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Higgins Beach Surf Forecast, Maine

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Maine

Higgins Beach surf spot

Current Conditions

Poor - Fair
Wave Height
3-4ft
waist to chest high
Swell Period
9.7s
Wind
9mph
SSW / Gusts 13mph
Conditions
Poor - Fair
Active Swells
Primary
3.1ft @ 10sESE
Secondary
1.7ft @ 9sSSE
Wind Swell
1.2ft @ 4sSSW

Higgins Beach 5-Day Forecast Summary

Here's how the next 5 days are shaping up at Higgins Beach, Maine. Each day is rated based on breaking wave height, swell period, and wind — updated hourly from the latest NOAA GFS run.

Sat, May 16: 34ft, 10s period, rated Poor - Fair. Slim pickings today — 3-4ft and poor - fair with 9mph from the SSW.

Sun, May 17: 23ft, 8s period, rated Poor - Fair. A slow one — 3-4ft waves and poor - fair conditions with moderate SW wind around 10mph.

Mon, May 18: 12ft, 8s period, rated Poor. A slow one — 1-2ft waves and poor conditions with calm winds. Afternoon breeze fills in to 11mph.

Tue, May 19: 12ft, 5s period, rated Poor. Pretty quiet out there — 1-2ft and mostly poor with light winds out of the SW. Winds do pick up a bit by the afternoon to 12mph.

Wed, May 20: 12ft, 7s period, rated Poor. Early morning is your best window — 2-3ft waves on S swell at 6s with 9mph from the WSW. Onshore flow builds through the day to 15mph, bringing conditions down to poor.

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Forecast Charts

Higgins Beach Surf Spot Guide

Break
Beach
Bottom
Sand
Level
Beginner
Crowd
Moderate
Best Swell
E
Best Wind
N
Season
Fall

Higgins Beach is a charming sandy break tucked along the southern Maine coastline near Scarborough, offering mellow rolling waves that are well-suited for beginners and longboarders. Facing nearly due north into Casco Bay, this spot picks up northeast and east swells that wrap around the headlands to produce fun, manageable surf. Maine's cold water and rugged coastal character give Higgins Beach a raw, uncrowded feel compared to more popular breaks further south, rewarding dedicated surfers willing to suit up in thick neoprene.

Cold waterRip currentsRocks near edgesFogBoat traffic in Casco Bay

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

Higgins Beach Surf Forecast FAQ

What is the current surf forecast for Higgins Beach?

The current wave height at Higgins Beach is 3-4ft with a 9.7s swell period. Wind is SSW at 9mph and conditions are rated Poor - Fair. The forecast updates hourly so you can plan your session around the cleanest windows.

What is the breaking wave height at Higgins Beach?

The current breaking wave height at Higgins Beach is 3-4ft, produced by a 3.1ft ESE primary swell at 10s, a 1.7ft SSE secondary swell at 9s, a 1.2ft SSW 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 Higgins Beach?

Based on the current 5-day forecast, the best window to surf Higgins Beach is Saturday from 12 PM to 3 PM with 3ft waves, a 9.55s swell period, and conditions rated Fair. Check the hourly forecast for updates as conditions can shift.

What swell and wind direction work best at Higgins Beach?

Higgins Beach works best with a E 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 Higgins Beach?

Tide plays a big role at Higgins Beach. 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 Higgins Beach and who is it for?

Higgins Beach is a beach with a sand bottom, suited to beginner surfers. Higgins Beach is a charming sandy break tucked along the southern Maine coastline near Scarborough, offering mellow rolling waves that are well-suited for beginners and longboarders. Facing nearly due north into Casco Bay, this spot picks up northeast and east swells that wrap around the headlands to produce fun, manageable surf. Maine's cold water and rugged coastal character give Higgins Beach a raw, uncrowded feel compared to more popular breaks further south, rewarding dedicated surfers willing to suit up in thick neoprene.

When is the best season to surf Higgins Beach?

The prime season at Higgins Beach 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 Higgins Beach?

Common hazards at Higgins Beach include cold water, rip currents, rocks near edges, fog, boat traffic in casco bay. Always check conditions before paddling out, respect local etiquette, and never surf alone if you're unfamiliar with the break.

How accurate is the Higgins Beach surf forecast?

Our Higgins Beach 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.