Florida - East Coast
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.
Sun, May 10: 0–1ft, 4s period, rated Very Poor. Not the most exciting day — 0-1ft and very poor conditions with strong SE wind at 14mph.
Mon, May 11: flat–flatft, 9s period, rated Very Poor. Not the most exciting day — 0-1ft and very poor conditions with light S winds. Afternoon breeze fills in to 14mph.
Tue, May 12: flat–flatft, 9s period, rated Very Poor. A slow one — Flat waves and very poor conditions with calm winds.
Wed, May 13: 1–2ft, 9s period, rated Poor. Expect 1-2ft waves early on NE swell at 9s. Wind increases to 10mph from the ENE.
Thu, May 14: 1–2ft, 8s period, rated Poor. A slow one — 1-2ft waves and poor conditions with gentle NNW breeze. Winds do pick up a bit by the afternoon to 13mph.
9s period — conditions are improving beyond your forecast
Free, simple, and takes 30 seconds.
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.
Wave heights shown are breaking wave heights — the actual rideable wave size at this spot.
The current wave height at Fort Lauderdale is 0-1ft with a 3.9s swell period. Wind is SE at 14mph and conditions are rated Very Poor. The forecast updates hourly so you can plan your session around the cleanest windows.
The current breaking wave height at Fort Lauderdale is 0-1ft, produced by a 0.6ft NE primary swell at 7s, a 0.5ft N secondary swell at 7s, a 0.3ft NE tertiary swell at 10s, a 1.6ft 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.
Based on the current 5-day forecast, the best window to surf Fort Lauderdale is Wednesday from 5 PM to 8 PM with 2ft waves, a 9s swell period, and conditions rated Fair. Check the hourly forecast for updates as conditions can shift.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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. See the forecast accuracy card above for per-spot and regional performance metrics.
