10 AM with 2ft waves, a 9.8s swell period, and conditions rated Fair - Good. Check the hourly forecast for updates as conditions can shift.
What swell and wind direction work best at Cisco?
Cisco works best with a S swell and N winds. Offshore winds groom the face of the wave, while onshore winds turn it sloppy. Cross-offshore conditions usually produce the cleanest shape.
What tide is best at Cisco?
Tide plays a big role at Cisco. 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.
What kind of wave is Cisco and who is it for?
Cisco is a beach with a sand bottom, suited to intermediate surfers. Cisco Beach is a beloved surf spot on the south shore of Nantucket Island in massachusetts, offering consistent south and southwest swells that roll across open Atlantic fetch before wrapping into this exposed stretch of coastline. The sandy bottom produces punchy, hollow beach break waves that can deliver quality peaks, especially during fall hurricane season when powerful groundswells light up the lineup. Its remote island location keeps crowds manageable compared to mainland massachusetts spots, and the wide beach gives surfers room to spread out and find their own peak.
When is the best season to surf Cisco?
The prime season at Cisco 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.
Are there any hazards to know about at Cisco?
Common hazards at Cisco include strong currents, rip currents, cold water, remote location, shore break, fog. Always check conditions before paddling out, respect local etiquette, and never surf alone if you're unfamiliar with the break.
How accurate is the Cisco surf forecast?
Our Cisco 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. We also verify our offshore swell predictions against NOAA buoy measurements daily — see our accuracy page for those swell-verification metrics (buoys measure open-water swell, not breaking surf size).