Massachusetts
Here's how the next 5 days are shaping up at Cisco, Massachusetts. Each day is rated based on breaking wave height, swell period, and wind — updated hourly from the latest NOAA GFS run.
Sun, May 10: 3–4ft, 8s period, rated Poor - Fair. Slim pickings today — 3-4ft and poor - fair with 13mph out of the SW.
Mon, May 11: 1–2ft, 8s period, rated Poor. Not the most exciting day — 1-2ft and poor conditions with 10mph from the NNW.
Tue, May 12: 1–2ft, 7s period, rated Poor. Pretty quiet out there — 1-2ft and mostly poor with strong N wind at 13mph.
Wed, May 13: 0–1ft, 4s period, rated Poor. Slim pickings today — 0-1ft and poor with 16mph SW winds. Winds do pick up a bit by the afternoon to 22mph.
Thu, May 14: 2–3ft, 5s period, rated Poor. 2-3ft waves to start the day on S swell at 5s.
Free, simple, and takes 30 seconds.
Cisco Beach is a beloved surf spot on the south shore of Nantucket Island in massachusetts, offering consistent south and southwest swells that roll across open Atlantic fetch before wrapping into this exposed stretch of coastline. The sandy bottom produces punchy, hollow beach break waves that can deliver quality peaks, especially during fall hurricane season when powerful groundswells light up the lineup. Its remote island location keeps crowds manageable compared to mainland massachusetts spots, and the wide beach gives surfers room to spread out and find their own peak.
Wave heights shown are breaking wave heights — the actual rideable wave size at this spot.
The current wave height at Cisco is 3-4ft with a 8.3s swell period. Wind is SW at 13mph and conditions are rated Poor - Fair. The forecast updates hourly so you can plan your session around the cleanest windows.
The current breaking wave height at Cisco is 3-4ft, produced by a 3ft S primary swell at 8s. 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 Cisco is Monday from 1 PM to 4 PM with 2ft waves, a 7.95s swell period, and conditions rated Fair. Check the hourly forecast for updates as conditions can shift.
Cisco works best with a S swell and N 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 Cisco. 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.
Cisco is a beach with a sand bottom, suited to intermediate surfers. Cisco Beach is a beloved surf spot on the south shore of Nantucket Island in massachusetts, offering consistent south and southwest swells that roll across open Atlantic fetch before wrapping into this exposed stretch of coastline. The sandy bottom produces punchy, hollow beach break waves that can deliver quality peaks, especially during fall hurricane season when powerful groundswells light up the lineup. Its remote island location keeps crowds manageable compared to mainland massachusetts spots, and the wide beach gives surfers room to spread out and find their own peak.
The prime season at Cisco 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 Cisco include strong currents, rip currents, cold water, remote location, shore break, fog. Always check conditions before paddling out, respect local etiquette, and never surf alone if you're unfamiliar with the break.
Our Cisco 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.
