Swell Intel

Rye Rocks Surf Forecast, New Hampshire

New Hampshire

Rye Rocks surf spot

Current Conditions

Poor
Wave Height
1-2+ft
knee to waist high
Swell Period
8.05s
Wind
4mph
SSE / Gusts 16mph
Conditions
Poor
Active Swells
Primary
2.2ft @ 8sESE
Secondary
1.7ft @ 4sSE
Tertiary
0.3ft @ 13sESE

Rye Rocks 5-Day Forecast Summary

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

Sun, May 10: 12ft, 8s period, rated Poor. A slow one — 1-2ft waves and poor conditions with barely a breath of wind.

Mon, May 11: 12ft, 8s period, rated Poor. The sweet spot is around midday — 2-3ft waves, 10mph WNW winds, fair conditions. Early on is a little rough — give it until mid-morning to shape up.

Tue, May 12: 12ft, 8s period, rated Fair. Aim for the middle of the day — 2-3ft on ESE swell at 8s with light winds out of the NW. Early on is a little rough — give it until mid-morning to shape up.

Wed, May 13: 12ft, 7s period, rated Poor. The sweet spot is around midday — 1-2ft waves, light SSE winds, fair conditions. Morning is a bit bumpy but things clean up by late morning. Don't wait too long — the wind comes back up after lunch.

Thu, May 14: 34ft, 7s period, rated Poor. 3-4ft waves to start the day on ESE swell at 10s.

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Forecast Charts

Rye Rocks Surf Spot Guide

Break
Reef
Bottom
Rock
Level
Intermediate
Crowd
Light
Best Swell
NE
Best Wind
WNW
Season
Fall

Rye Rocks is a rocky reef break located along New Hampshire's short Atlantic coastline, offering consistent waves during northeastern swells. The break works best when autumn storms push quality swell into the region, creating hollow waves over the exposed rock formations that characterize this rugged stretch of coast. This is a solid intermediate spot with relatively light crowds, making it a worthwhile alternative to the more crowded New England breaks to the north.

RocksSea urchinsSharp reefStrong currentsCold water

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

Rye Rocks Surf Forecast FAQ

What is the current surf forecast for Rye Rocks?

The current wave height at Rye Rocks is 1-2+ft with a 8.05s swell period. Wind is SSE at 4mph 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 Rye Rocks?

The current breaking wave height at Rye Rocks is 1-2+ft, produced by a 2.2ft ESE primary swell at 8s, a 1.7ft SE secondary swell at 4s, a 0.3ft ESE tertiary swell at 13s. 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 Rye Rocks?

Based on the current 5-day forecast, the best window to surf Rye Rocks is Friday from 2 PM to 5 PM with 3ft waves, a 8.65s swell period, and conditions rated Fair. Check the hourly forecast for updates as conditions can shift.

What swell and wind direction work best at Rye Rocks?

Rye Rocks works best with a NE swell and WNW 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 Rye Rocks?

Tide plays a big role at Rye Rocks. 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 Rye Rocks and who is it for?

Rye Rocks is a reef with a rock bottom, suited to intermediate surfers. Rye Rocks is a rocky reef break located along New Hampshire's short Atlantic coastline, offering consistent waves during northeastern swells. The break works best when autumn storms push quality swell into the region, creating hollow waves over the exposed rock formations that characterize this rugged stretch of coast. This is a solid intermediate spot with relatively light crowds, making it a worthwhile alternative to the more crowded New England breaks to the north.

When is the best season to surf Rye Rocks?

The prime season at Rye Rocks 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 Rye Rocks?

Common hazards at Rye Rocks include rocks, sea urchins, sharp reef, strong currents, cold water. Always check conditions before paddling out, respect local etiquette, and never surf alone if you're unfamiliar with the break.

How accurate is the Rye Rocks surf forecast?

Our Rye Rocks 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.