Florida - East Coast
Here's how the next 5 days are shaping up at Fort Lauderdale, Florida - East Coast. Each day is rated based on breaking wave height, swell period, and wind — updated hourly from the latest NOAA GFS run.
Sat, May 16: 1–2ft, 7s period, rated Poor. Not the most exciting day — 1-2ft and poor conditions with calm winds. Afternoon breeze fills in to 13mph.
Sun, May 17: 1–2ft, 5s period, rated Poor. A slow one — 1-2ft waves and poor conditions with moderate E wind around 10mph.
Mon, May 18: 1–2ft, 5s period, rated Poor. A slow one — 1-2ft waves and poor conditions with 13mph E winds.
Tue, May 19: 1–2ft, 5s period, rated Poor. Not the most exciting day — 1-2ft and poor conditions with moderate E wind around 13mph.
Wed, May 20: 1–2ft, 5s period, rated Poor. Not the most exciting day — 1-2ft and poor conditions with 10mph ESE winds.
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Fort Lauderdale on Florida's East Coast is a mellow beach break that catches easterly swells rolling in off the Atlantic, offering gentle, crumbly waves that are ideal for beginners and longboarders. The surf here is typically small and consistent, with occasional bumps from passing tropical systems in the fall months bringing the most rideable conditions. What makes this spot special is its laid-back vibe and accessibility, set against the backdrop of one of South Florida's most vibrant coastal cities.
Wave heights shown are breaking wave heights — the actual rideable wave size at this spot.
The current wave height at Fort Lauderdale is 1-2ft with a 4.05s swell period. Wind is NE at 3mph and conditions are rated Poor. The forecast updates hourly so you can plan your session around the cleanest windows.
The current breaking wave height at Fort Lauderdale is 1-2ft, produced by a 0.8ft E primary swell at 4s, a 0.7ft N secondary swell at 5s, a 0.5ft NNE tertiary swell at 7s, a 0.4ft SSE wind swell swell at 2s. 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 Fort Lauderdale is Monday from 5 PM to 8 PM with 2ft waves, a 4.95s swell period, and conditions rated Poor. Check the hourly forecast for updates as conditions can shift.
Fort Lauderdale works best with a E swell and W 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 Fort Lauderdale. 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.
Fort Lauderdale is a beach with a sand bottom, suited to beginner surfers. Fort Lauderdale on Florida's East Coast is a mellow beach break that catches easterly swells rolling in off the Atlantic, offering gentle, crumbly waves that are ideal for beginners and longboarders. The surf here is typically small and consistent, with occasional bumps from passing tropical systems in the fall months bringing the most rideable conditions. What makes this spot special is its laid-back vibe and accessibility, set against the backdrop of one of South Florida's most vibrant coastal cities.
The prime season at Fort Lauderdale 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 Fort Lauderdale include strong rip currents, crowded lineups during swells, boat traffic, jellyfish, sharks. Always check conditions before paddling out, respect local etiquette, and never surf alone if you're unfamiliar with the break.
Our Fort Lauderdale 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.
