Massachusetts
Conditions stay similar this week — check the hourly forecast at South Beach for the cleanest windows.
Here's how the next 5 days are shaping up at South Beach, Massachusetts. Each day is rated based on breaking wave height, swell period, and wind — updated hourly from the latest NOAA GFS run.
Tue, Jun 30: 1–1ft, 6s period, rated Very Poor. Not the most exciting day — 0-1ft and very poor conditions with glassy conditions. Winds do pick up a bit by the afternoon to 12mph.
Wed, Jul 1: 2–3ft, 6s period, rated Very Poor. Not the most exciting day — 2-3ft and very poor conditions with strong SSW wind at 16mph.
Thu, Jul 2: 3–4ft, 7s period, rated Poor. Not the most exciting day — 3-4ft and poor conditions with 16mph SW winds.
Fri, Jul 3: 2–2ft, 6s period, rated Poor. Slim pickings today — 1-2ft and poor with 9mph W winds. Expect the wind to bump up to around 15mph by PM.
Sat, Jul 4: 1–2ft, 5s period, rated Poor. Slim pickings today — 1ft and poor with gentle WNW breeze. Expect the wind to bump up to around 15mph by PM.
South Beach in Martha's Vineyard is a classic sandy beach break that offers forgiving waves perfect for learning surfers and those looking for a mellow session. The beach's north-northeast exposure captures Atlantic swells effectively during autumn months when consistent groundswell arrives, while the sandy bottom provides a soft landing for beginners. The accessible beach setup and reliable waves make it one of the most popular and crowded spots in the Massachusetts area.
Wave heights shown are breaking wave heights — the actual rideable wave size at this spot.
The current wave height at South Beach is 0-1ft with a 5.95s swell period. Wind is S at 11mph and conditions are rated Very Poor. The forecast updates hourly so you can plan your session around the cleanest windows.
The current breaking wave height at South Beach is 0-1ft, produced by a 0.6ft SSE primary swell at 10s, a 1.1ft S wind swell swell at 6s. 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 South Beach is Thursday from 6 AM to 9 AM with 3ft waves, a 6.7s swell period, and conditions rated Poor. Check the hourly forecast for updates as conditions can shift.
South Beach works best with a NE swell and SW 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 South 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.
South Beach is a beach with a sand bottom, suited to beginner surfers. South Beach in Martha's Vineyard is a classic sandy beach break that offers forgiving waves perfect for learning surfers and those looking for a mellow session. The beach's north-northeast exposure captures Atlantic swells effectively during autumn months when consistent groundswell arrives, while the sandy bottom provides a soft landing for beginners. The accessible beach setup and reliable waves make it one of the most popular and crowded spots in the Massachusetts area.
The prime season at South 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 South Beach include strong currents, crowded conditions, shallow water, swimmers. Always check conditions before paddling out, respect local etiquette, and never surf alone if you're unfamiliar with the break.
Our South 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. Visit /public/accuracy for per-spot and regional performance metrics.
