The Pier (Pawleys Island) Surf Forecast, South Carolina
South Carolina
Current Conditions
PoorWave Height
1-2ft
ankle to knee high
Swell Period
7.25s
Wind
8mph
S / Gusts 14mph
Conditions
Poor
Active Swells
Primary
1.4ft @ 7sSE
Wind Swell
1.9ft @ 4sSSE
Nearest Webcam
Daily Forecast
3 of 5 daysTue, Mar 311-2ft
Poor6am9am12pm3pm
Wed, Apr 11-2ft
PoorSlim pickings today — 1-2ft and poor with light SSW winds.
6am9am12pm3pm
7s SE|5-9mph S
Thu, Apr 21-2ft
PoorSlim pickings today — 1-2ft and poor with light SSE winds.
6am9am12pm3pm
7s SE|5-8mph SSE
Forecast Charts
The Pier (Pawleys Island) Surf Spot Guide
Break
Beach
Bottom
Sand
Level
Beginner
Crowd
Moderate
Best Swell
SE
Best Wind
NW
Season
Fall
The Pier at Pawleys Island is a mellow beach break that works best when southeast swells wrap around the South Carolina coast and align with the pier structure. This sandy bottom setup offers forgiving, rolling waves ideal for beginners and intermediates, with the iconic fishing pier providing a visual landmark and some protection from wind. The spot picks up more consistent swell during fall and winter when Atlantic storms generate offshore energy, making it a reliable option when other nearby breaks turn flat.
Pier pilingsFishing linesCrowds during peak season
Wave heights shown are breaking wave heights — the actual rideable wave size at this spot.
The Pier (Pawleys Island) Surf Forecast FAQ
What is the current surf forecast for The Pier (Pawleys Island)?
The current wave height at The Pier (Pawleys Island) is 1-2ft with a 7.25s swell period. Wind is S at 8mph. Conditions are rated Poor.
How accurate is the The Pier (Pawleys Island) surf forecast?
Our The Pier (Pawleys 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 The Pier (Pawleys Island)?
The current breaking wave height at The Pier (Pawleys Island) is 1-2ft, produced by a 1.4ft SE primary swell at 7s, a 1.9ft SSE wind swell swell at 4s. 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 The Pier (Pawleys Island)?
Based on the current 5-day forecast, the best window to surf The Pier (Pawleys Island) is Sunday from 12 PM to 3 PM with 2ft waves, a 4.15s swell period, and conditions rated Poor. Check the hourly forecast for updates as conditions can shift.