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Ocean City, MD Surf Forecast, Maryland

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Maryland

Ocean City, MD surf spot

Current Conditions

Poor - Fair
Wave Height
2-3ft
knee to waist high
Swell Period
9.4s
Wind
11mph
S / Gusts 22mph
Conditions
Poor - Fair
Active Swells
Primary
2.4ft @ 9sE
Secondary
1.2ft @ 8sSSE
Tertiary
0.7ft @ 10sSE
Wind Swell
0.8ft @ 3sSSW

Ocean City, MD 5-Day Forecast Summary

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

Sat, May 16: 23ft, 9s period, rated Poor - Fair. Early morning is your best window — 2-3ft waves on E swell at 10s with glassy conditions. Wind fills in through the day, pushing up to 17mph from the S and dropping conditions to poor.

Sun, May 17: 34ft, 8s period, rated Fair - Good. Get out early for the best of it — 3-4ft waves on SE swell at 7s and 8mph WSW winds. The S wind kicks in by afternoon — 13mph and poor - fair by then.

Mon, May 18: 12ft, 8s period, rated Fair. Dawn patrol is the move — 2-3ft on SE swell at 7s with moderate SW wind around 7mph. Wind fills in through the day, pushing up to 11mph from the S and dropping conditions to poor.

Tue, May 19: 23ft, 9s period, rated Fair. First light looks cleanest — 2-3ft on ESE swell at 9s with 10mph from the SW. Onshore flow builds through the day to 16mph, bringing conditions down to poor - fair.

Wed, May 20: 23ft, 5s period, rated Poor - Fair. Midday is the call — 2-3ft waves with strong SSW wind at 13mph and fair conditions. Morning is a bit bumpy but things clean up by late morning. Don't wait too long — the wind comes back up after lunch.

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Forecast Charts

Ocean City, MD Surf Spot Guide

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

Ocean City offers accessible beach breaks along Maryland's Atlantic coast, featuring sandy bottom waves that are perfect for learners and intermediate surfers. The spot benefits from autumn swells generated by Atlantic storms and hurricanes, with consistent peaks forming along the developed beachfront. The town's abundant amenities, shallow wave faces, and forgiving sandy bottom make this a welcoming destination for surf travelers exploring the Mid-Atlantic region.

Crowded beach during summer monthsStrong rip currentsOccasional pier pilings near breaksSeasonal water temperature extremes

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

Ocean City, MD Surf Forecast FAQ

What is the current surf forecast for Ocean City, MD?

The current wave height at Ocean City, MD is 2-3ft with a 9.4s swell period. Wind is S at 11mph 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 Ocean City, MD?

The current breaking wave height at Ocean City, MD is 2-3ft, produced by a 2.4ft E primary swell at 9s, a 1.2ft SSE secondary swell at 8s, a 0.7ft SE tertiary swell at 10s, a 0.8ft SSW 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.

When is the best time to surf Ocean City, MD?

Based on the current 5-day forecast, the best window to surf Ocean City, MD is Sunday from 10 AM to 1 PM with 4ft waves, a 6.4s 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 Ocean City, MD?

Ocean City, MD 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 Ocean City, MD?

Tide plays a big role at Ocean City, MD. 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 Ocean City, MD and who is it for?

Ocean City, MD is a beach with a sand bottom, suited to beginner surfers. Ocean City offers accessible beach breaks along Maryland's Atlantic coast, featuring sandy bottom waves that are perfect for learners and intermediate surfers. The spot benefits from autumn swells generated by Atlantic storms and hurricanes, with consistent peaks forming along the developed beachfront. The town's abundant amenities, shallow wave faces, and forgiving sandy bottom make this a welcoming destination for surf travelers exploring the Mid-Atlantic region.

When is the best season to surf Ocean City, MD?

The prime season at Ocean City, MD 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 Ocean City, MD?

Common hazards at Ocean City, MD include crowded beach during summer months, strong rip currents, occasional pier pilings near breaks, seasonal water temperature extremes. Always check conditions before paddling out, respect local etiquette, and never surf alone if you're unfamiliar with the break.

How accurate is the Ocean City, MD surf forecast?

Our Ocean City, MD 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.