Swell Intel

Sullivan's Island Surf Forecast, South Carolina

South Carolina

Isle of Palms Pier2-3ftThe Washout1-2+ftSouth Washout1-2ft
Sullivan's Island surf spot

Current Conditions

Poor
Wave Height
1-2ft
ankle to knee high
Swell Period
7.4s
Wind
6mph
SSE / Gusts 13mph
Conditions
Poor
Active Swells
Primary
2.3ft @ 7sSE

Daily Forecast

3 of 5 days
Tue, Mar 312-3ft
Poor

Slim pickings today — 1-2ft and poor with 7mph from the SSE.

6am9am12pm3pm
7s SE|7mph SSE
Wed, Apr 11-2ft
Poor

Slim pickings today — 1-2ft and poor with 7mph from the S.

6am9am12pm3pm
7s SE|5-8mph SSE
Thu, Apr 21-2ft
Poor

Not the most exciting day — 1-2ft and poor conditions with light winds out of the SE.

6am9am12pm3pm
7s SE|5-8mph ESE
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Sat
2ft
Swell building Sat, Apr 4Fair

8s period — conditions are improving beyond your forecast

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Forecast Charts

Sullivan's Island Surf Spot Guide

Break
Beach
Bottom
Sand
Level
Beginner
Crowd
Moderate
Best Swell
NE
Best Wind
NW
Season
Fall

Sullivan's Island offers user-friendly beach breaks along South Carolina's Atlantic coast, where sandbars create fun, forgiving waves perfect for learners and intermediate surfers. The NW-facing orientation catches northeast swells efficiently, particularly during autumn when consistent Atlantic storms generate quality groundswell. With gentle sandy bottom and mellow wave shape, this spot rewards patience during smaller swells while remaining accessible even for those building their skills.

Strong currents near inletOccasional rip tidesMilitary installation proximitySharp shells

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

Sullivan's Island Surf Forecast FAQ

What is the current surf forecast for Sullivan's Island?
The current wave height at Sullivan's Island is 1-2ft with a 7.4s swell period. Wind is SSE at 6mph. Conditions are rated Poor.
How accurate is the Sullivan's Island surf forecast?
Our Sullivan's Island 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.
What is the breaking wave height at Sullivan's Island?
The current breaking wave height at Sullivan's Island is 1-2ft, produced by a 2.3ft SE primary swell at 7s. 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 Sullivan's Island?
Based on the current 5-day forecast, the best window to surf Sullivan's Island is Saturday from 8 AM to 11 AM with 2ft waves, a 8.25s swell period, and conditions rated Fair. Check the hourly forecast for updates as conditions can shift.