Massachusetts
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: 1–2ft, 9s period, rated Poor. Not the most exciting day — 1-2ft and poor conditions with moderate SW wind around 10mph.
Sun, May 17: 0–1ft, 8s period, rated Poor. Pretty quiet out there — 1-2ft and mostly poor with moderate SW wind around 9mph. Winds do pick up a bit by the afternoon to 14mph.
Mon, May 18: 0–1ft, 8s period, rated Very Poor. A slow one — 0-1ft waves and very poor conditions with 7mph from the E.
Tue, May 19: 0–1ft, 9s period, rated Very Poor. Pretty quiet out there — 0-1ft and mostly very poor with 11mph SW winds. Afternoon breeze fills in to 16mph.
Wed, May 20: 0–1ft, 4s period, rated Poor. Slim pickings today — 0-1ft and poor with 13mph out of the SW. Afternoon breeze fills in to 18mph.
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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.
Wave heights shown are breaking wave heights — the actual rideable wave size at this spot.
The current wave height at Nauset Beach is 1-2+ft with a 9.45s swell period. Wind is WSW at 10mph 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 Nauset Beach is 1-2+ft, produced by a 2.1ft E primary swell at 9s, a 0.9ft WSW wind swell swell at 3s. 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 Nauset Beach is Sunday from 6 AM to 9 AM with 2ft waves, a 3.8s swell period, and conditions rated Poor - Fair. Check the hourly forecast for updates as conditions can shift.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
