Swell Intel

Fort Lauderdale Surf Forecast, Florida - East Coast

Florida - East Coast

Right now
Very Poor
overall conditions
0-1ft
flat to ankle high
Cross-shore·SSW 6–13 mph
Swell0.6ft @ 2s ESE
TideHigh, falling · low 12:08 AM

Conditions stay similar this week — check the hourly forecast at Fort Lauderdale for the cleanest windows.

Fort Lauderdale 5-Day Forecast Summary

Here's how the next 5 days are shaping up at Fort Lauderdale, Florida - East Coast. Each day is rated based on breaking wave height, swell period, and wind — updated hourly from the latest NOAA GFS run.

Wed, Jun 24: 11ft, 12s period, rated Very Poor. Pretty quiet out there — 1ft and mostly poor with barely a breath of wind.

Thu, Jun 25: 11ft, 3s period, rated Poor. Pretty quiet out there — 1ft and mostly poor with gentle NNE breeze. Afternoon breeze fills in to 12mph.

Fri, Jun 26: 12ft, 4s period, rated Poor. Pretty quiet out there — 1-2ft and mostly poor with moderate ESE wind around 7mph. Winds do pick up a bit by the afternoon to 13mph.

Sat, Jun 27: 12ft, 5s period, rated Poor. Pretty quiet out there — 1-2ft and mostly poor with moderate ESE wind around 9mph.

Sun, Jun 28: 11ft, 3s period, rated Very Poor. A slow one — 0-1ft waves and very poor conditions with light SE winds. Afternoon breeze fills in to 13mph.

Daily Forecast

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Fort Lauderdale Surf Spot Guide

Break
Beach
Bottom
Sand
Level
Beginner
Crowd
Moderate
Best Swell
E
Best Wind
W
Season
Fall

Fort Lauderdale on Florida's East Coast is a mellow beach break that catches easterly swells rolling in off the Atlantic, offering gentle, crumbly waves that are ideal for beginners and longboarders. The surf here is typically small and consistent, with occasional bumps from passing tropical systems in the fall months bringing the most rideable conditions. What makes this spot special is its laid-back vibe and accessibility, set against the backdrop of one of South Florida's most vibrant coastal cities.

Strong rip currentsCrowded lineups during swellsBoat trafficJellyfishSharks

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

Fort Lauderdale Surf Forecast FAQ

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What is the current surf forecast for Fort Lauderdale?

The current wave height at Fort Lauderdale is 0-1ft with a 1.9s swell period. Wind is SSW at 6mph and conditions are rated Very Poor. The forecast updates hourly so you can plan your session around the cleanest windows.

What is the breaking wave height at Fort Lauderdale?

The current breaking wave height at Fort Lauderdale is 0-1ft, produced by a 0.6ft ESE 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 Fort Lauderdale?

Based on the current 5-day forecast, the best window to surf Fort Lauderdale is Saturday from 6 AM to 9 AM with 1ft waves, a 4.15s swell period, and conditions rated Poor. Check the hourly forecast for updates as conditions can shift.

What swell and wind direction work best at Fort Lauderdale?

Fort Lauderdale works best with a E 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 Fort Lauderdale?

Tide plays a big role at Fort Lauderdale. 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 Fort Lauderdale and who is it for?

Fort Lauderdale is a beach with a sand bottom, suited to beginner surfers. Fort Lauderdale on Florida's East Coast is a mellow beach break that catches easterly swells rolling in off the Atlantic, offering gentle, crumbly waves that are ideal for beginners and longboarders. The surf here is typically small and consistent, with occasional bumps from passing tropical systems in the fall months bringing the most rideable conditions. What makes this spot special is its laid-back vibe and accessibility, set against the backdrop of one of South Florida's most vibrant coastal cities.

When is the best season to surf Fort Lauderdale?

The prime season at Fort Lauderdale 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 Fort Lauderdale?

Common hazards at Fort Lauderdale include strong rip currents, crowded lineups during swells, boat traffic, jellyfish, sharks. Always check conditions before paddling out, respect local etiquette, and never surf alone if you're unfamiliar with the break.

How accurate is the Fort Lauderdale surf forecast?

Our Fort Lauderdale 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.