Swell Intel

Crescent Beach Surf Forecast, Maine

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Maine

Right now
Poor
overall conditions
1ft
ankle to knee high
Offshore·W 7–23 mph
Swell2.0ft @ 7s SE
TideHigh, rising · high 8:15 PM

Conditions stay similar this week — check the hourly forecast at Crescent Beach for the cleanest windows.

Crescent Beach 5-Day Forecast Summary

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

Wed, Jun 24: 12ft, 7s period, rated Poor. Dawn patrol is the move — 1-2ft on ESE swell at 5s with barely a breath of wind. Things get a bit scrappier as the day goes on.

Thu, Jun 25: 12ft, 8s period, rated Poor. A slow one — 1-2ft waves and poor conditions with light winds out of the W. Expect the wind to bump up to around 10mph by PM.

Fri, Jun 26: 12ft, 7s period, rated Poor. Pretty quiet out there — 1-2ft and mostly poor with light SSE winds.

Sat, Jun 27: 11ft, 11s period, rated Very Poor. Pretty quiet out there — 1ft and mostly very poor with 8mph NE winds.

Sun, Jun 28: 22ft, 11s period, rated Poor. Pretty quiet out there — 1-2ft and mostly poor with barely a breath of wind. Winds do pick up a bit by the afternoon to 7mph.

Daily Forecast

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Crescent Beach Surf Spot Guide

Break
Beach
Bottom
Sand
Level
Beginner
Crowd
Light
Best Swell
SE
Best Wind
W
Season
Fall

Crescent Beach is a charming sandy break tucked along the southern Maine coastline near Cape Elizabeth, facing west-northwest into Saco Bay. The spot picks up long-period swells that wrap around the headlands, producing mellow, rolling waves best suited for beginners and longboarders looking to enjoy Maine's rugged coastal scenery. Fall delivers the most consistent surf as Atlantic storm systems push energy into the bay, and the sparse crowds make it a peaceful escape compared to more well-known New England breaks.

Cold waterRip currentsRocks at beach edgesHypothermia riskSeasonal jellyfish

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

Crescent Beach Surf Forecast FAQ

(9)

What is the current surf forecast for Crescent Beach?

The current wave height at Crescent Beach is 1ft with a 7.1s swell period. Wind is W at 7mph and conditions are rated Poor. The forecast updates hourly so you can plan your session around the cleanest windows.

What is the breaking wave height at Crescent Beach?

The current breaking wave height at Crescent Beach is 1ft, produced by a 2ft SE primary swell at 7s, a 0.8ft WNW wind swell swell at 2s. 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 Crescent Beach?

Based on the current 5-day forecast, the best window to surf Crescent Beach is Monday from 3 PM to 6 PM with 2ft waves, a 10.15s swell period, and conditions rated Poor - Fair. Check the hourly forecast for updates as conditions can shift.

What swell and wind direction work best at Crescent Beach?

Crescent Beach works best with a SE 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 Crescent Beach?

Tide plays a big role at Crescent 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.

What kind of wave is Crescent Beach and who is it for?

Crescent Beach is a beach with a sand bottom, suited to beginner surfers. Crescent Beach is a charming sandy break tucked along the southern Maine coastline near Cape Elizabeth, facing west-northwest into Saco Bay. The spot picks up long-period swells that wrap around the headlands, producing mellow, rolling waves best suited for beginners and longboarders looking to enjoy Maine's rugged coastal scenery. Fall delivers the most consistent surf as Atlantic storm systems push energy into the bay, and the sparse crowds make it a peaceful escape compared to more well-known New England breaks.

When is the best season to surf Crescent Beach?

The prime season at Crescent 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.

Are there any hazards to know about at Crescent Beach?

Common hazards at Crescent Beach include cold water, rip currents, rocks at beach edges, hypothermia risk, seasonal jellyfish. Always check conditions before paddling out, respect local etiquette, and never surf alone if you're unfamiliar with the break.

How accurate is the Crescent Beach surf forecast?

Our Crescent 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.