Oahu
Conditions stay similar this week — check the hourly forecast at Sunset Beach for the cleanest windows.
Here's how the next 5 days are shaping up at Sunset Beach, Oahu. Each day is rated based on breaking wave height, swell period, and wind — updated hourly from the latest NOAA GFS run.
Wed, Jun 24: 2–3ft, 8s period, rated Poor - Fair. Slim pickings today — 2-3ft and poor - fair with glassy conditions.
Thu, Jun 25: 2–3ft, 8s period, rated Poor - Fair. Dawn patrol is the move — 2-3ft on NW swell at 12s with 15mph E winds. Conditions go downhill through the afternoon.
Fri, Jun 26: 2–2ft, 8s period, rated Poor - Fair. A slow one — 2ft waves and poor - fair conditions with 12mph from the E.
Sat, Jun 27: 2–2ft, 8s period, rated Poor. 1-2ft waves to start the day on NW swell at 9s.
Sun, Jun 28: 2–2ft, 8s period, rated Poor - Fair. A slow one — 2ft waves and poor - fair conditions with 12mph E winds. Winds do pick up a bit by the afternoon to 17mph.
Sunset Beach is one of Oahu's most iconic and powerful winter breaks, located on the North Shore where consistent Pacific swells create world-class waves that can reach 20+ feet. The beach break offers a mix of playful smaller waves during calm periods and serious barreling peaks when swell is up, making it a premier destination for experienced surfers seeking challenging conditions. Known for its dramatic seasonal transformation and vibrant surf culture, Sunset attracts international competitors and dedicated locals who respect the ocean's raw power.
Wave heights shown are breaking wave heights — the actual rideable wave size at this spot.
The current wave height at Sunset Beach is 1-2ft with a 7.6s swell period. Wind is ENE at 18mph 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 Sunset Beach is 1-2ft, produced by a 1.6ft N primary swell at 8s, a 0.5ft NW secondary swell at 9s, a 0.4ft SSW tertiary swell at 18s, a 3.2ft NE wind swell swell at 7s. 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 Sunset Beach is Thursday from 6 AM to 9 AM with 2ft waves, a 7.15s swell period, and conditions rated Poor - Fair. Check the hourly forecast for updates as conditions can shift.
Sunset Beach works best with a N swell and S 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 Sunset 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.
Sunset Beach is a beach with a sand bottom, suited to advanced surfers. Sunset Beach is one of Oahu's most iconic and powerful winter breaks, located on the North Shore where consistent Pacific swells create world-class waves that can reach 20+ feet. The beach break offers a mix of playful smaller waves during calm periods and serious barreling peaks when swell is up, making it a premier destination for experienced surfers seeking challenging conditions. Known for its dramatic seasonal transformation and vibrant surf culture, Sunset attracts international competitors and dedicated locals who respect the ocean's raw power.
The prime season at Sunset Beach is winter, 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 Sunset Beach include strong currents, shallow sandbars, powerful shorebreak, localism, rip currents. Always check conditions before paddling out, respect local etiquette, and never surf alone if you're unfamiliar with the break.
Our Sunset 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.
