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Nauset Beach Surf Forecast, Massachusetts

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Massachusetts

Nauset Beach surf spot

Current Conditions

Poor - Fair
Wave Height
2-3ft
knee to waist high
Swell Period
9.65s
Wind
10mph
WSW / Gusts 15mph
Conditions
Poor - Fair
Active Swells
Primary
2.5ft @ 10sE
Wind Swell
0.5ft @ 2sW

Nauset Beach 5-Day Forecast Summary

Here's how the next 5 days are shaping up at Nauset Beach, 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: 12ft, 10s period, rated Poor - Fair. Dawn patrol is the move — 2-3ft on E swell at 10s with barely a breath of wind. Wind fills in through the day, pushing up to 13mph from the SSW and dropping conditions to poor.

Sun, May 17: 12ft, 8s period, rated Poor - Fair. Dawn patrol is the move — 3-4ft on E swell at 9s with moderate SW wind around 9mph. Wind fills in through the day, pushing up to 14mph from the SSW and dropping conditions to poor.

Mon, May 18: 01ft, 8s period, rated Very Poor. Pretty quiet out there — 0-1ft and mostly very poor with 7mph from the E.

Tue, May 19: 01ft, 3s period, rated Very Poor. A slow one — 0-1ft waves and very poor conditions with moderate SW wind around 11mph. Expect the wind to bump up to around 16mph by PM.

Wed, May 20: 01ft, 4s period, rated Poor. A slow one — 0-1ft waves and poor conditions with strong SW wind at 13mph. Winds do pick up a bit by the afternoon to 18mph.

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Daily Forecast

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Forecast Charts

Nauset Beach Surf Spot Guide

Break
Beach
Bottom
Sand
Level
Intermediate
Crowd
Moderate
Best Swell
E
Best Wind
W
Season
Fall

Nauset Beach is a classic Cape Cod surf destination located along the Atlantic-facing outer shore of Orleans, Massachusetts, where the barrier beach stretches for miles and catches open-ocean swells rolling in from the North Atlantic. The break produces punchy, powerful beach break waves that can range from fun and mellow to surprisingly hollow, especially during fall nor'easters and hurricane swells that light up this east-facing stretch of coastline. Its remote, expansive shoreline and consistent exposure to northeastern swell energy make it one of the premier surf spots in Massachusetts, offering a raw and scenic experience unlike anywhere else on the Cape.

Strong currentsRip currentsSharksCold waterShifting sandbarsStrong onshore winds

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

Nauset Beach Surf Forecast FAQ

What is the current surf forecast for Nauset Beach?

The current wave height at Nauset Beach is 2-3ft with a 9.65s swell period. Wind is WSW at 10mph 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 Nauset Beach?

The current breaking wave height at Nauset Beach is 2-3ft, produced by a 2.5ft E primary swell at 10s, a 0.5ft W 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.

When is the best time to surf Nauset Beach?

Based on the current 5-day forecast, the best window to surf Nauset Beach is Sunday from 6 AM to 9 AM with 4ft waves, a 4.05s swell period, and conditions rated Poor - Fair. Check the hourly forecast for updates as conditions can shift.

What swell and wind direction work best at Nauset Beach?

Nauset Beach 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.

What tide is best at Nauset Beach?

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

Nauset Beach is a beach with a sand bottom, suited to intermediate surfers. Nauset Beach is a classic Cape Cod surf destination located along the Atlantic-facing outer shore of Orleans, Massachusetts, where the barrier beach stretches for miles and catches open-ocean swells rolling in from the North Atlantic. The break produces punchy, powerful beach break waves that can range from fun and mellow to surprisingly hollow, especially during fall nor'easters and hurricane swells that light up this east-facing stretch of coastline. Its remote, expansive shoreline and consistent exposure to northeastern swell energy make it one of the premier surf spots in Massachusetts, offering a raw and scenic experience unlike anywhere else on the Cape.

When is the best season to surf Nauset Beach?

The prime season at Nauset 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 Nauset Beach?

Common hazards at Nauset Beach include strong currents, rip currents, sharks, cold water, shifting sandbars, strong onshore winds. Always check conditions before paddling out, respect local etiquette, and never surf alone if you're unfamiliar with the break.

How accurate is the Nauset Beach surf forecast?

Our Nauset 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.